Nenana Wellness Coalition

Minutes

October 21, 2008

The Nenana Wellness Coalition is an alliance of representatives from various organizations, government agencies, community groups and individuals that meets weekly to discuss, evaluate, coordinate, consolidate, celebrate and help implement plans for improving the wellness and quality of life in Nenana Alaska.

There were eight in attendance this date including: Laura Vance, Bill & Rebecca Troxel, Tim Horn, Bonnie Reed, Lily O’Brien, Kat McElroy and Mike Anderson. We had chili and beans, corn bread, green salad and cheese and crackers for lunch.

WELCOME followed by the READING OF MISSION STATEMENT: By this week’s chairperson, Tim Horn

PRAYER: Was lead by Lily O’Brien, followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA AND CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS: There was no call for modification.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Miles posted minutes from last week to Kat who will email them to the WIN e-list and post them on the WIN web site.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: This is Lily O’Brien’s first meeting; she was warmly welcomed by all and Tim explained to her a little about the five year history of our wellness coalition.

Speakers/Topics

Envisioning Wellness—Due to unforeseen circumstances, NNC Tribal Administrator Karen Lord was unavailable to present to us on the Nenana Native Council’s Plans & Priorities.

WELLNESS THOUGHT: We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately. Benjamin Franklin

Updates/Announcements:

Laura gave us an update on last week’s WIN discussion on how we can utilize our own local resources towards community development around wellness issues. She mentioned Tim Barker’s desire to see adult education and vocational education furthered. We have the facility and the people needed to begin this. It was suggested that Annette Freiburger with Interior Aleutians Campus could assist in that endeavor.

Tim said that it does not look as if the Leahy children want to be in Nenana for the Hallowe’en Carnival, per the guardian ad litum’s report. Kat and Tim have agreed to transport if needed and the decision will be left up to the children. Other opportunities for visits shall be explored.

Bonnie: Bud Krause has passed away; there will be a Shriners’ service in the Spring, Jack Coghill has said. Frank Gallo’s funeral service has not been scheduled as of yet. Tanana Valley Cosmetology volunteers did haircuts, perms, mani- and pedi-cures last Thursday for the Seniors and are willing to come back again to serve the community at large. Contact Vicky at Senior’s Center to schedule an appointment. These services are free except there is a supplies charge for perms. Mary and Wes Alexander are the new managers of the Senior Housing and by all reports it is working out well. There will be a 55 Alive driving safety course offered thru the Seniors; successful completion of this could reduce your insurance costs. Interested parties should contact the Senior Center.

Lily O’Brien is interested in the Strong Women exercise course offered through the Cooperative Extension. Discussion ensued regarding previous attempts to organize group exercise activities in the past. Lily said they are interested in finding a person from our community who would be willing to go to Fairbanks and receive training to be a Strong Women exercise group leader and that they would be willing to come to Nenana for the initial sessions. Tim suggested Lily may want to be trained. She asked Lily to bring further information to WIN. Lily mentioned that Catherine Marks has been diagnosed with breast cancer; Zelma Axford wants to do a fund-raising event to help.

Beverley brought a book about Community Reinforcement Approach to treatment which was used as a training manual for counselors at Old Minto Family Recovery Camp. She has asked Victor Joseph from Tanana Chief’s Conference to present this model of intervention to WIN Kat volunteered to call Victor to advance this request as a potential presenter for our Envisioning Wellness, possibly for November? She also would like to start a monthly music night at the YERC, perhaps on Tuesday evenings. Lastly, she mentioned that the first of November is All Soul’s Day, or All Saints Day, and that traditionally in the Episcopalian church, people bring photos of their beloved deceased ones to lay upon the altar for memorial services, which will be conducted at St. Mark’s here in Nenana.

Kat announced that RMHA is in the middle of revamping their offices. They have finished their quarterly reports. Laura will begin her RHS training in November along with our newest RHS candidate from Healy, Liz Reeves.

Laura announced that front work has begun for Operation Ho, Ho, Ho. She needs names and contact information for any individuals or families that might need or want a Christmas food and gift box this year. She will also be coordinating the Angel Tree project with the school.

Bill says the Freecycle for Nov. 8th is a go. Kat has gotten permission from Robin Campbell to use the Tribal Hall. There will be a dinner at the Tribal Hall November 9th honoring our local veterans. Their church has applied for a CV61 license so that they may do a family movie night.

Rebecca says they are again experiencing problems with snow-machine speeding by on the streets near their house. She says she will not let her children walk to the school for Tae Kwan Doh at night for fear of an accident. She wonders who can we address this issue as a community, get safety information out into the community in a meaningful manner. Tim suggests that we email Eric Gebhart and suggest the school do an ATV safety training.

Tim said there are parent/teacher conferences Thursday and Friday, so no school on those days. Also the annual Nenana Ice Cream Classic basketball tournament will be November 7th so there will be no classes on that day, either.

A memorial service for Josh Mayrand will be held at 6 PM, Friday, October 24, at the Civic Center. Marilyn Duggar and Bill Troxel will be officiating. Per family request, dress is casual and there will be no open mike sharing during the service. The YERC will be open Friday evening with food and activities for our youth.

Open floor for comments/questions/discussion:

None

Adjournment: 2:00 P.M.