Rx Disposal

DID YOU KNOW?????

Disposing of prescription Drugs in a secure drop box has many benefits. Like most household "Hazardous Materials", Prescriptions are chemicals that need to be disposed of carefully in order to prevent harm to the environment or accidental ingestion by pets or children.

But there are even MORE COMPELLING reasons to dispose of your prescription medications the right way.

Did you know that the #1 place young adults look for drugs they can get high on is a family member's medicine cabinet?
Some young adults will even take drugs they think may get them high and share them with friends or sell them for cash. This can be medically dangerous, and puts all those young people at risk of addiction, overdose or arrest.

Remove the temptation in your home. get rid of anything you don't use. The best way to do this? A drop Box meant for Rx.

Did you know there are two in Gardner, MA?
One is located at the Police department, in the lobby. The other at family Pharmacy in Heywood Hospital on Green St.


Alternately,
If you are currently using a prescription med and worried about preventing theft of that medication, you can purchase a locking storage box at any pharmacy. Simply ask the pharmacist for a "lockbox"

http://www.amazon.com/Lockmed-Medium-Combination-Lockbox-Approximately/dp/B004G9YIG8
 

National Night Out, August 6th 2013 at Memorial Park in Gardner from 5-8pm. FREE!!!!!!!

The Gardner Community Action Team (GCAT) is a Drug Free Communities grantee, and is also funded by the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Services.  Our Mission is to increase the health and wellness of the community by reducing youth substance use, with a focus on preventing Underage Access to Alcohol and tobacco; and by preventing the misuse of prescription drugs.

GCAT uses science based prevention strategies in the following ways:

• We build and maintain CAT participation, ensuring that it is representative of the diverse organizations and individuals that CAT serves;
• Create opportunities for networking between youth, parents, businesses, media, providers, law enforcement agency, religious/fraternal organizations, civic groups, healthcare organizations, and state, local and tribal government specializing in the reduction of substance abuse;
• Educate and raise awareness to the community about the dangers of youth substance abuse using environmental strategies (school programs, resource tables at events, etc.);
• Develop, implement, and evaluate initiatives, strategies, and special projects that address community health (Purchase and maintenance of Prescription Drug take-back Boxes and take-back events, liquor and tobacco enforcement activities, alcohol server trainings, etc.)

 

The Team is a voluntary group of professionals and non-professionals who are committed to the betterment of the community through these methods. Our group includes members of the police department, City Government, Teachers, Substance Abuse Councilors, SADD Students, Parents and other community organization representatives.

We typically meet once a month for regular group meetings and do have ad-hoc subcommittee meetings. All of our general meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month unless there is a holiday conflict or major community event conflict. We utilize these meetings for the planning of events and strategies around substance abuse prevention, and to keep the entire group updated on GCAT’s progress.

GCAT would be very pleased to have your involvement in any way. The group thrives on community engagement and support, and would appreciate regular attendance at meetings if one or more of your members could attend and participate.

More particularly, we are currently seeking participation for a community event we are planning in August.  It is called national Night OUT and is based on a national level campaign to “take back the night”
 and provide positive alternatives for youth and drug/crime prevention awareness.

The introduction of National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime”, in 1984 began an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. NATW’s National Night Out program culminates annually, on the first Tuesday of August
NATW’s Executive Director, Matt Peskin introduced National Night Out in 1984.The first National Night Out took place on Tuesday, August 7th 1984. That first year, 2.5 million Americans took part across 400 communities in 23 states. National Night Out now involves over 37 million people and 15,000 communities from all fifty states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

Gardner CAT Updates.......

Did you know.....

There is now another Rx drop Box available for use at Heywood Hospital in the Family Pharmacy?

 

Also....

 

Gardner CAT is active on facebook??

 

https://www.facebook.com/GardnerCat

Thanks for attending this event Gardner!!!

On April 2nd 2013, Senator Jen Flanagan was kind enough to attend GCAT to talk about Rx abuse and drug diversion...

Please mark your calendar for the next GCAT meeting May 7th at 3pm....at NuCafe

We really need the community's efforts to help GCAT execute pre-prom and pre-graduation safety efforts!!!!

 

Social Host Liability

GARDNER! You should know more about Social Host Liability!

Did you know about 75% of students report getting access to alcohol through siblings friends and parents? This is illegal, and its just bad policy to allow underage youth to drink in your home.

In 2011 89% of Gardner High Parents reported that they would not serve alcohol to youth in their homes. GREAT NEWS GARDNER!!!!

 

FAQ...

Am I breaking the law if I allow my child’s underage guests to consume alcohol

in my home?

Yes. The legal drinking age in Massachusetts is 21. It is against the law to serve or

provide alcohol to underage guests or to allow them to drink alcohol in your home

or on other property you control. If you do, you may be prosecuted criminally.

The penalty is a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment for up to a year, or both.

M.G.L. c. 138, s. 34

Can I be sued if my child or an underage guest at my home drinks alcohol and

injures someone?

Yes. You may be financially responsible if your child or underage guest injures

another person (or himself) after having consumed alcohol, if you controlled the

supply of the alcohol, made it available, or served it. Civil judgments can be for

millions of dollars.

What if my child allows underage guests to drink or possess alcohol at my

home or other property I control?

You or your child may be charged criminally. For you to be found guilty under the

Social Host Law, the Commonwealth must prove that you or your child knowingly or

intentionally supplied, gave, provided, or allowed minors to possess alcohol at your

home or other property you controlled. You or your child may also be sued civilly.

Does the Social Host Law apply if I rent a hotel room for my daughter’s party?

Yes, since you control the hotel room, the Social Host Law applies. M.G.L. c. 138, s. 34

Will my homeowner’s policy cover the costs of litigation and any judgment

against me or my child?

You may or may not be covered, especially if the underage drinker causes injury

or death by use of an automobile. Many insurance policies do not cover situations

where criminal conduct is involved.

DROP BOX USE!!!!!

GCAT volunteer survey!!!!!!

Click'>http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/V2YSY8F">Click here to take survey

Hosting a safe party....

Great information about planning and hosting safe teen parties is availible at the ABC Website.

http://www.abc.state.va.us/Education/resources/ParentsGuide.pdf

 

Gardner Community Action Team

Meeting Minutes

From the meeting of March 6th, 2012.

Present:  Amy Feeley-Knuuttila, Fran Longton, Tina Grosowsky, Officer Eric McAvene, Mitchell Aho, Jess Aho.

Next meeting:  April 3rd, 2012, 3-5pm, Snell Conference Room, GHS.

·         Amy facilitated the meeting, apologized for the 1^st cancelled Feb. meeting and acknowledged that this March meeting would be brief due to the Feb. meeting being in the last week of Feb. (one week ago).

·         The coalition discussed and approved the STOP grant and its focus on college age adults; members specifically mentioned their hopes that the new focus would offer a connection between high schoolers and college kids in terms of mentoring, and also social access.

·         Mr. Aho agreed to sign an MOU with the college on behalf of the coalition.

·         We discussed the plans for a town hall and the coalition agreed that a ribbon tying event would be excellent. Amy to arrange a date during a meeting with the mayor.

·         Lt. McAvene has arranged for a compliance check in the first week of April, Amy to seek students for the check.

·         Tina and Mitch are still working on a date for OTP presentation. Fran would like one at HOPE as well.

·         Amy to support Joan on behalf of the coalition regarding the proposed BOH tobacco related local ordinances.

GCAT travels to DC

Washington, D.C. – Health advocates from the Gardner Community Action Team (GCAT) headed to Washington, D.C. from Feb. 6-9, 2012 to join nearly 3,000 substance abuse prevention and treatment specialists and advocates from throughout the country for Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America's (CADCA) 22nd annual National Leadership Forum. CADCA’s National Leadership Forum is the nation's largest training for substance abuse prevention and treatment professionals and researchers.

Besides the opportunity to learn the latest strategies to prevent alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, the coalition will heard from such conference headliners as Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy and James Fowler, Ph.D., author of Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives, and a Professor in the School of Medicine and Division of Social Sciences at the University of California, San Diego.

The coalition had the opportunity to meet and brief Senators and members of Congress from MA including Senators Brown and Kerry during CADCA’s Capitol Hill Day.

The Gardner Community Action Team (GCAT) is a coalition of youth and adults dedicated to the prevention of underage drinking, tobacco use and the abuse of prescription drugs. The coalition has recently completed a number of successful projects in Gardner. These include the development of a youth anti-tobacco group, and a 2011 advertising campaign informing young people of the real-life statistic that the majority of high-school-aged students choose not to use alcohol. GCAT is a program of LUK, Inc.

CADCA's National Leadership Forum features more than 100 training courses to help community and state leaders prevent and reduce substance abuse and its related problems. CADCA is the national membership organization representing more than 5,000 coalitions and affiliates working to make America’s communities safe, healthy and drug-free. CADCA's mission is to strengthen the capacity of community coalitions by providing technical assistance and training, public policy advocacy, media strategies and marketing programs, conferences, and special events. Learn more at: www.cadca.org.

GCAT Sponsors Rx Box with mayor, GPD and Board Of Health

GCAT, a project of Luk Inc. has purchased a prescription drug Drop Box through agreement and partnership with the Police department, board of Health and the mayor. The Drop Box is for ALL RESIDENTS OF GARDNER and is availible 24-7 to drop unused, expired Rx of all kinds at the GARDNER Police Department LOBBY.
Questions about the BOx and its use can be directed to the Police non-emergency line, or the Board of Health. Other inquiries can be directed to afeeley@luk.org.

Did you know...

• Nearly one in five teens report abusing prescription drugs to get high (Partnership for a Drug-Free America, 2006).
• One third of all new abusers of prescription drugs in 2006 were 12 to 17 years old (SAMHSA, 2008).
• Over half of teens say they abuse prescription painkillers because the medications aren’t illegal; one in three believes there is less shame attached to using prescription drugs than illicit drugs. (SAMHSA, 2008).

Where Do Teenagers Get Prescription Drugs?

• Sixty-four percent of youth ages 12 to 17 who have abused pain relievers say they got them from friends or relatives, often without the other person’s knowledge. (SAMHSA, 2008).
• More than 60 percent of teenagers say prescription pain relievers are easy to get from the medicine cabinet at home. Half of teens say they are easy to get through other people’s prescriptions; and more than half say prescription pain relievers are “available everywhere” (Partnership for a Drug-Free America, 2006).

The Gardner Community Action Team (GCAT) is a coalition of youth and adults dedicated to the prevention of underage drinking, tobacco use and the abuse of prescription drugs. The coalition has recently completed a number of successful projects in Gardner. These include the development of a youth anti-tobacco group, and a 2011 advertising campaign informing young people of the real-life statistic that the majority of high-school-aged students choose not to use alcohol. GCAT is a program of LUK, Inc.

GCAT believes that the addition of a prescription drug drop box, if utilized by the community will reduce access to commonly abused prescription drugs in the Gardner community. The addition of a permanent drop box at the Gardner Police Department represents collaboration between the GCAT, the office of the Mayor, the Gardner Police Department and the Gardner Board of Health. It pays tribute to a shared vision for a healthy and safe Gardner.

GCAT in the News

GCAT cup sleeves.....coming to a Gardner sporting event near you!

Speak to your kids!

Click the link above "Speak to your kids" ....Please view this interesting youtube video on the effects of underage drinking....
Share it with a son or daughter....

MEETING MINUTES


DATE: NOVEMBER 1, 2011 TIME: 3-5PM


LOCATION: GARDNER HIGH SCHOOL SNELL CONFERENCE ROOM






1. First Action Item from last meeting


• Dates for November Tobacco Shoulder Taps


i. Joan has a ‘route’ mapped out. Invite Joan/SADD and Interact to meeting/train.


2. Second Action Item from last meeting:


• Are the Interact kids willing to volunteer for PSA’s


i. Follow up with Scott about volunteers and about the 84.org chapter


• SADD involvement with GCAT


i. Social Norm Campaign ideas for art students logo contest: Mike/ Jess Adale Sargent w/ Scott Rina Hamell (Ask Mitch for student contact information)


3. Third Action Item from last meeting:


• Subcommittee members


i. Interested Members


1. Rx and Tobacco: Monday 21st 4:30 or 5pm ask Paula Malette- Bernie is sending Sue Avalone’s e-mail


• Digital Photography Class?


i. Have a Still photography project resulting in an art show to be opening for S.N. campaigning


ii. Above the influence: “Tag it” video of the things that are positive or negative influences/routes home






ACTION PLAN REVIEW






1. Work Completed


• Operating Principles: Add to leadership: Youth Officers


• Add to membership ex-officio (ex student leadership permanent seat)


• Choices are consensus based unless necessary? Definition of Census


2. Planned Work


• Cups: Changes to sleeves, Thanksgiving game share with AWCAT route sleeves through M.A.


3. Action Items


• Dates for Joan to train on OTP: 10:30am November 21st Library


• Commitments from coalition members to do outreach to new potential coalition members:


i. Pharmacist


ii. Who replaces Lori Martiska?


iii. HOPE parents


• E-mail Group- Posting member list on web






NEW ACTION ITEMS


1. New Items:


• RX Take back


• Educational event Ideas: Flu Clinics: Bring RX disposal and storage leaflets to Bernie’s office 8-9am Daily


• Dance at Higher Ground: Next meeting


• Pre-prom planning: simulators (Juniors Car Sim. Seniors go-cart w/ police, Julie w/ Social Host)


• Aging simulator and meth use pictures?


• Contact nursing students from MWCC for the OTP training

Positive Social Norms...

September Meeting Notes (abreviated)

Several new or returning members were welcomed. The group had about 7 minutes to partner-up and learn more about their neighbor through a brief coalition building exercise.
Amy Feeley-Knuuttila facilitated the meeting. Present from LUK were also Denise Frizell and Vicente Sanabria, who helped facilitate a coalition orientation at 2:30.
Members of the team who were NOT able to attend orientation were still given an orientation packet including the grant and other information about coalition building as requested at the last meeting.
Some GCAT outputs were discussed including:


• Posters on Rx disposal…Trudy, Joan and Bernie requested copies for their contacts. Amy Feeley-Knuuttila to print and deliver about 15 more posters.

• Shoulder Taps/Sticker Shocks…Mitch Aho is recruiting SADD kids. Lt. Minns (absent) to choose an Oct. date for these activities.

• Info table at school open house… coalition volunteers to assist. Survey on social norm campaign and material to be distributed, Parent “Safe Homes” network to begin...

• SADD party…coordinators are arranging with SADD adult contact.

Tobacco Control suggested optional sticker shocks on tobacco for the 31 licensees in Gardner. She also suggested tobacco shoulder taps. The group agreed to add these to the list of potential activities for 2011-2012.


The group also agreed to be a part of the discussion around a change in law so that pharmacies would NOT be able to sell tobacco.

Amy Feeley-Knuuttila thanked Andrea Neale for reaching out to potential new members.

Subcommittees were arranged as follows….


Subcommittee Chairs are:

 Mitch Aho (Alcohol)


Joan Hamlett (Tobacco)


Paula Malette (absent) (Rx)

 Chairs were asked to contact their members and recruit new members out of the general coalition using the gcat@luk.org email listserv. They were asked to hold a Sept. meeting (which they can choose on their own as subcommittees) and to use that time to work on developing solutions around their chosen substances.

 The group then began filling in the CADCA based “working logic model” for the general problem of substance abuse that GCAT is working on. They identified reasons for substance use, and answered the question “why here?” followed by discussion about possible activities and strategies to attack the general problem. Amy Feeley-Knuuttila agreed to put these general strategies into a formal document, and to integrate the subcommittees work into the document before the next full GCAT meeting.


There was a set of “outro-ductions” for those who arrived late.


The next meeting date was set, and GCAT was adjourned at 4:56pm.

Next meeting set for October 4thth, 2011 from 3-5pm at the Snell conference room at Gardner High School. Please note the change in location. Also, as Amy will be at a conference that week, the meeting will be facilitated by her partner, Katie White.
Please call Amy Feeley-Knuuttila at 978-829-2425 with questions, or email afeeley@luk.org or kwhite@luk.org

August Meeting Notes

Several new or returning members including Trudy Dould from Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, Chuck Scholl, and Patti Kiewil were welcomed.


Amy Feeley-Knuuttila facilitated the meeting and introduced herself and Katie White as new staff members/team coordinators for GCAT.


Many members expressed interest in better understanding the scope/purpose of the grant…further information on roles and responsibilities of members. Amy offered to design an orientation packet for the group to be emailed to all members. The coalition also requested training on structure and purpose of coalitions in general.


Need for structure discussed… it was brought to the coalitions attention that there should be form to the CAT structure…that SADD kids should be an integral part of team-work, but not necessarily placed in a leadership position.

A discussion of the “90 day temporary work plan” let the group know that all alcohol-related activities for the fiscal year had been completed, and that new activity should begin as soon as possible. Ideas were brought forward by the group and coordinator for Rx and Tobacco components, including…


• School based “party” in September to re-engage youth.


• Rx take back day #2


• Pre-prom activities.


• Presentation for parents and kids by GCAT and Police and SADD.


• Ultimately Rx drop-boxes (permanent) with disposal routine.


• Ways to advertize GCAT: MOC/Old English Village/Gardner Public Access TV.


Group discussed creation of “working logic-model” and work plan which Lt. Kevin Minns agreed to co-facilitate at next meeting.


There was a lengthy discussion about Prescription drugs as an emerging problem in the city and nationwide. One member discussed the possibility of looking into current medical reporting systems (in doctors’ offices and hospitals) that could track requests for and prescriptions for drugs. (Policy Change possibility) Lt. Minns mentioned the incidences of reports of Rx stolen so that people could show the report to a pharmacist to have the Rx refilled.


“Unofficial” Rx Subcommittee developed: Trudy Dould, Lt. Minns, Katie White, Patti Kiewil, and Bernie Sullivan.
There was a group discussion at the end of the meeting about the grant purpose and use of funding….what type of programs the funding can be used for, etc.


GCAT Sidewalk Sale presence discussed…volunteers requested. No present members were available to volunteer.


GCAT Staff to provide team members more information about grant scope and purpose at next meeting. Next meeting set for September 6th, 2011 from 3-6pm at NuCafe conference room. Prior to this meeting, beginning at 2:30 will be a brief orientation on community coalition purpose and structure.
Please call Amy Feeley-Knuuttila at 978-829-2425 with questions, or email afeeley@luk.org.

Join us and learn more!!!!!

The next GCAT meeting is scheduled for TUESDAY September 6th, at Nucafe in Gardner from 3-5 PM. The meetings are held in the confrence room in the back. We are also holding an OPTIONAL pre-meeting orientation at 2:30 at the same location. Vicente Sanabria from the Center for Healthy Communities and I will be teaching whomever is interested more about coalition building at that time.

Next GCAT Meeting

Next GCAT is August 2nd 2011 from 3-5pm at NUCafe in Gardner.

Please come meet new GCAT Facilitator Amy Feeley-Knuuttila!

Next GCAT Meeting

Hi everyone!

The next GCAT meeting will be held on March 1st from 7pm to 9pm in the Gardner High School Conference Room. Everyone is welcome and invited to attend. At this meeting, Joan Hamlet from the Tobacco Control Commission will be giving a presentation on tobacco that will be very helpful in light of our new Drug Free Communities grant.

Next GCAT Meeting

The next GCAT Meeting will be held at Gardner High School on Tuesday, February 1st from 2:15 until 4:15.

The main topic of discussion will be the Gardner Community Action Team update on the Drug Free Communities mission and strategies for the next six months.

All meetings are open to the public and we encourage community participation.

GCAT and SADD Minutes

Hey everyone, Kasey here to update you on all that's been going on with GCAT and SADD these past few months. Here are the minutes for the meetings in case you missed them:

GCAT--
October 5, 2010:

In Attendance: Joe Goguen (GHS-SADD), Kasey LeBlanc (GHS-SADD), Gene Farrell (GPS- Adjustment Counselor), Jacalyn Boucher (LUK), Selena Johnson (CHCFHC), Bernie Sullivan (Board of Health), Kim Davis (GMS), Pastor Scott (Greater Gardner Religious Council), Katie Kamenski (Higher Ground Ministries), Fran Longton (HOPE)

I. Social Norming: The group talked about the Social Norms Marketing process, and what Social Norms Marketing is. Many members were excited about creating a campaign to establish community norms in relation to underage youth substance abuse prevention. The group came up with the example of establishing a perception verses reality of youth who are using with that “not being the social norm” The Group will have a finished version of the Social Norms Marketing Plan by the end of November.

The group will need to utilize its data and pick out areas of concern to focus on within the next few meetings

II. Doug Miller, a diabetes Educator at the Heywood Hospital will be attending the next SADD meeting to talk about “Nutritional Messaging.” He has asked the SADD group to come up with ideas (10) to focus on in relation to keeping youth healthy; thus reducing substance abuse in the later years. The Nutrition, Fitness and Wellness Program will begin October 12th at the Waterford Street School for youth in grades Kindergarten through Third grade.

III. Checked with the coalition to make sure all members have been added to the googlegroups list serve. If not, we need to add them so we can establish a sustainable community coalition.

IV. There will be a Drug Free Communities Question and Answer Session to take place. Date/time TBD.

V. GHS SADD will presenting at the Regional School Health Coalition on November 15th located at the Westminster Village Inn from 3:30-5:00pm. Please come and support the group. We will be touching upon points of alcohol and its affect on mental health. We will be partnering with the Suicide Prevention Coalition and addressing specific issues around prevention of suicide and how the youth have taken a proactive approach in dealing with the awareness of suicide and mental health in the Gardner community.

VI. GCAT is interested in applying for the Determination of Need Grant being issued by CHNA 9 regarding the Heywood Hospital expansion to address the needs of the outer communities of Gardner. Since Gardner is the “hub” for services that all the rural towns are accessing the group though it would be a great place to start to help the coalition get money to help the outer communities in order to free up services in Gardner specifically for Gardner residents.

VII. The group updated the Workplan and looked at the status of the GIS Mapping that the youth took part in over the Summer

VIII. Gardner Police will be giving a speech at the Higher Ground Ministries service on Tuesday night on Prescription pills to create an awareness to the parents that these substances are out there and youth are abusing them at alarming rates.


November 2, 2010:

In Attendance: Selena Johnson (CHCFHC), Shannon Jardin (GPS Alternative School), Josh Caron (GHS SADD), Gene Farrell (GPS School Adjustment Counselor), Mitch Aho (GHS Assistant Principal), Lieutenant Minns (GPD), Katie Kamenski (Higher Ground Ministries), Danielle (HOPE), Jacalyn Boucher (LUK)

I. Introductions and Announcements
a. Welcome Shannon and Cassie Meaney from the Gardner Alternative High Schoo
b. GHS SADD students will be presenting to the Regional School Health Coalition on November 15th at the Westminster Village Inn from 3:30-5pm
c. The Gardner Public Schools Superintendent released the 2010 YRBS (Youth Risk Behavior Survey) to the School Committee
d. The Social Norms Marketing Plan is to be presented to the Steering Committee on the November 17th Steering Committee meeting.

II. Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) Training for Members went well. The coalition had an overview on what the SPF is all about. We talked about Assessment, Capacity Building Planning, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation and how this method fits into prevention of underage drinking. We talked about mobilizing the community to take part in certain strategies that have been proven over time to reduce underage drinking among youth. The only way to engage a community is to build their capacity while helping them sustain themselves to a point where they can keep the momentum going without funding.
Members were very much engaged in the dialogue around SPF. Selena and Shannon
added excellent feedback to the coalition on their experiences with their organization in relation to SPF to help the group understand the process a little better.
Jacalyn explained to the coalition that we will be doing a Cultural Competency training
(Selena suggested we contact Emily McRae) and starting the process of a Strategic Planning session that we hope to complete with the coalition by March. From March through June GCAT will be working on a set of strategies approved by the Steering Committee to tackle social norms marketing; a strategy used to change community perceptions and behaviors around youth and alcohol.

III. Joe is the point of contact person for GCAT, so if you have anything upcoming that you would like forwarded, please send to him at jpro1994@gmail.com

December 7, 2010: Nothing significant other than introductions and announcements, and the minutes don't mention what those were.


SADD--
January 24, 2011:

SADD Members,

Next Thursday, February 3rd from 2:15-3:30 in Rm. 214, we will be preparing the Prom Skits - we usually do three - Sex After Prom, After Prom Party (Drinking and Driving), Drinking at Prom. We need all the help we can get to make these successful. They are always really fun and the audience enjoys them a lot.

We will be holding Sticker Shocks and Shoulder Taps on Tuesday February 6th and Thursday February 8th. On both days the Sticker Shocks will be 4:30-6:00 and the Shoulder Taps will be from 6-8. You do NOT need to attend both, you can if you want. There will be some food provided (pizza, I believe).

Josh was asked to find HOPE mentors. It will be from 2-5 one day a week afterschool. Here are those who have signed up: Brad, Alex, Aurelia, Felicia.

We ask that each of you do 1-on-1 Interviews and turn them in to any of the officers. Attached is the sheet you need, you just need to print it out and ask the questions to any adult. Try to do as many as you can :)

At the last meeting, we asked those who attended what we should take on to spread SADD, as we are currently focused on drugs and alcohol. The main three that were decided upon were:

Physical Harm - this was decided to be the easiest to take on, as it is a specific problem and there are already resources out there that we can draw from.
Peer Pressure + Doing Nothing - these two were seen as the hardest to deal with. We talked about getting posters about them and maybe getting a speaker to come in and talk to us about things we can do.
Just to clarify, "Doing Nothing" doesn't mean being lazy, we mean seeing someone getting picked on or bullied and not doing anything about it.

Also, in Gardner there have been signs put up by churches that say Stop Planned Parenthood. A few people talked about this after the meeting and are for Planned Parenthood. What are other people's feelings about this?? (please reply) We were thinking about putting up signs for Planned Parenthood and possibly doing a protest or something.


Both SADD and GCAT have been up to lots of exciting things, as you can see. GCAT is looking forward to moving forward in implementing social norms and awareness campaigns around our three major sections: alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs. There will also be a bit of reorganization of the GCAT group and steering committee, so look out for more news on that as it becomes available.

Recovery Month/ Drug Free Communities Grant

Hi everyone,

So first of all, I'd like to mention that September is Recovery Month. Basically what this means is that this month there is an awareness campaign, focused at the website www.recoverymonth.gov that tries to show that recovery from all forms of addiction is very possible. The site also encourages those suffering from an addiction to get help in overcoming it. Check out the website for more valuable information.

Also, GCAT has officially received funding for the Drug Free Communities Grant which essentially will bring $125,000/ year for five years (with 5 years possible renewal) into the City of Gardner to combat the access of Prescription Medication, Alcohol, and Tobacco. Congrats to all those who have worked so hard to get this grant for our community!

GCAT Meeting

Hey everyone,

This is just a reminder that the next GCAT meeting is in the Gardner High School Conference Room on September 7th, from 2 to 3 pm. The agenda is attached to the email Joe Goguen, our point of contact, sent out. Please check your emails for that information.

Introduction and SADD Meeting Recap

Hi everyone!

First off, I'd like to introduce myself, as I will be helping manage this GCAT blog. My name is Kasey LeBlanc. I am going to be a senior this year at Gardner High School and I am a member of SADD. Should anyone in the future ever need to contact me for anything my email is kal09139@hotmail.com.

Today at the Gardner Library there was a SADD meeting with Jacalyn that I would like to recap (as briefly as I can) for you all.

Students in attendance received training in Shoulder Taps, Sticker Shocks and Compliance Checks. One or more of these events should hopefully be happening sometime before the summer ends.

Some other projects that were discussed and have entered the planning stages include a surveying project in which children (K-3) from Gardner would be asked their opinions on games/physical activities they would enjoy doing in a new physical activity program to increase fitness and wellness in Gardner youth.

Beginning soon, SADD members will use a facebook status message campaign to create awareness on alcohol and its effects. A tobacco cessation project is also in the works to create awareness on the dangers of tobacco.

Support groups for "At-Risk" youth and their parents, a substance abuse resource guide and a mentoring project at the middle school level are also in the works.

A larger project discussed is a six to nine month mapping project to create awareness about liquor store marketing towards those under 21.

Finally Lauren Piantedosi, a rising senior at Gardner High School, will be leading the creation of a GCAT logo, so be on the lookout for that soon!

Breakfast with the Mayor for Winners of Poster Contest
Cruiser's Malt Shoppe
280 Central Street, Gardner MA.
Time: 9:30am-10:30am
Date: 4/27/2010
Call 978-345-0685 x 2446 to RSVP

GCAT Membership

GCAT Membership

Who needs to be at the table?

1. Business Owners/Package Store Owners
2. Liquor Commission
3. Youth ho care about their community
4. Parents
5. Media/Newspaper
6. Coaches
7. Music Boosters/School Activity Leader
8. Guidance
9. Elected Officials/School Committee
10. Student Council
11. Faith Community
12. Boys & Girls Club/Youth Groups
13. Local Hospital
14. Person from Mt. Wachusett
15. Youth in Recovery/Recovery Community
16. Justice System
17. LGBT/GSA
18. Other Schools
19. Package Store Workers
20. Relay 4 Life
21. Mrs. Hebert
22. (Driving Training School)

A special THANK YOU to all members of GCAT who helped to get the Drug Free Communities Grant application out! Without your help we could not have done it alone !

As the GCAT gets ready for the Junior Prom, we have put together the PROM STIMULUS PACKAGE made up of coupons from the community members:

Beyond petals
Temptations Bridal/Tux
The Claw Shop
and many other local places

The coupon booklets were given out at the Pre Prom Assembly where the kids attended with a parent to be able to receive their Prom Ticket.
There were many topics covered at the assembly from Gardner Police department, Dottie Hughes' story, and members from the District Attorney's Office to talk about Social Host Liability

We hope to do the same for SENIOR PROM

A special THANK YOU to everyone who stepped in to help with the Drug Free Communities grant and everything we needed to apply!!!

Gardner Community Action Team (GCAT)

Underage Drinking Prevention- Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol (CMCA)

Proposal 1: Liquor Compliance Check Non-Compliance Coalition

For Licensees (on-premise and off-premise) who have failed compliance checks to be part of a team that learns different policies and best practices in order to pass compliance checks in the future. They can be structured at any point, but it has worked most effectively when a compliance check is failed and we can use that as leverage. We are also looking into the option of including it into the process of reapplying for a license at the beginning of a new calendar year-which could be optional or mandatory (depending on the choice of the commission) along with a certificate of class completion. This program has worked successfully due to police involvement from the city, and their dedication to the community. Stipend hours to the police department could be offered

[In Fitchburg] we have implemented a six month educational series where licensees are mandated by the Liquor Commission to attend at least two out of six. We have sent out two letters to all license holders in the city over the last four months inviting them as mentors to give advice to those who were caught in non-compliance. The agenda includes presentations from the following:

• Month One: Best Practices

• Month Two: Underage Student Experience of Obtaining Liquor (Now 21) and Underage Drinking Prevention Presentation from a Law Enforcement Perspective

• Month Three: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

• Month Four: Massachusetts Package Store Association

• Month Five: District Attorney Joseph D. Early’s Office (Julie Lesure)

• Month Six: Wrap-Up. Awards. Certificates.

 

Proposal 2: Mandatory Alcohol Beverage Certification (Similar to TIPS) for Owners/Managers to be trained within six months of hire.

TIPS (or equivalent, but we will use TIPS for proposal purposes) is Proven effective by third-party studies, TIPS is a skills-based training program that is designed to prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and drunk driving by enhancing the fundamental "people skills" of servers, sellers and consumers of alcohol. TIPS alcohol training gives individuals the knowledge and confidence they need to recognize potential alcohol-related problems and intervene to prevent alcohol-related tragedies

Additionally, making it mandatory for all who are employed by the establishment who are TIPS Certified to carry on them their Certification while serving alcohol

 

Proposal 3: To amend Liquor Commission Regulations to include State Identification while on a Compliance Check

To change policies under Liquor Commission Regulations for each underage agent working for Liquor Commission to have in their possession a Massachusetts State Identification Card with their current age for verification purposes.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Jacalyn Boucher, LUK Inc.

GCAT Meeting

Drug Free Community (DFC)

Gardner Community Action Team (GCAT)

Meeting Minutes: Gardner High School

February 25,2010 2:00- 3:30 PM

Attendance: Fran Longton (HOPE), Briana Buckley (LUK), Roger Wrigley ( Gardner Police Department), Gene Farrell ( Gardner Public Schools ), Joshua Caron ( Gardner High School: Student of SADD), Joshua Tackett (LUK), Jacalyn Boucher (LUK), Kelsey Mehrtens ( Gardner High School: Student of SADD), Mitch Aho ( Gardner High School )

1. Welcome and Introductions

2. Announcements

• Call for volunteers for May 8th at Waterford Street School to help during the “Drug Take Back Day” from 8:30am-2:00pm (split shifts) as a “Greeter” to the people turning in medications.

o Observers welcome

3. Operating principles

• Steering Committee: 1 board member 2 youth members (SADD)

o Relook at strategies

o Timeline

o Members will be evaluated on yearly basis with at least one year commitments

• Members agreed with Operating Principles Mission and Vision

** Any questions—email by Tuesday March 2, 2010 – next meeting **

4. Drug Data

• The coalition decided to focus on Alcohol, Tobacco and Prescription Drugs based on hard data

o Environmental Strategies such as Pharmacy drop offs (MAP certification was mentioned for prescription medication)

o Local regulations
o Education, enforcement, compliance checks (Alcohol, Tobacco)

o Staffing (police presence, pharmacists for controlled substances)

5. House on Peace and Education (HOPE) wants to collaborate with SADD to talk with their youth about underage drinking.

6. “Drug Take Back Day” article in telegram and Gazette initiated by the Board of Health (Bernie Sullivan) and the Mayor of Gardner was a real hot topic for the coalition. They were extremely interested in the process as well as the idea.

Next Meeting Date: DFC Meeting March 11, 2010 GHS Library 2:30-3:30PM

Respectfully Submitted,

Briana Buckley, LUK Inc.

GCAT Objectives

GCAT

3 Month Objectives

• Better Relationships with Licensees
• Better community awareness
• Media/High School cable (Positive article in the works)
• Operating Principles
• Data Collection Protocol
• Get in contact with school committee
• Parent Open House (Education/Information)
• Social Host Liability training
• PSA @ Thanksgiving Game (Coaches, Players, Mayor, Councilmen etc)
• School collaboration with Cheer/Band @ Thanksgiving Game
• Parents PTO
• Get Coaches, heads of organization from schools etc
• Get Steve Murphy/Karen Culken

6 Month Objective

• Data Organized & Analyzed
• Reevaluation of CAT
• Prom Activities (No Accidents)
• High School Collaboration (GHS, Oakmont)
• Website for GCAT

Overall Objectives

• Prison Counseling
• Middle School Education & Mentoring
• Reduce Youth Binge Drinking
• Raise Youth/Parent Awareness Around Underage Drinking.

GCAT Meeting

GCAT (Gardner Community Action Team)
Minutes

October 6th 2008

Attendance- Joshua Tackett (LUK), Cathy Apostoleris (MOC), Mariah Harding (SADD), Tim Gamache (SADD), Gabby Istivan (SADD), Josh Caron (SADD), Jim Kraskouskas (Anthonys Liquors), Amy Whitney (MADD), Gene Farrell (GHS)

Items Discussed

Membership Expansion
We discussed the list we formed and as I send these minutes out with a copy of the list could people highlight and name people from the areas specified and return it to me. We also talked about the importance of one-on-one interviews and if people need another copy of that along with this email please let me know. We are shooting for 50 one-on-ones and need to get going on them soon. If anyone needs any further clarification I will make myself available to them.
Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF)
We have some forms of data to work with from the police and hopefully the YRBS. Along with these we feel that any further data from the schools disciplinary section would be helpful. In terms of analyzing the data in the broadest ways it has been put on the table to have an open discussion around analyzing the data collectively.
Planning and Timelines
The plans that are up coming are the PSA around the Thanksgiving game. To that end we arte attempting to contact Oakmont in the hopes of collaboration for the PSA as well as the rotary club of Westminster and the venue of the game. By the next meeting Gene Farrell will let us know where we stand with Gardner High and the kids will discuss plans for a table or something to be printed in the program of the game.
We also discussed ideas for a social host liability training. The problem we see is getting parents in a captive audience where both they and the kids could be both engaged and educated. Some ideas were floated around about hosting a talent show, including it in a drivers ed aren’t portion or around prom or parent conferences.
Mission/Vision Statement
In keeping with our expected outcomes I would like to once again broach the subject of mission and vision. As a group with the hope to be sustained after we are all gone we really need to create the direction and outcomes we would like to see for Gardner. To that end I would once again ask that we engage in an Email conversation. I will be releasing everyone email address unless otherwise asked not to. It will be only within the confines of the GCAT member list and I trust no one will include it otherwise. I will do so Wednesday afternoon to give people time to respond to my email in case they have an issue.

Future Happenings
Thanksgiving Game
GCAT Meeting at 2pm Mon. November 3rd @ Gardner High

Other Points of Interest
If people can’t make the next meeting could they shoot me a quick email. Also if they could include any pertinent information they have regarding data collection, the mission statements or the membership expansion list and anyone they can talk to from it. Thanks.

Next Meeting- November 3rd @ 2:00pm at Gardner High School
I scheduled it this day to prevent anyone from missing out on their chance to vote November 4th