GARRETT COUNTY FAMILY VIOLENCE COALITION Minutes of Meetings The next FVC meeting will be at 9:00AM at the GC Department of Social Services on March 9, 1999

Attending: Bob Stephens, GC OCYF; Edgar Harman, GC Commissioners; Elizabeth Biser, Community Rep.; Carol Bass, GCHD-WIC; Tfc. Jim Hovis, MD State Police Family Violence Unit; Heather Hanline, Dove Center; Lisa Thayer Welch, Garrett Co. State’s Attorney’s Office; Samuel Wachter, Clergy Community; June Heseslbach, AAoA; Mary VanSickle, GCMH; Larry Bruch, GCDSS; Erica Mowbray, GCDSS; Melissa Hughes, VOCA Therapist; Phyllis Trickett, GCCW; Gloria Salazar, Intern OCYF; Barb Smith, Parole and Probation; Randy Resh, MSP – McHenry Brk.; Carolyn Taylor, Community Representative; Jeri Swartzentruber, GCBOE; Sue Sines, GC Lighthouse, Inc.; Melissa Hinebaugh, Housing Dept. GCCAC; John K. Sines, O. P. D.; Mark Moynahan, OCYF; Peggy Nelson, GCFVC Coordinator

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, March 9, 9:00 a.m. at the Garrett County Department of Social Services.

Lisa Thayer Welch called the meeting to order and a brief introduction of new Coalition members followed.

The January 12, minutes were approved as written.

Peggy Nelson distributed a current coalition member list.  The list includes addresses, phone/fax numbers, email addresses and will be changed or updated as needed.  (see attached)

Committee Reports:

Professional Awareness Team:
Lisa reported that the Professional Awareness committee is moving forward at this time with the development of a grand rounds session for the Garrett County Medical Community.  Additional information will be announced at a future date.  Lisa stated that “Pathways” brochures would be sent to members of the legal community along with a cover letter that will explain the resources that are available to victims of domestic violence.

The Professional Awareness meeting date set for February 22 has been cancelled and a date for rescheduling will be decided upon after today’s meeting.

Public Relations:
June reported on the upcoming event scheduled for April 26,1:30 p. m. to 3:30 p. m. at GCC.  Angela Brown a survivor of domestic violence will be the keynote speaker for this event, Jane Avery will do a dramatic reading and Pandora’s Box will present a presentation.  The event will be a co-curricular event to encourage college students to attend.  Flyers will be posted and the event will be featured in the local newspaper.

Lyz stated that McClarran and Williams are developing two additional slides, plans are under way to develop a poster of each slide that would be put on display in the theatre lobby.  Lyz has requested pricing information from Debbie McClarran for these items.

 Lyz reported that four more Safety Safaris have been scheduled.

Lyz reported that local agencies have been contacted to see what events they may be doing for Child Abuse Prevention month in April.  yiz is contacting McDonald’s to see if these events could be featured on their calendar (tray liner) for the month of April.

Data Mart Team:
Peggy has only received one report so far and is waiting for addition reports from other agencies she needs numbers.  The team meeting scheduled for today at 10:30 a.m. has been cancelled and will be rescheduled.

Strategic Planning Team:
Lisa stated that input is needed quickly for the next Strategic Planning meeting scheduled Tuesday, February 16th.  As a result of the February Strategic Planning Team meeting a form for input has been developed and handed out to those in attendance.  (see attached)

Maryland Network Information:
No report.  Lisa received a fax from Elaine stating that Elaine would not be present today because she had attended the memorial service the previous evening.  In her fax Elaine stated that letters of support for legislation could be written by the Coalition.  It would not be seen as a conflict of interest.  This has the approval of both the Governor and the Lt. Governor.

Continuing Business:

 Shelter Update:
Heather Hanline reported for the Dove Center that four families are currently utilizing it’s services.  There is a possibility that one additional family will need to take advantage of services as well.  The shelter is approved by the fire marshal to house up to 16 customers.  Heather stated that because of the limited space available in the shelter, motels could be utilized if there were an overflow.

Heather reported that the shelter received a letter stating that the grant they have been waiting for has been approved, however funds have not been allocated yet.

Heather stated that Director, Linda Spassil is in the process of looking to securing office space separate from the shelter.  This would allow the basement area currently used as offices to be turned into space customers of the shelter could use.

A performance at Our Town Theatre by the Elktones on February 20th will benefit the Dove Center.  Tickets are $10.00 per person.  Additional information will be available in the Republican newspaper.

Garrett County Sheriff’s Office:
 No Report

Maryland State Police:
Jim reported that he had attended the memorial service in Annapolis the evening before and the event was well attended.  Jim reported that the State Police have a renewed commitment to domestic violence issues.  They have placed them at them at the top of their list along with DWI and speeding enforcement.  Jim also stated that additional troopers would be assigned to his unit.

Jim reported there were six domestic assaults resulting in four arrests and six referrals.

HotSpot Update:
 No report
Lisa asked the Coalition members if they are aware of any needs within the Grantsville town limits to bring them to her attention.

Bob reported that Duane Yoder Director of Community Action has received a half million-dollar grant for housing specific to the Hot-Spot area in Grantsville.

 Need to extend an invitation to Preston and Grant counties to attend Coalition meetings:
Lisa has not been able to directly contact the person in charge of the Domestic Violence council.  Lisa stated that the WV Director is responsible for a five county area, Lisa will try to extend an invitation to her by mail.

Vote on the partnership between LMB and FVC for the data mart:
Lisa handed out a copy of the agreement for the Coalitions review.  Lisa stated on January 29th at the LMB meeting the agreement was read and approved.  Bob Stevens made a motion to approve the agreement and Mary VanSickle seconded the motion.  The motion was unanimously approved.

New position at DSS:
Melissa Hughes a therapist has been hired under the VOCA Grant for 30 hours per week and 10 hours a week under another grant helping Garrett WORKS.

New Business:

Pathways Booklets:
Lyz, Mary and the Dove Center are in need of additional booklets.  Peggy stated that the booklet should be revised and reprinted.  Bob Stevens suggested that the Coalition review our distribution process so that the booklets could be distributed more effectively.  Lisa suggested that at the next meeting a small group would be appointed to review the booklet and look at the target audience for maximum effectiveness when the booklet is distributed.  Lisa also stated that up-coming legislation would impact on the content of the booklet.  Peggy asked for input from the Board of Education as to what pieces of the booklet would be of most benefit to students.

Upcoming grant for the coordinator position for FVC:
The issue of numbers will be a part of the grant renewal process.  Peggy encouraged Coalition members to respond to her when she calls asking for numbers for the past six months.  The grant will probably be due the first part of April.

Caring Kids Campaign:
Heather reported that she would be working with middle school aged children in 4-H Groups and the Boy and Girl Scout organizations.  The first presentation will be February 18 at the Swanton 4 H group meeting.  An art contest will be sponsored reflecting that focuses on child abuse prevention a panel of judges will select 40 finalists
whose artwork will then be displayed at the art gallery at GCC probably around May 15th.  From the 40 finalist 12 winners will be chosen.  A parent handbook will then be created and the 12 winners will have their artwork included in this booklet.  Heather asked the Coalition for ideas and input for this booklet as well.  Additionally the 12 winners will be asked to participate in an activity at the Garrett County Fair.  Elementary aged children will be encouraged to participate in a bookmark contest.  June suggested Heather contact Steven Schlosnagle with the Garrett Arts Council.  There is a special trust fund that was set up to assist with projects of this nature.  Heather stated $900 worth of donations from the community has been received.

Announcements:
June announced that cell phones have been made available for Senior citizens (55 years and older) at no charge.  The phones will be programmed for 911 calls only.  If there is a roam charge it will be paid by Community Action. With the new towers placed throughout the county, there will be no dead air space.

Lyz Bizer stated that the Public Relation team would meet on February 22 at 9:00 a.m. at 316 Alder Street.

Edgar Harman announce that this would be his last meeting as the representative for the County Commissioners.  Edgar stated that he has enjoyed serving on the Coalition for the past two years.  The new Board of Commissioners will appoint a new representative.

The meeting was adjourned.