Safe Communities Wellington County Leadership Table Meeting Wellington County Museum and Archives 9:30 a.m. – September 18, 2014 In Attendance Jack Hunjan, Wellington OPP Staff Sergeant and Co-­‐Chair Gary Williamson, County Councillor and Co-­‐Chair Doug Smith, Puslinch COPS Myrna Hutchinson, Get in Touch for Hutch Lynda White, Wellington County Councillor Julie Kerkhof, Upper Grand Family Health Team Jennifer McCorriston, WDG Public Health Sharn Khinda, WDG Public Health Linda Dickson, Wellington County Glenna Smith, Puslinch COPS Robbin Wood, Guelph-­‐Eramosa Safe Communities Don Senek, Minto Safe Community Committee Jim Potts, Minto Safe Community Committee Mary Lloyd, Centre Wellington Township Councillor Robert McArthur, New Growth Family Centre Nancy Culham, Wellington Catholic District School Board Adam Rowden, Wellington Heights S.S., UGDSB Christine Veit, Safe Communities Wellington County 1. Call to Order – Co-­‐Chair Jack Hunjan called the meeting to order. 2. Approval of Minutes – May 15, 2014 -­‐ It was Moved by Doug Smith and Seconded by Don Senek that the minutes of the meeting held May 15, 2014 be approved as presented. CARRIED 3. Old Business -­‐ Get In Touch For Hutch – Myrna Hutchinson reported raising $60,000 for Get in Touch for Hutch. The funds raised will help support Kids Help Phone and training initiatives. 4. Introduction of new Community Coordinator – Gary Williamson spoke on the contract for the new Program Coordinator that will have the same contract for 9 months @ $20.00/hour from September 1, 2014. Gary briefly spoke about Sarah’s accomplishments and how the transfer of responsibilities from Sarah to Christine has already been made. Gary also mentioned Sarah had only billed $2600 YTD for her services to Safe Communities Wellington County. New MOU will be sent to Parachute, because of transfer of responsibilities from Sarah to Christine. • Jack Hunjan described Christine’s background and how she will be a valuable addition to the Safe Communities team with her fundraising and administrative background. • Jack raised the motion to hire Christine Veit as Safe Communities Wellington County, program Coordinator – It was Moved by Jim Potts and Seconded by Lynda White. CARRIED 5. Reports i) Falls PAG • Introduction of Sharn Khinda as the newest member of the Falls PAG. Julie Kerkhof spoke about the importance of preventing falls in the senior population and who is at risk for falls? Julie also stressed the partnership with the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) and their Smart Program that organizes programs for the older adult population. The Family Health Team and LHIN wide are doing a screening program to figure out who is at risk for falls. As well, environmental factors are not the only factors in falls, prescriptions are also a factor • Lynda White also added to the discussion, mentioning screenings are also available at your doctor’s office. The healthier, safer and stronger we are, the less chance of falling and fearing of falling. Target the children of seniors with a checklist; for example, Handles in Washrooms, and Eliminate Scatter Rugs • Jack Hunjan stressed the importance of children taking care of their parents; noting the he recently installed safety bars in his parents’ home. ii) Motor Vehicle Collisions – On Road and Off Road • Doug Smith introduced the newest member of the Motor Vehicle Collisions PAG, Don Senek. Road Watch was discussed to investigate how effective it is in Wellington County. Are online comments more prevalent or the local drop boxes? Doug continued talking about the importance of slowing the speed in Puslinch and a number of signs that have been posted on County Road 26 telling motorist to slow down. Who posted these signs? • Don Senek mentioned “Road Watch” purchased 18 road signs in Minto Clifford a year and a half ago and received some media attention from the Wellington Advertiser. The question was asked, how many reports are we, actually, receiving? • Jack Hunjan stated Mike Ashley runs Road Watch and suspects’ people with cell phones are calling into the main Communication Centre in London rather than filling out a form at a public library. A round table discussion ensued discussing citizens calling into the communications centre about individuals who are texting and driving. What kind of follow up is made when an individual receives several calls regarding his/her distracted driving. Jack mentioned depending on the severity and number of calls, the individual could get charged. • Mary Lloyd interested in OPP Promotional Videos on distracted driving; suggested showing them on Rogers or COGECO community stations • Gary advised the table that he would contact Andrea, the Communications Officer for Wellington County regarding the use of the OPP videos; meanwhile Linda Dickson called and confirmed the videos were being used in appropriate areas. • Mary Lloyd continued that the OPP videos should be utilized by Driving Schools • Robyn wood expressed his interest in a microsite for each safe community. Christine asked whether it would be the best use of time for the project coordinator, though, expressed interest in the idea. • Myrna Hutchison and Mary Lloyd stated the need for a standardized sponsorship package for sponsors, ensuring a streamlined donation request process. • Gary advised the table that donation cheques go to Parachute and then they give us 100% of the money back. He added, we want to increase the community’s awareness of Safe Communities. Sarah ran into push back from receiving donations, because companies did not know what Safe Communities was and didn’t understand why a cheque had to be made out to Parachute Canada. • Adam Rowden from Wellington Heights spoke about a “Mock Crash” the school did to tell students about the disastrous effects distracted driving has on everyone. He also brought in a guest speaker whose entire life was impacted by a driver who was texting. • Jack Hungen mentioned the the #1 killer is now distracted driving • The table agreed the Volkswagen Distracted Driving ad should be posted onto social media by Christine • Bob Suggests Christine contact Crystal at the Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce to like our twitter and facebook pages to expand our reach. • Promoting a movie, Lynda White told the leadership table about “ Misuse of Fentanyl“ at the Bookshelf in Guelph on November 6 – 2:00 pm iii) Intentional Self Harm • Bob McArthur expressed the need for more members for the Intentional Self Harm PAG, and stated he will no longer Chair the Intentional Self Harm PAG. He continued to discuss the Lions Quest Training Session that it will be going forward – some dates •
have been chosen. Further, the Addiction, Education Seminar in Puslinch is running in Tandem with Screen Time at the New Growth Family Centre. Screen Time will be recorded, and may be a good video to use on social media. Bob stated that the average child has 7+ hours of screen time Christine to post information on social media for the Addiction Education Seminar. • Myrna expressed the need to receive a mandate on prevention especially with the elections in October. Further to Bob’s discussion, Myrna said January 31 will be the tentative date for Lions Quest. We need to get community partners on board, including all Lion’s Service Clubs in the area. Robbin will provide Lion’s Rockwood information to the Intentional Self Harm PAG. Myrna also mentioned an event in Wellington North on October 2 • Bob to provide Christine information about future meetings • Mary suggested contacting coaches and teachers to provide them with the “at risk” checklist to identify players and students that may be exhibiting signs of wanting to harm themselves. • Nancy suggested calling Lynn and Brenda, the Mental Health Leads, at Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic School Board • Don Senek suggested we attend the Lions Club Convention to raise awareness of Safe Communities iv) Community Groups – Guelph/Eramosa Safe Communities • Robbin mentioned the budget has been established and there are 2 projects the group wants to promote – Home Engraving Program & Vile of Life Program • Robbin also provided information about the upcoming Rockwood Mushroom Festival that that Safe Communities will be participating in. Further to his discussion, Robbin informed everyone that he will be running for Counsel in Guelph/ Eramosa • Robbin asked Glenna if he could use the Puslinch Speed Sign for Guelph/Eramosa. Glenna mentioned that a portion of the funding was provided by the Township of Guelph/Eramosa, so yes. Additionally, the data from the speed sign is strictly for OPP eyes only. v) Community Groups – Puslinch COPS • Glenna mentioned the speed sign is great when the sign is up, but the speed increases when it is removed • Fall Fair just passed – to draw attention and awareness to Puslinch COPS, they filled a police car with balloons. The person who guessed closest to the actual amount of balloons in the car would win a prize. – A little girl came really close and won gourmet preserves. • Glenna reminded everyone about the September 22 Addiction Education Seminar in Puslinch. vi) Community Groups – Wellington North • Bob mentioned that the group was struggling because of lack of participation. • Bob provided more information regarding “Screen Time”, the event in Wellington North, coordinated by Cynthia Dean and Mrs. McArthur • An article came to Bob’s attention about an undercover police officer who showed how easy it is for a predator to learn everything about you, especially unsuspecting teens that provide too much information on line. We need to educate parents. • #GetInTouch make community more aware • Jack mentioned there was an interested individual located in Drayton • Gary confirmed food booth at Mount Forest Fireworks Festival • Mary mentioned we should attract businesses who are part of the Chamber’s of Commerce in Wellington County. Why are they not attending? • Gary answered saying the group we originally brought to the table were committed to getting the Safe Communities designation for Wellington County. We now need to put the puzzle pieces together utilizing existing resources and pulling people from there to connect with Safe Communities. We need to look in the paper to connect with these amazing resources and recruit from these, already existing, passionate individuals who are advocates for our priority areas. • Bob to provide Christine with mental health resources contact sheet • Don mentioned the group in Minto are extremely dedicated. The most recent Youth Dance at the Harriston Legion sold 175 tickets – a new dance within the week will be happening. Further “Road Watch” participated in the Palmerston Fall Fair. The group also participated in a bike rodeo for Safety day and ran a seatbelt and safety clinic. The next meeting will take place at the end of September – Bullying will be the groups next focus. Don was able to receive pink t-­‐shirts for anti-­‐bullying week and has already handed them out. • Adam stated in some cases, the anti bullying messaging really works, but for some, it does not even impact them. Adam provided Christine with “Before you Think” poster. • Don also mentioned the Vile of Life Campaign as an initiative for Wellington North 6. New Business i) Road Safety Signage – Gary passed around the Safety Signage Map to show leadership table the positions for this year’s safety signage. They were indicated by green dots. A variety of sized safety signs will be created and posted. ii) School Banners – Gary suggested using the #GetinTouch posters for the highschool banners. • Nancy mentioned board approval would be required for hanging banners in the schools. • The signs will read Arrive Alive and will be positioned in all 4 Wellington County Secondary Schools. • Gary suggested we move forward in receiving costs for banners. Nancy said the Board uses the Sign Shop. • The Leadership table decided Pull up Banners will be the best option, because of versatility. • Myrna will talk to Alpha graphics about revising the #GetInTouch poster for broader Safe Community use • Gary will proceed with coordinating the posters and they will be piloted in the 4 Wellington County High Schools. • Nancy suggested we speak with Upper Grand Communications Officer – Maggie McFadzian. iii) Membership Drive – An initial discussion occurred to raise awareness and recognition in our community. A variety of ideas from the Leadership Table; included, a $25 membership fee would be useful. $20.00 would go towards local community and $5 to Safe Communities. It was suggested that every member receive a reversible sticker for his or her place of business (like Chamber sticker). We will discuss further at future LT meetings. iv) Thoughts from the Floor – October 1, 2014 is Safe Communities Day. We will be submitting a ¼ page advertisement in Wellington Advertiser – We are submitting both a press release and a PSA. • October 19 – 25 is National Teen Driver Safety Week – Wellington County will be proclaiming October 19 – 25 as Teen Driver Safety Week for Wellington County. Mock signing picture of proclamation will be taken next Thursday. Gary will be pitching Safe Communities as an Ad-­‐Hok committee to ensure continued funding • Glenna asked if our minutes are sent to local councils – Gary will bring forward. • Bob suggested we provide information about toady’s meeting to media 7. Adjournment The group was adjourned at 11:45 a.m. The Next Leadership Table meeting is scheduled for November 20, 2014 at 8 a.m. (Priority Advisory Groups) and 9:30 a.m. (Leadership Table) at the Aboyne OPP Detachment. •