Help Joplin Recover

The City of Arnold has been contacted by Joplin asking for help.  The Meramec/Arnold Elks are sending a truck down on Thursday, May 26 with emergency supplies.  They are looking for blankets, bottled water and monetary donations. The Meramec/Arnold Elks Lodge is located at 1515 Miller Road, Imperial. Phone: 636-464-8960 for more information.

 The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross has opened a shelter in Joplin at Missouri Southern State University, Young Gymn, 3950 East newman Road. Joplin residents are being encouraged to register on the American Red Cross "Safe and Well" web site to let family and friends know how they are. If you wish to check on loved ones who may have registered on this site, log on to the American Red Cross web site at www.redcross.org. Then click on the "List yourself as safe and well" link wnich will provide you with information on how to find someone who has registered on the list.
Donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. You can donate by calling 1-800-REDCROSS, mail your donation to American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington DC 20013, or make a secure online donation by visiting www.redcross.org.

May 16, 2011Meeting Minutes

Jefferson County Community Forum

May 16, 2011Meeting Minutes

Date: May 16, 2011

Attending:

Meredith McCarthy, Jefferson County Library-Arnold /Chairperson

Samantha Richards, Children’s Division/Forum Secretary

Erin Benz, DRA

Molly Pfeiffer, Jefferson County Library-Northwest Branch

Karen Gibson, Comtrea

Paulette Hensley, JFCAC

Mary Beth Ottinger, Experience Jefferson County

Missy Walden, LSEN

Lynn Stephan, American Cancer Society

Debby Campbell, Get Healthy Desoto

Jessica Rhodes, JCCP

Next: Meeting: June 20, 2011

Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm

Where: Viking Annex

Introductions: Welcome to Jefferson County Community Forum.

Minute Approval: April 2011 minutes approved.

Blog for Forum is http://jeffcoforum.blogspot.com

Jefferson County Library-Arnold, Meredith McCarthy distributed flyers regarding What’s happening at your library. What’s happening at your library?, flyer is events happening at the Arnold Branch. Calendar of events can be located at www.jeffersoncountylibrary.org. She stated that there is going to be a AARP Driver’s safety. The class will be on 6-4 at 9am, $12 for AARP members, and $14 for non members, contact Myra Hill. She stated that there will be a Marketing Your Business Website class on 6-10 99:30am or 6-29 at 6:30pm to help you use a search engine to bring more traffic to your website. She stated that there is a Summer Reading Program from June 1-July 30. Read 5 books and get a small prize! Contact Amy Held at 636-296-2204 for more information. Contact Meredith McCarthy at 636-296-5171 for more information.

Jefferson County Library-High Ridge Molly Pfeiffer distributed flyers about Job Now Demo which is a hands on demo of using Job Now online job/resume date base on 6-6 at 6pm, call to register. She stated that there is going to be a AARP Driver’s safety. The class will be on 6-4 at 9am, $12 for AARP members, and $14 for non members. She stated that there will be a Author’s Day to let any aspiring or published authors on 7-23. Contact Molly at 636-677-8186 for more information.

MEAAA, Stephanie Paul distributed flyers on Jefferson County Housing Task Force created the Jefferson County Mortgage Crisis brochure. Free assistance is available for Jefferson County Residents facing foreclosure or unable to make mortgage payments call 877-422-3043 for help. MEAAA is helping link those age 55 or older up to free blind/low vision services with Rehabilitation Services for the Blind. For more info call 800-592-6004 You can contact Stephanie at 636-933-1347 for more information.

Disability Resource Assoc., Erin Benz reported that DRA will be hosting a Trivia Night at Jefferson Regional Medical Center on May 14th. Contact Carolyn Hurt for more information at 636-931-7696.

JFCAC, Paulette Hensley stated that they are taking applications for Head Start, Early Head Start and Weatherization. She stated that they are doing a county wide good drive ‘Jefferson County Huger Task Force’ on July 30^th if you are interested in volunteering call 636-789-2686 x 117. She stated that the Energy Crisis Program is beginning June 1^st. Families must have a disconnect on their electric bill and be income eligible. Contact Paulette at 636-789-2686 for more information.

JCCP, Jessica Rhodes distributed flyers on the Children’s Trust Fund ‘License to Care’ Program. JCCP is the Jefferson County Partners. She discussed that Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems is sponsoring a food drive and collecting diapers, toilet paper, baby wipes and toiletry items through the end of May. Contact Jessica at 636-464-5144 ex 20 for more information.

Comtrea, Karen Gibson distributed a flyer regarding an Open Door for Mental Health Services for Older Adults. Contact Karen at 636-931-2700 x 1207 for more information.

American Cancer Society, Lynn Stephan distributed the Where to Turn brochure on the kids of services that the American Cancer Society has to offer. She stated that Jefferson Regional Medical Center is offering free yoga classes for cancer survivors on the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of the month at 7:30 in the conference center at the hospital. Call 636-933-5757 for more information. Lynn can be contacted at 314-286-8165 for more information.

Legal Services, Missy Waldman stated that they are taking referrals for children, pregnant women and families with problems accessing MO Health Net or FSD Eligibility. Call 314-256-8767.

Get Healthy Desoto, Debby Campbell distributed flyers on the Get Healthy Desoto News letter. She distributed brochures of the Desoto’s Farmer’s Market. It is every Saturday from 8am-12 at 1004 Rock Rd in Desoto. She stated that they are selling Desoto Farmer’s Market Cookbooks for $15.00. Contact Debby for more information at 636-586-4570.

Children’s Division, Samantha Richards stated that she will no longer be able to be the secretary due to a job change. Mary Beth Ottinger stated that some from the college could help out with this in the future!

Submitted by Secretary,

Samantha Richards

April 18, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Jefferson County Community Forum

April 18, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Date: April 18, 2011

Attending:

Meredith McCarthy, Jefferson County Library-Arnold /Chairperson

Samantha Richards, Children’s Division/Forum Secretary

Erin Benz, DRA

Molly Pfeiffer, Jefferson County Library-Northwest Branch

Stephanie Paul- MEAAA

Karen Gibson, Comtrea

Nikki Weinstein, National Children’s Study

Melissa Grimes, JFCAC

Next: Meeting: May 16, 2011

Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm

Where: Viking Annex

Introductions: Welcome to Jefferson County Community Forum.

Minute Approval: March 2011 minutes approved.

Blog for Forum is http://jeffcoforum.blogspot.com

Jefferson County Library-Arnold, Meredith McCarthy distributed flyers regarding What’s happening at your library. What’s happening at your library?, flyer is events happening at the Arnold Branch. Calendar of events can be located at www.jeffersoncountylibrary.org. She distributed a flyer with the new demographic statistics for the 2010 census. She stated that there are Book Club Kits available; you can check out 8 books at a time for your personal book discussion, contact Myra Hill. Contact Meredith McCarthy at 636-296-5171 for more information.

MEAAA, Stephanie Paul distributed flyers for a Caregiver Retreat on April 29^th from 10am-2:30pm at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She distributed a flyer on Housing Foreclosure, Prevention Help and Resources. You can call Jefferson County Housing Task Force at 877-422-9043 to speak with a HUD certified housing counselor. Stephanie distributed a fly for a fundraiser event for Alzheimer’s Association. Striking out Alzheimer’s Event will be at Fandango’s Sports Bar& Grill on April 28^th at 6pm. A $10 donation includes food. She stated that they are taking referrals for Rehab services for the Blind and for the Center for Hearing & Speech. You can contact Stephanie at 636-933-1347 for more information.

Disability Resource Assoc., Erin Benz reported that DRA will be hosting a Trivia Night at Jefferson Regional Medical Center on May 14th. Contact Carolyn Hurt for more information at 636-931-7696.

JFCAC, Melissa Grimes stated that they have about 80 FSS participants and 5 home ownerships. She stated that the waiting list for housing and energy assistance has closed. Contact Melissa at 636-789-2686 x132 for more information.

National Chidren’s Study, Nikki Weinstein stated that the NCS will begin enrolling women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant in Jefferson County in 2012. The pilot has started in St.Louis and has about 45 women enrolled. They are excited to take what they have learned in St. Louis to help Jefferson County study. You can get more information at http://gateway.nationalchildren’sstudy.gov or contact Nikki at 314-880-3640.

Comtrea, Karen Gibson distributed a flyer regarding an Open Door for Mental Health Services for Older Adults. Contact Karen at 636-931-2700 x 1207 for more information.

Submitted by Secretary,

Samantha Richards

March 21, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Jefferson County Community Forum

March 21, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Date: March 21, 2011

Attending:

Meredith McCarthy, Jefferson County Library-Arnold /Chairperson

Samantha Richards, Children’s Division/Forum Secretary

Debby Campbell, Get Healthy Desoto/Co-Chair

Erin Benz, DRA

Susie Davis, Alzheimer’s Association

Pam Branson, JCDDRB

Molly Pfeiffer, Jefferson County Library-Northwest Branch

Stephanie Pau,- MEAAA

LeAnn Henry, Community Member

Dale Chambers, American Red Cross

Paulette Hensley, JFCAC

Sandy Nappier, Jefferson College WIA Youth

Jeanne Haselhorst, Community Member

Diane Hetlek, Community Member

Next: Meeting: April 18, 2011

Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm

Where: Viking Annex

Introductions: Welcome to Jefferson County Community Forum.

Minute Approval: February 2011 minutes approved.

Blog for Forum is http://jeffcoforum.blogspot.com

Jefferson County Library-Arnold, Meredith McCarthy distributed flyers regarding What’s happening at your library. What’s happening at your library?, flyer is events happening at the Arnold Branch. Calendar of events can be located at www.jeffersoncountylibrary.org. She discussed JobNow is a new online resource for job searchers. Training on 4-4 at 2pm on interviewing and 4-7 at 7pm on Resumes. Contact Meredith McCarthy at 636-296-5171 for more information.

Jefferson County Library- Northwest, Molly Pfeiffer reported that the library now has a JobNow Database. There will be a training on 4-4-11 and 4-7-11 about JobNow to learn about job coaching, interview tips,e ct. Call Molly at 636-677-8186 for more information. Molly stated that there will be several programs during Money Smart Week. Surviving Unemployment on 4-4 at 6pm, Surviving Financial Setbacks on 4-5 at 1:30pm, Travel on a Budget on 4-7 at 2pm, and Safeguard your Savings on 4-9 at 9am. Call Molly at 636-677-8186 for more information

Get Healthy Desoto, Debby Campbell reported that the Desoto Farmers Market will be open for a Bedding Plant Sale on April 23 and 30^th at 8am-12 and the grand opening is May 7^th! She reported that there will be a fundraiser starting April 23. The fundraiser is a cook book from the Desoto Farmer’s Market called Cook Fresh. Advance orders are $12 and opening day is$15. There will be a Dinner and Show fundraiser on April 15^th at 6:30pm at Ball Creek Bowl in Desoto. It will include a full dinner and a show by the Desoto Famer’s Market Musicians. Advance tickets are $20 and that day tickets are $25. Get Healthy Desoto Golf Tournament Fundraiser is on May 13^th at Rain Tree. It will be 280.00 for a 4 person scramble, dinner is included. Contact Debby for more information at 636-586-4570.

Disability Resource Assoc., Erin Benz reported that DRA is beginning a new youth gourp feared toward adolescents (grades 7-12) with disabilities. Contact Erin for more information at 636-931-7696.

Alzheimer’s Association, Susie Davis distributed a information on a training to learn about the Basic’s of Alzheimer’s on 4-6-11 at 5-7pm. She discussed Care Consultation Day on 3-24 at 10am. She discussed Alzheimer support groups. Contact Katie Mclean at 314-801-0419 for more information.

JCDDRB, Pam Branson reported that there will be an All Ability Expo on March 5, 2011 from 10am until 2pm. It will be at Fox C-6 Service Center 849 Jeffo Blvd, Arnold. Lots of events going on at the Expo.

Jefferson College WIA Youth, Sandy Nappier reported there are jobs for youth 17-21 at State Parks Youth Corps. She reported that there will be a job fair on April 2 at Route 66 form 10-2pm. She reported that WIA Youth helps with job and education for youth 16-21 and that there are 200 slots open. Contact Sandy or Char Johnston at 1-800-292-1314 or 636-797-3000 ex 156.

American Red Cross, Dale Chambers stated that there will be a blood drive at the Arnold office on April 5 from 2:30-5:30 and that other drives can be located on the website at www.redcrossblood.org. Contact Dale for more information 636-49-9150.

JFCAC, Paulette Hensley reported on the Jefferson County Community Empowerment Education Committee. There is a Google group and family health & education fair to collect donations for school supplies. She reported on Step up to Leadership; classes are being held at Arnold Career Center. Participants learn about how to participate in community meetings. JFACA is accepting applications for weatherization, head start, early head start and energy assistance. Contact Paulette for more information at 636-789-2686.

Submitted by Secretary,

Samantha Richards

February 28, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Jefferson County Community Forum

February 28, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Date: February 28, 2011

Attending:

Meredith McCarthy, Jefferson County Library-Arnold /Chairperson

Samantha Richards, Children’s Division/Forum Secretary

Debby Campbell, Get Healthy Desoto/Co-Chair

Erin Benz, DRA

Susie Davis, Alzheimer’s Association

Jessica Rhodes, JCCP

Cathy Vaisvil, United Way 211

Missy Waldman, Legal Services of Eastern MO

Pam Branson, JCDDRB

Next: Meeting: March 21, 2011

Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm

Where: Viking Annex

Introductions: Welcome to Jefferson County Community Forum.

Minute Approval: January 2010 minutes approved.

Blog for Forum is http://jeffcoforum.blogspot.com

Jefferson County Library-Arnold, Meredith McCarthy distributed flyers regarding What’s happening at your library.  What’s happening at your library?, flyer is events happening at the Arnold Branch.  Calendar of events can be located at www.jeffersoncountylibrary.org.  She discussed AARP driver safety course on 3-11-11 to learn defensive driving skills.  Contact Myra Hill for more information.  She discussed Money Smart Week/Month.  On 4-8-11 Pay Yourself First and 4-18-11 Safeguard Your Savings.  The library had federal tax forms, MO-PTC (circuit breaker) for free other MO tax forms are $.20 a page.  Contact Meredith McCarthy at 636-296-5171 for more information.

Get Healthy Desoto, Debby Campbell reported that the Desoto Farmers Market will be open for a Bedding Plant Sale on April 23 and 30^th at 8am-12 and the grand opening is May 7^th!   She reported that there will be a fundraiser starting April 23.  The fundraiser is a cook book from the Desoto Farmer’s Market called Cook Fresh.  Advance orders are $12 and opening day is$15.  There will be a Dinner and Show fundraiser on April 15^th at 6:30pm at Ball Creek Bowl in Desoto.  It will include a full dinner and a show by the Desoto Famer’s Market Musicians.  Advance tickets are $20 and that day tickets are $25.  Contact Debby for more information at 636-586-4570.

Disability Resource Assoc., Erin Benz reported that DRA will be attending the 10^th annual Disability Rights Legislative Day in Jefferson City at the state capital on March 9^th .  DRA will be providing transportation for those interested.  Contact Erin for more information at 636-931-7696.

Alzheimer’s Association, Susie Davis distributed a Boucher; Imagine: A world with out Alzheimer’s disease.  She discussed Care Consultation Day and Alzheimer support groups.  Contact Katie Mclean at 314-432-3422 for more information. 

Legal Services of Eastern Mo, Missy Waldman discussed MO Health Net Medicaid. She gave updates on the MHD for incontinent supplies for age 21 and older.  She also reported that the FAMIS computer glitch cut off a large number of Medicaid clients in February 2011.  Contact Missy at 314-256-8767 for more information.

United Way 211, Cathy Vaisvil reported that they are having a lot of calls for Tax Assistance.  She reported that they are giving out numbers to people who do taxes for free to people who qualify.  Call 211 or 800-427-4626 for more information.

JCDDRB, Pam Branson reported that there will be an All Ability Expo on March 5, 2011 from 10am until 2pm.  It will be at Fox C-6 Service Center 849 Jeffo Blvd, Arnold.  Lots of events going on at the Expo. 

JCCP, Jessica Rhodes distributed handouts for the Give Kids a Smile Program.  Applications are due ASAP for dental assistance for kids age 5-18.  Contact Jessica at 636-464-5144 ex 20.  She discussed the Jefferson County Volunteer Banquet that will be on April 28, contact Sophie Emery at 636-464-5144 ex 13 for more information.  She discussed the Parenting Network program for parents of children 0-3, income guidelines apply.  Contact Cristina Kreutz at 636-464-5144 ex 14 for more information.

Submitted by Secretary,

Samantha Richards

January 24, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Jefferson County Community Forum
January 24, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Date: January 24, 2011

Attending:
Meredith McCarthy, Jefferson County Library-Arnold /Chairperson
Samantha Richards, Children’s Division/Forum Secretary
Debby Campbell, Get Healthy Desoto/Co-Chair
John Clark, St. Louis Regional Office
Tim Owens, Health Care USA
Charline Johnston,WIA Jefferson College
Molly Pfeiffer, Jefferson County Library-High Ridge
Erin Benz, DRA
Paulette Hensly, JFCAC
Mike Runyon, Townsend Heating & Cooling
Gregory Kehr, Townsend Heating & Cooling
Susie Davis, Alzheimer’s Association
Jessica Rhodes, JCCP

Next: Meeting: February 28, 2011

Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm

Where: Library Room 203

Introductions: Welcome to Jefferson County Community Forum.
Minute Approval: November 2010 minutes approved.
Blog for Forum is http://jeffcoforum.blogspot.com

Jefferson County Library-Arnold, Meredith McCarthy distributed flyers regarding What’s happening at your library.  What’s happening at your library?, flyer is events happening at the Arnold Branch.  Calendar of events can be located at www.jeffersoncountylibrary.org.  She distributed cards regarding a Info quest Text Reference.  Text a question along with JCL to 66746 to get an answer within minutes.  Contact Meredith McCarthy at 636-296-5171 for more information.

Jefferson County Library-High Ridge Molly Pfeiffer distributed flyers about Basic Computer classes on 2-16,17,23, & 24th at 2pm, registration required.  There will be a driver safety class on 2-5-11 from 9-1pm.  The class cost $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members.  She reported that there is a craft club every Tuesday at 1p, a card club every Monday at 10am and an exercise class every Monday and Wednesday at 9am. Contact Molly at 636-677-8186 for more information.

Get Healthy Desoto, Debby Campbell reported there is a Healthy Lunch and Learn regarding Identity Theft on 2-9-11 at noon at St. Andrews UMC cost is $7.00.  She reported that the Desoto Farmers Market will be open for a Bedding Plant Sale on April 23 and 30th at 8am-12 and the grand opening is May 7th! Contact Debby for more information at 636-586-4570.

Disability Resource Assoc., Erin Benz reported that DRA will be attending the 10th annual Disability Rights Legislative Day in Jefferson City at the state capital.  DRA will be providing transportation for those interested.  Contact Erin for more information at 636-931-7696.

WIA Youth Program, Char Johnston reported on a Certified Nurse Assistant (CAN) classes call 636-797-300 ex 461 for more information. She reported on WIA Youth Employment opportunity.  She reported that they are currently taking applications.  Contact Char at cjohnst3@jeffco.edu or Sandy Nappier at snappier@jeffco.edu for more information. 

Alzheimer’s Association, Susie Davis distributed a Boucher; Imagine: A world with out Alzheimer’s disease.  Contact Katie Mclean at 314-432-3422 for more information. 


Submitted by Secretary,
Samantha Richards

November 15, 2010 Meeting Minutes

Jefferson County Community Forum

November 15, 2010 Meeting Minutes
Date: November 15, 2010

Attending:

Meredith McCarthy, Jefferson County Library-Arnold /Chairperson
Samantha Richards, Children’s Division/Forum Secretary
Dale Chambers, American Red Cross
Debby Campbell, Get Healthy Desoto
Sandy Nappier, WIA Youth
Peggy Jones, St. Louis Regional Office
Pam Branson, JCDDRB
Cathy Vaisvil, United Way 211
Phyllis Hicks, United Way 211
Daphne Terrill, Health Care USA
Barbara Flesh, Jefferson College
Betty Seeley, Ret. Ch. Juvenile Officer
Stephanie Paul, MEAAA
Molly Pfeiffer, Jefferson County Library-High Ridge
David Martin, Hillsboro Ministerial Alliance
Mira Tanna, Equal Housing Opportunity Council

Next: Meeting: January 24, 2010


Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm

Where: Viking Annex

Introductions: Welcome to Jefferson County Community Forum.

Minute Approval: October 2010 minutes approved.

Blog for Forum is http://jeffcoforum.blogspot.com


2011 Officers
Chair- Meredith McCarthy
Co-Chair- Debbie Campbell
Secretary - Samantha Richards


Jefferson County Library-Arnold, Meredith McCarthy distributed flyers regarding What’s happening at your library. What’s happening at your library?, flyer is events happening at the Arnold Branch. Calendar of events can be located at http://www.jeffersoncountylibrary.org/. Visit the website and click on Job Seeking Resource Banner to get resources for the unemployed. A free Interview Tips Webinar will be on
December 1st at 2pm to help you ace a job interview. Contact Meredith McCarthy at 636-296-5171 for more information.

Jefferson County Library-High Ridge Molly Pfeiffer distributed flyers about Computer classes for MS Publisher, intro to Craigslist. She reported that they are currently looking for volunteers at the Library! She reported that the Northwest branch is now a passport agency. Contact Molly at 636-677-8186 for more information.

American Red Cross, Dale Chambers stated that if you need Emergency Preparedness information go to www.redcrossstl.org. There will be a Community Hero CPR Training on November 13th at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. The cost is $10.00 (normally $47) go to www.redcross.org to register.
WIA Youth, Sandy Nappier WIA Youth is accepting applications to help with career/college planning ages 16-21. Contact Sandy Nappier for more information at 636-287-8909.

Get Healthy Desoto, Debby Campbell reported there will be a Christmas Home Tour Fundraiser on November 27th from 9:30 – 3:00pm. Tickets are $15.00 in advanced or $17.00 at the door. Debby reported that the Better Body Challenge starts on January 20th at 5:00om. There is a Healthy Lunch and Learn regarding Identity Theft on 12-8-10 at noon at St. Andrews UMC cost is $7.00. Contact Debby for more information at 636-586-4570.

Equal Housing Opportunity Council, Mira Tanna distributed a survey regarding equal housing in Jefferson County. She distributed flyers regarding Fair Housing for Everyone. If you need additional information contact Mira at 314-534-5800 x7016.

MEAAA, Stephanie Paul distributed flyers regarding Medicare Plan finders; it helps seniors compare Medicare drug plans to ensure they are in the most affordable plan. She distributed flyers on Prescription Cost Help; help screen and assist with applications for MORx and LIS both prescription assistance programs for Medicare Part D low income beneficiaries. She also distributed handouts on Jeffco Empowerment on Google groups; professionals in Jefferson County can share resources, services and events with others. Email jeffcoempowerment+subscribe@googlegroups.com to join. Contact Stephanie at 636-933-1347 for more information.

United Way 211, Phyllis Hicks distributed hand out on the quarterly report. She reported that the top 3 needed request that came to 211 from Jefferson County in October was: 1. Electricity Service Payment (123 calls), 2. Rent payment (20 calls), 3. Gas service payment (16 calls).
Submitted by Secretary,

Samantha Richards