Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Meeting Minutes - June 16, 2014



Jefferson County Community Forum –Minutes
June 16, 2014


In Attendance:

Amy Baum, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Jefferson County
Sara Dee, Disabilities Resource Association
Josh Henry, Jefferson County Library – Arnold
Amy Kester, CASA of Jefferson County
Sandy Meyer, Jefferson County Health Department
Stephanie Paul, Mid-East Area Agency on Aging
Molly Pfeiffer, Jefferson County Library - Northwest


General discussion led by Molly –
·         There will be no meeting in July
·         Online poll results indicate busy schedules and long drives are obstacles to meeting attendance
·         Bringing in guest speakers or having attendees make presentations remain options
·         Majority of responders say an online/Facebook presence is desirable.  Facebook page can be established during July, then use evaluated at August meeting
·         One possibility is to alternate in-person meetings one month with online meetings the next.  Another is to hold meetings in-person and online jointly, using Skype or Google tools


Molly Pfeiffer:
·         Summer Reading Program – Now through July 31.  See scanned flyer for schedule of events.
·         AARP Driver Safety Training Course – Tues 7/8, 10am-2:30pm.  $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members.  Some insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who complete this course.  Healthy lunch provided by Jilly’s Too CafĂ©, suggested contribution $3.25.  Sign-up required, 636-677-8186, mpfeiffer@jeffcolib.org
·         Herbs and Culture of the Ozarks – Mon 6/23, 6:30pm.  Lindenwood professor will discuss herbology, the study of local herbs and their uses.  Sign-up requested, 636-677-8186


Sandy Meyer:
·         Smiles to Go Mobile Dental Clinic – Dental care for children ages 3-18, on-site at schools at daycares.  See scanned flyer, application, and schedule for more information.  Laura Becker, 636-633-6255
·         Freedom from Smoking    Smoking cessation classes offered by Jefferson County Health Dept. and Mercy Jefferson.  7-week support-based program to help quit smoking successfully.  Various dates/times.  Cassie Miller, 636-797-3737 x268
·         Well Women Program –  Refer to scanned items
·         Car Seats for Babies –  Booster seats for $15, car seats $25 cash.  Donna Cummings, 636-797-3737 x127


Stephanie Paul:
·         Living a Healthy LIfe – 6 weeks Weds 7/9-8/13, 9-11:30am.  De Soto Senior Center, 13227 State Rd E, 63020.  Free 6 week workshop for managing chronic diseases.  Eligibility based on age, registration required, space is limited.  Future workshops at other locations.  For future classes and to volunteer, call Sarah Levinson, 636-207-0847.  Register, 636-337-7578
·         De Soto Senior Center – All Jefferson County senior centers seeking volunteers to assist with home-delivered meals and center activities.  Cindy Hunt, 636-337-7578
·         Jefferson County Senior Response Team – 3rd Wed each month, NW Senior Resource Center, 6180 Hwy MM, House Springs.  9-10:30am.  7/9 – Speakers Tammy Scott and Terri Roche, VA Caregiver Support Program.  Questions?  Stephanie Paul, 636-253-0558, spaul@mid-eastaaa.org


Sara Dee:
  • Jefferson County Health and Education Fair – Fri 8/1, Jefferson College Field House.  School supplies for qualified, pre-registered children, along with vision, hearing, and dental screenings, haircuts.  Register by 6/27.  For information and to register, call DRA, 636-931-7696, or Jefferson Franklin Community Action, 636-789-2686.  sarad@disabilityresourceassociation.org


Amy Baum:
·         CASA trains and supports volunteers to advocate for children in foster care and child welfare systems.  Volunteers undergo screening, background checks, and 5 weeks of training.  Once sworn in as officer of the court and assigned a child in foster care, volunteers work 1 to 2 years with child, caseworkers, and juvenile officers with the goal of finding the child a safe, permanent home.  Volunteers write court reports and recommendations.  See more details in scanned documents.  www.jeffersoncountycasa.org


Josh Henry:
·         Summer Reading Program – Now through July 31.  For kids and teens.  Read 5 books (kids) and 3 books (teens) to win a prize, read more books for more prizes.  Reading logs available at all Jefferson County library branches
·         Arnold Library O.T.A.K.U. - Adult Anime Club – Wed 6/25, 7-8:30pm.  Watch Japanese animation on the big screen in the library meeting room on the last Wed of every month.  Must be 18 to participate.  Register, 636-296-5171, jhenry@jeffcolib.org
·         Sewing Class – Wed 7/16, 6-8pm.  Making a wallet.  Sewing machine required, supply list available in the library.  Library has limited number of sewing machines available.  Register, 636-296-5171

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Meeting Minutes - May 19, 2014



Jefferson County Community Forum – Minutes
May 19, 2014


In Attendance:

Sara Dee, Disabilities Resource Association
Josh Henry, Jefferson County Library, Arnold
Molly Pfeiffer, Jefferson County Library, Northwest


At the beginning of the meeting, Molly distributed a forum members’ poll for review, to discuss options for changing meeting times and formats.  After group discussion in the meeting, the poll will be posted online for members to submit.


Molly Pfeiffer:
  • Summer Reading Programs – 6/2 through 7/31.  Fizz! Boom! Read! for kids, Spark a Reaction for teens.  Read books, win prizes!  See scanned flyers for events.  Programs require advance registration, 636-677-8186
  • Beginning Computer Classes – Tues 6/17, Wed 6/18, Tues 6/24, Wed 6/25.  Each class has a handbook. $3 per handbook required when signing up for classes.  Details and registration at the Information Desk, or call 636-677-8186
  • June Programs – see scanned flyer

Josh Henry:
  • Author Visit – Sat 5/24, 10am-12pm.  Local author Jessica Munzlinger will introduce her novel Mercy’s Grace: Discoveries, to be followed this summer by Mercy’s Grace: Revelations.  Copies available for purchase and signing.  Find more information at www.facebook.com/mercysgraceseries

Sara Dee:
  • Jefferson County Health and Education Fair – Fri 8/1, Jefferson College Field House.  School supplies for qualified, pre-registered children, along with vision, hearing, and dental screenings, haircuts.  Register by 6/27.  For information and to register, call DRA, 636-931-7696, or Jefferson Franklin Community Action, 636-789-2686.  sarad@disabilityresourceassociation.org


Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Meeting Minutes - April 21, 2014



Jefferson County Community Forum – Minutes
April 21, 2014


In Attendance:

Jeff Bogue, Probation and Parole
Sara Dee, Disabilities Resource Association
Josh Henry, Jefferson County Library, Arnold
Molly Pfeiffer, Jefferson County Library, Northwest
Kristine Ruth, Probation and Parole
Missy Waldman, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri


At the beginning of the meeting, ideas for increasing attendance and collaborating online were discussed, including:
  • changing meeting times and formats, with the possibility of meeting every other month, or skipping 1 to 2 months between meetings,
  • using an online calendar such as through JOIN-N that members could update with their events,
  • conducting meetings online,
  • emailing former forum attendees to encourage participation, and
  • increasing publicity.

Molly will create a poll to send out to forum members to explore some of these ideas and options.


Molly Pfeiffer:
  • Online Bullying – Wed 4/23, 6:30pm.  Cyberbullying can affect all ages.  An intellectual property attorney will discuss ending intimidation and getting materials removed from online.  Register, 636-677-8186, mpfeiffer@jeffcolib.org
  • AARP Safe Driving – Tues 5/13, 10am-2pm.  $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members.  Some insurance companies offer discounts for completing course.  Sign-up required, 636-677-8186
  • Health Series – Managing Diabetes, Wed 5/7, 6-7pm.  Managing Thyroid Health, Wed 5/21, 6-7pm.  Sign-up required, 636-677-8186

from Sophie Emery, Jefferson County Community Partnership:
  • A Night of Comedy – Sat, 5/3, doors 6pm.  The Pastime Club, 5557 Hwy 61/67, Imperial, 63052.  $25 ticket for meal and entertainment.  Differing levels of sponsorship available (see flyer).  Desser raffle, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and lots of laughs!  Proceeds benefits JCCP.  www.jccp.org

Missy Waldman:
  • Advocates for Family Health is an ombudsman for Medicare and Medicaid, helping with issues of access and termination, and assists with ACA issues.  Call for help, 1-800-444-0514 x1251 or 314-534-1263, 314-534-4200, www.lsem.org

Sara Dee:
  • Back to School Fair – 8/1, Jefferson College Field House.  School supplies for children, along with vision, hearing, and dental screenings, haircuts.  More information and flyer closer to date of event.  636-931-7696, sarad@disabilityresourceassociation.org

Josh Henry:
  • Companion Planting and Crop Rotation for the Organic Gardener – Wed 5/7, 6pm-8pm.  Growing certain vegetables and herbs together can improve both plant performance and soil.  Register, 636-296-5171
  • Free Gardener’s Seed and Plant Exchange – Sat, 5/17, 9:30am-11am.  Share your extra bulbs, plants, and seeds along with knowledge and love of gardening.  Free, with no buying and selling.  636-296-5171
  • Exploring Vegetarian and Vegan Cooking – Mon, 5/19, 6-8pm.  Recipes for vegetables as a main dish.  Learn how to add more vegetables to your diet and plan healthy meal options.  636-296-5171

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Meeting Minutes - March 17, 2014



Jefferson County Community Forum – Minutes
March 17, 2014


In Attendance:

Josh Henry, Jefferson County Library, Arnold
Sandy Nappier, Jefferson College
Doug Over, Double Eagle Associates
Molly Pfeiffer, Jefferson County Library, Northwest
Laraime Welshon, Hillsboro community member


Molly Pfeiffer:
  • Money Smart Week – Wed 4/9, 6:30pm - Smart Credit Use and Getting Out of Debt.  Thurs 4/10, 7pm – Small Business Financial Education.  Fri 4/11, 10am – Identity Theft Protection.  Register, 636-677-8186, mpfeiffer@jeffcolib.org
  • Online Bullying – Wed 4/23, 6:30pm.  Cyberbullying can affect all ages.  An intellectual property attorney will discuss ending intimidation and getting materials removed from online.  Register, 636-677-8186, mpfeiffer@jeffcolib.org
  • Local Authors Book Signing – Mon 4/14, 6:30pm.  Chat with and get a book signed by two local up-and-coming authors, Joe Schwartz and John F.D. Taff.  Both authors are from Jefferson County and are making waves in the literary world


Josh Henry:
  • Book Your Adventure! Adult Reading Program – Now through Sat 4/26.  Pick up your reading passport and read 4 books and be entered to win 1 of 4 grand prize drawings.  Keep reading for more chances to win.  First 100 readers receive a prize
  • Friends of the Library Book Sale – Thurs 4/10, 4-8pm.  Preview night, $5.  Fri 4/11, 10am-5pm.  Sat 4/12, 10am-3pm.  Proceeds benefit Arnold Friends of the Library
  • Money Smart Week – Mon 4/7, 7pm – Beware of Identity Theft.  Thurs 4/10, 7pm- Small Business Prospecting, Looking for the Sales.  Fri 4/11, 11am – Getting out of Debt and the Wise Use of Credit.  Register, 636-296-5171


Sandy Nappier:
  • Jeffco Aspiring Student Scholar Institute (JASSI) – Mon 3/31 through Thurs 5/8.  Individuals interested in returning to college may apply for the JASSI program, an intensive 6 week course designed to increase foundational skills in an effort to improve COMPASS test scores.  $25.00 application fee for new students, otherwise, no cost.  Contact Laura Klaus, 636.481.3524, lklaus1@jeffco.edu  to apply or obtain additional information
  • Applications for the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Program are being accepted for summer employment and other youth program services.  Must be between the ages of 16-21 to apply.  Call 636.287.8909, ext. 262 to request application.  Contact:  Char Linhorst, 636.287.8909, ext. 262 or Sandy Nappier, 314.808.6829


Doug Over’s presentation:
  • Jefferson County Military Families Support Network (JCMFSN) supports local members of the military, both active and inactive veterans.  Activities calendar includes events such as drill weekend, feeding at Armory at Festus for training and deployments.  Other support includes home repair projects for families of deployed spouses and exhibitions at parades and fairs.  April is the Month of the Military Child, May is Military Family Month.  www.jeffcomilitaryfamilies.org
  • Financial Leadership Academy teaches people how to control their money instead of being controlled by it.  Offers a financial literacy program through web-based and DVD learning, group events, 1-on-1 mentoring, and sessions in workplaces and churches.  www.icontrolmymoney.org
  • Common Sense Companies contributes to the community with help with veteran’s pensions and dealing with the VA; final expense trusts for setting aside money tax-free for funeral expenses, in addition to and in combination with estate planning; college solutions to fund education, with a consultation to offer information; and life insurance review.  www.commonsensecompanies.com

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Meeting Minutes - February 24, 2014



Jefferson County Community Forum - Minutes
February 24, 2014


In Attendance:

Sophie Emery, Jefferson County Community Partnership
Josh Henry, Jefferson County Library, Arnold
Patty Lagermann, Jefferson County Library, Windsor
Charline Linhorst, WIA Youth Program
Doug Over, Double Eagle Associates
Molly Pfeiffer, Jefferson County Library, Northwest
Kristine Ruth, Probation and Parole
Mary Tinsley, Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer’s Office
Missy Waldman, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri


Molly Pfeiffer:
  • AARP Drivers Safety – Tues, 3/11, 10am-2pm.  Some insurance companies will give a discount upon completion.  $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members.  Sign-up required.  Register, 636-677-8186, mpfeiffer@jeffcolib.org
  • Movies at the Library – Wed, 3/5, 10:30am- Eat, Pray, Love.  Mon, 3/24, 6:30pm- Frozen (Sign-up required).  Tues, 3/25, 6:30pm- The Muppets Take Manhattan
  • March Teen Programs – Origami – Sat, 3/1, 11am.  Teen Art Club, Tues, 3/11 & 3/25, 7pm.  Bring sketchpad.  Teen Game Time – Thurs, 3/6 & 3/20, 3:30-5:30pm. 

Josh Henry:
  • Book Your Adventure!  2014 Arnold Branch Adult Reading Program -  Mon, 3/3 – Sat, 4/26.  Get your reading passport, and read 4 books to be entered in the 4 grand prize drawings.  Read more titles for more chances to win.  The first 100 entrants to read 4 books receive prizes.  Ages 18 and up.

Sophie Emery:
  • A Night of Comedy – Sat, 5/3, doors 6pm.  The Pastime Club, 5557 Hwy 61/67, Imperial, 63052.  $25 ticket for meal and entertainment.  Differing levels of sponsorship available (see flyer).  Desser raffle, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and lots of laughs!  Proceeds benefits JCCP.  www.jccp.org

Missy Waldman:
  • Advocates for Family Health unit is available to assist with Medicaid and Affordable Care Act applications and issues.  Call for help, 1-800-444-0514 x1251 or 314-534-1263, 314-534-4200, www.lsem.org

Kristine Ruth:
  • Here to gather information to take back to clients

Doug Over:
  • Jefferson County Military Support Network – Providing strength and resilience for military families.  See scanned flyers included with minutes for details and activities
  • AARP Drivers Safety – Various dates and locations in March; see flyer.  Reduce car insurance costs.  $15 for members, $20 for non-members.  Call for information, 636-296-0535

Char Linhorst:
  • Benefit Dinner and Concert – Sat, 3/29, doors 6pm.  Missisippi River Eagles, 330 Bailey Rd, Crystal City, 63019.  Catered dinner, music by Tumbleweed.  Silent auction and 50/50 drawing.  $25 per person.  In support of Jefferson County Health and Education Fair, proceeds go to purchasing school supplies.  For more information or tickets, call Nancy or Harper, 636-931-7696

Mary Tinsley:
  • Constituent service day planned for the first week in April.  More details to follow at next meeting

Stephanie Paul:
  • SMP Bingo – Various locations/times.  Presented by Senior Medicare Patrol.  Learn to protect yourself against Medicare fraud and abuse, win prizes.  Arnold Senior Center, Karen, 636-296-0475.  House Springs, Ron, 636-677-4578.  Quad Cities Center, Leslie, 636-937-8333
  • Healthcare Navigators for Healthcare Marketplace – Call for an appointment to meet with a healthcare navigator and review options for coverage, eligibility for hardship waiver.  At House Springs Senior Center; Mondays 1-4pm at JFCAC.  Call Amy Reitz or Jessica Crawford, 636-253-0558


Patty Lagermann:
  • Adult Computer Classes – Basic Libre Office. Weds, 12:30-3pm.  Writer I – Wed 2/26.  Writer II – Wed, 3/5.  Calc I – Wed, 3/12.  Calc II – Wed, 3/19
  • Health Information on the Web – Mon, 3/17, 7pm & Tues, 3/18, 2pm.  Class will demonstrate how to access journal articles through EBSCOHost database and reliable health websites.  Register, 636-461-1741
  • AARP Drivers Safety – Mon, 3/24, 10am-2pm.  Some insurance companies will give discounts for completing the course.  $15 for members, $20 for non-members.  Register, 636-461-1741
  • Downton Abbey Tea – Sat, 3/29, 2-3:30pm.  Join us for tea, a behind-the-scenes look at Downton Abbey, and trivia.  Free, registration limited to 24 persons.  Sign up, 636-461-1741



Char Linhorst’s Presentation on WIA Youth Program:
  • For youth ages 16-21, in or out of school.  Must meet income guidelines.  Benefits, school grants and funds are excludable from income.  No background check performed, but various employers may check background
  • Need to provide proof of citizenship and Social Security card, among other documents.  Full checklist is on the second page of scanned application packet included with minutes
  • Math, reading, and linguistic skills are tested.  Participants are encouraged to take education courses and make attainments.  Referrals to GED programs
  • Able to work up to 20 hours a week, at minimum wage, with no benefits.  Covered by Workman’s Comp
  • Program provides work experience, workshops for interviewing, resumes, financial management, diversity, and more. 
  • Opportunity to develop as an individual and go into world as productive citizens
  • Followups for up to one year after leaving program to see how participants have done


Doug Over will make a presentation at the next session

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Meeting Minutes - January 27, 2014



Jefferson County Community Forum - Minutes
January 27, 2014


In Attendance:

Josh Henry, Jefferson County Library, Arnold
Charline Linhorst, WIA Youth Program
Doug Over, Double Eagle Associates
Molly Pfeiffer, Jefferson County Library, Northwest
Mary Tinsley, Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer’s Office


At the beginning of the meeting, a general discussion was held to generate ideas for increasing attendance and enhancing Community Forum meetings.  Ideas suggested included visiting Franklin County and St. Charles County community groups for networking and ideas, having attendees give presentations on their organizations, conferencing on the web, distributing surveys, and serving food or making meetings brown bag luncheons. 

Char Linhorst will give a presentation at the next meeting, Monday, 2/24, 1pm.


Molly Pfeiffer:
  • Movies at the Library – All ages, always free, several per month.  For 2014, several “chick lit” films and movies celebrating 30th birthdays.  Call branch for titles and details.  Bring a friend!
  • Diapers to Underpants – Mon 2/3, 6:30-8:00pm.  Learn how to get started transitioning kids from diapers, presented by trained experts from St. Louis Children’s Hospital.  To pre-register, call 314-454-KIDS or 800-67-KIDS, press 3, and give Jefferson County Library Northwest, February 3, 2014
  • Storm Chasing – Mon 2/24, 6:30-8:00pm.  Find out about the action and dangers of storm chasing, and what to do in the event of a big storm.  All ages/free program led by a seasoned storm chaser.  Sign-up required


Josh Henry:
  • Preschool Fair – Sat 2/8, 10am-12pm.  Free community event for parents to learn about preschool programs in the area, meet with representatives of local preschools.  For more information, call 636-296-2204
  • Poetry Contest – Entries due 2/28, Poetry Reading and Awards Ceremony Thurs 3/27, 7pm.  Prizes awarded to top three poems in each of age categories 5-11 years, 12-18 years, and 19 years and up.  Poems must be original, unpublished works at least 3 lines long.  Full rules and entry forms available at the Arnold Branch Library
  • Eating Smart, Being Active – Weds, 2/19 – 4/9, 12-1pm.  Free 8-week food safety and physical education course provides valuable information for eating healthy on a budget, saving money with grocery shopping and meal preparation, and easy exercise for health.  Register, 636-296-5171
  • Federal tax forms are available in the lobby of the library


Mary Tinsley:
  • Help for constituents with referrals to various agencies at Federal and state levels.  Examples of issues handled include Social Security, disabilities, visas, passports, student loans, Medicaid, and the ACA.  mary.tinsley@mail.house.gov


Char Linhorst:
  • WIA Youth Program – for youth ages 16-21.  Help with employment opportunities, workshops on resume writing and career exploration, and job skills training.  Continuously taking applications.  Visit www.jeff-frankjobs.com, or call 1-800-292-1314 (Jefferson County) or 636-239-6703 (Franklin County).  Contact clinhor2@jeffco.edu


Doug Over:
  • AARP Driver Safety classes offered at Jefferson County Library branches, various dates/times.  Double Eagle Associates can help veterans qualify for pensions and help students with scholarships.  Contact 636-296-0535




Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Meeting Minutes - November 18, 2013



Jefferson County Community Forum - Minutes
November 18, 2013


In Attendance:

Sara Dee, Disability Resource Association
Josh Henry, Jefferson County Library-Arnold
Deidra Lewis, United Way 2-1-1
Charline Linhorst, WIA Youth Program
Molly Pfeiffer, Jefferson County Library-Northwest
Cassie Thomas, Representative Jason Smith’s Office
Mary Tinsley, Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer’s Office


Molly Pfeiffer:
  • Next Forum meeting is 1/27, 1pm, Viking Room Annex, Jefferson College, Hillsboro.  There is no meeting in December.  All 2014 meetings will be held at Jefferson College
  • Holiday Open House – Sat 12/7, 9:30am-2pm.  Live holiday music, visit from Santa, crafts for kids and adults, refreshments.  Free and open for all.
  • Red Cross Blood Drive – Wed 11/27, 11am-2pm.  Donate blood before Thanksgiving.  Drop in or sign up.  636-677-8186, jbrookshire@jeffcolib.org
  • Teen Art Club – Tues 11/26, 7pm.  Learn to draw or practice.  Bring a sketchpad and pencil.  For ages 8-16.  Michel, 636-677-8186, mosborn@jeffcolib.org


Cassie Thomas:
  • First time visiting Forum.  Offering constituent services, mediation between constituents and Federal agencies.  573-756-9755, cassie.thomas@mail.house.gov


Josh Henry:
  • AARP Driver’s Safety Course – Tues 12/10, 12:30-4:30pm.  Refresher course for defensive driving techniques, vehicle safety equipment, laws and rules of the road.  $12 for AARP members, $14 for non-members.  Register, 636-296-5171
  • Books on the Run – Service for homebound patrons to request and receive library materials at home, delivered every two weeks.  Offered at all JCL branches.  Arnold, 636-296-2204; Northwest, 636-677-8186; Windsor, 636-461-1914


Sara Dee:
  • DRA Christmas Open House – Mon 12/23, 10am-3pm.  Food and music, open to all.  636-931-7696, x148


Deidra Lewis:


Char Linhorst:
  • WIA Youth Program – Accepting applications for youth 16-21.  Services will include summer work experiences, workshops on resume writing, interviewing, money management, career exploration, and more.  Tuition remission may be possible.  Register at www.jobs.mo.gov and fill out paper application.  More info: www.jeff-frankjobs.com, 1-800-292-1314, 636-287-8909 x262, clinhor2@jeffco.edu


Mary Tinsley:
  • Constituent Service Day – Thurs 11/21, 10-11am.  VFW Hall, Cedar Hill, 1 Lynn Ave.  Help for constituents with casework, mediation with and referrals to Federal agencies.