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

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

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

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

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 30^th 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

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:

• 3000 agencies in database for referrals.  All winter warming sites are active in the database.  Dial 211 or 1-800-427-4626.  www.211missouri.org, www.211southwestillinois.org. 

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.

Meeting Minutes - October 21, 2013

Jefferson County Community Forum - Minutes

October 21, 2013

In Attendance:

Jessica Crawford, Mid-East Area Agency on Aging

Sara Dee, Disability Resource Association

Sophie Emery, Jefferson County Community Partnership

Josh Henry, Jefferson County Library-Arnold

Deidre Lewis, United Way 2-1-1

Charline Linhorst, WIA Youth Program

Molly Pfeiffer, Jefferson County Library-Northwest

Nancy Pope, Disability Resource Association

Amy Reitz, Mid-East Area Agency on Aging

Kristine Ruth, Probation and Parole

Mary Tinsley, Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer’s Office

Molly Pfeiffer:

• Next Forum meeting is 11/18, 1pm, Viking Room Annex, Jefferson College, Hillsboro.  There is no meeting in December.  Schedule for next year is ready and available.  All 2014 meetings will be held at Jefferson College
• Cake pans are now available to check out (and return clean!) from the Northwest Branch
• Teen Art Club – 11/12 & 26, 7pm.  Ages 8-16.  Learn to draw or practice drawing.  Bring sketch pad and pencil.  Register with Michel, 636-677-8186, mosborn@jeffcolib.org
• Computer Classes – 11/5, Mousing.  11/6, Basic Computer.  11/12, Internet.  11/13, Word Processing.  11/19, File Management.  11/20, Email (must set up email prior to class)  All classes 9:30am 

Amy Reitz and Jessica Crawford:

• MEAAA has trained Marketplace Navigators that provide information and assist with understanding the marketplace under the new Affordable Care Act.  Guidance through paper and online applications.  Offering counseling and unbiased information.  www.covermissouri.org, 1-800-243-6060.  www.healthcare.gov, 1-800-318-2596

Josh Henry:

• JCL Foundation Golf Outing – 10/25 - CANCELED
• Cemetery Program – 11/2, 1:30pm.  Illustrated talk will use examples from Bellefontaine Cemetery to illuminate attitudes and values of Gilded Age Missouri.  Presented by Jeffrey Smith, Professor of History, Lindenwood University
• Affordable Care Act Informational Booth – 11/12, 9am-1pm.  Certified Application Counselors for the East Missouri Action Agency community services program will provide information and onsite assistance with navigating Affordable Care Act options. Table will be located in the library foyer.

Sophie Emery:

• Get Jazzed with Jefferson County Volunteers – 11/18, 6pm.  Andre’s, Best Western, 1200 Gannon Dr, Festus, 63028.  Volunteer recognition banquet.  Dinner buffet and entertainment by Two Guitars.  $15 per person.  Pre-registration required by 11/11.  Sophie, 636-465-0983 x102, development@jccp.org

Nancy Pope and Sara Dee:

• Inclusive Housing Design for Social Justice and Diversity – 10/22, 9-10:30am.  Free webinar on universal design presented by Professor Korydon Smith, U. of Buffalo.  Register @ http://desemo.adobeconnect.com/e9e7lm3dqs4/event/event_info.html  Nancy, 636-931-7696 x113
• Halloween with DRA – 10/26, Festus Main St.  Trick or Treat with Eve, 10am-12pm, US Bank parking lot.  Have your picture taken with Eve the Clydesdale.  Witches Night Out, 3-10pm.  Behind Katie Bugs Boutique, 101 Main.  Food, vendors, and music.  Harper, 636-931-7696

Mary Tinsley:

• Referrals for constituents to federal and other agencies and resources.  636-239-2276, mary.tinsley@mail.house.gov, http://luetkemeyer.house.gov

Kristine Ruth:

• First time visiting Forum

Char Linhorst:

• WIA Youth Program – Workshops on resume writing, career exploration, money management, diversity, interviewing, and more.  Youth ages 16-21 can apply for summer work experience program.  Char, 636-287-8909 x262, clinhor2@jeffco.edu

Deidre Lewis:

• United Way 2-1-1 – Connecting people in MO and 9 IL counties 24/7 with community resources for disaster relief, food pantries, shelters, and more.  Resources for the disabled and elderly.  Dial 211 or 1-800-427-4626.  www.211missouri.org, www.211southwestillinois.org