Interagency Council of Carbon County
Minutes from January 16, 2014
Members present include:
Norma Kunkel, Keri Byrne, Ed Banja, MaryLou McGeehan, Jean Zimmerman, Tammy Sue Neff, Larissa
Kimmel, Pat Anglovich, Viki DeMarco, Gaetana Thompson, Shelba, Scheffner, Kelly Purcell, Leandra
Sansevere, Devon Fritz, George Cichowicz, Cheri Santore, Jane Longazel, Karen Gildersleeve, Bob
Fatzinger, Brianne Farrell, Mindy Graver.
Refreshments from: Jean Zimmerman-Shepard House and Keri Byrne-Penn State Extension.
Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence lead by President Bob Fatzinger.
Review and Approval of November Minutes: A motion was made by Cheri Santore to accept the
minutes and seconded by Jane Longazel.
The treasures report was explained by Cheri Santore and handed over to new treasure Mindy Graver.
Old Business:

Individuals needed to bring in refreshments for the July 17, 2014 meeting. Jane Longazel and
Karen Gildersleeve volunteered to provide refreshments on that date.
New Business:

Legislative Brunch-date is set for April 25th, 2014 at Penn Kidder Fire Company in Jim Thorpe.
There is a possible name change for the Legislative Brunch. There will be a meeting on January
29th, 2014 @ 9am at the Annex building 3rd floor to go over details for the brunch.
Speakers: Jane Longazel-Amazing Grace Spay & Neuter; Ed Banja-Pinnacle Health; Kelly PurcellAHEC
Jane discussed how Amazing Grace Spay and Neuter was started and when it was stared. She also spoke
about the importance of having your animals spayed and neutered, as well as the financial assistance to
having it done. If you have any further questions regarding the services you can contact them at 570-7786886 or amazinggracesnp@yahoo.com.
Ed spoke about what Pinnacle offers to families in need and how to keep your home safe. Pinnacle helps
families of any income bracket or age bracket with upkeep to their homes. The family can own or rent
their home. A referral can be made and an intake will be done to determine the immediate needs of the
family. Following the intake an inspection is done and a report is given to a contractor. Pinnacle has a
small budge to fix things. If you have any questions you can contact Ed at 570-822-6142 or 800-3747114 or eddiestrength570@yahoo.com.
Kelly spoke about the youth mental health first aid and how it can be beneficial to everyone as a youth
with mental health will appear different than an adult with mental health. Kelly also spoke of a training
that was coming up. The training is set for February 27, 2014 and March 6, 2014 from 8:30am to 1:30pm
at Monroe Public Safety Center. The training will help people learn the risk factors and warning signs of
varies mental health challenges that are common among youths.
Announcements:
Carbon-Monroe-Pike Mental Health/Developmental Services is having a crisis intervention training
for Carbon & Monroe Police Officers on February 3-7, 2014.
Blue Mountain Health System is hosting Yoga & Mental Health on January 30th, 2014 @ 1:30pm @
Jim Thorpe Yoga & Wellness. Also being held is a Breast Density Notification Act and Dense Breast
Tissue on February 19th, 2014 @ 5pm @ Bowmanstown Medical Plaza. Also, there will be a Diabetes
Self-Management Course being held on March 17, 24, 31 and April 7, 2014 @ Gnaden Huetten Hospital
(to register call 610-826-1150).
Domestic Violence Service Center: Please refer any clients that are in need to call the free and
confidential hotline @ 1-800-424-5600. If any business would like staff or a client to speak to the DVSC
they may contact Devon Fritz at 610-379-0261.
State Representative Doyle Heffley’s Office is planning on hosting a Sportsman’s Expo in March (the
date is still being determined). They are also planning another Drug and Alcohol Expo to be held in June.
The first organizational meeting for the D&A expo is set for February 5, 2014 @5:30pm at the Lehighton
district office at 110 North 3rd St, Lehighton, Pa.
Victims Resource Center has moved its office to 1001 Mahoning Street, Lehighton, Pa and the hotline is
610-379-0151. The grandparents support group committee meeting is on February 21, 2014 @ 9:30am at
Lehigh Carbon Community College in Jim Thorpe, Pa.
Carbon County Area Agency on Aging is looking for volunteers for their OmBudman Program-Apprise
program and for data entry/clerical assistance. AARP will be doing a free tax prep (Contact AAA 1-800441-1315 for a schedule. There is no waiting list for services however due to staffing issues there has
been a delay in the initial assessment.
Carbon County SAFE Kids is having a planning committee meeting on January 24, 2014 @ The Annex
@ 9am. SAFETY Day will be on Saturday May 3rd at The Mauch Chunk Lake from 10-2. If any agency
is interested in setting up booths contact Mindy Graver at 570-325-2788 or at mjg26@psu.edu.
Next Meeting to be held on March 20, 2014(Snow date March 27, 2014)
Speakers


Julie Mann-Link
Athena Aardweg-Self Determination Housing Project of PA
Refreshments
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Norma Kunkel-The Village of Palmerton

Cheryl Donovan-The Summit
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Cheri Santore and seconded by Tammy Sue Neff.
Respectfully Submitted:
Brianne Farrell