Nenana Wellness Coalition
Minutes
The Nenana Wellness Coalition is an alliance of representatives from various organizations, government agencies, community groups and individuals that meets weekly to discuss, evaluate, coordinate, consolidate, celebrate and help implement plans for improving the wellness and quality of life in Nenana Alaska.
There were six people at meeting today including: Mike Anderson, Maryellen Kanayurak, Tim Horn, Bonnie Reed, Rob Thomason, Kat McElroy and Miles Martin. We had lunch of red beans and rice and corn bread.
WELCOME and the READING OF MISSION STATEMENT: By this week’s chairperson, Bonnie Reed, who also said the prayer. We said the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATION OF AGENDA; CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS; there were no modifications to the agenda as presented.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Last weeks’ minutes taken by Laura, were forwarded to the WIN e-list by Kat.
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS and SPEAKERS/TOPICS- There were no guests today and no designated topic.
OLD BUSINESS—None noted
NEW BUSINESS—None reported.
Updates/Announcements:
Bonnie Reed – Bonnie reminded everyone of the Pumpkin judging tonight during dinner at the NSLC. All community members are invited to join in the fun. She also announced the school will have their annual Thanksgiving community dinner at lunchtime on Tuesday, November 20th.
Miles Martin – Miles was ill and we sent him home but he did tell us that it is his understanding that TCCC was demobilizing today; the program has been closed. He is concerned about the large community roto-tiller that is stored at the TCCC facility. Mike said if located it could be stored at the living center.
Mike Anderson – Mike said the community dinner at NSLC will be as usual on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, November 13, open to all. He also announced the school was hosting a girl’s volleyball tournament this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2nd & 3rd. The Ice Cream Classic jr. high school basketball tournament will be November 9th & 10th at the school.
RMHA – Kat said that the afternoon of Tuesday, November 13th, starting at 1 PM, there will be a round table discussion organized by Valarie Dewey, funded by a mental health trust mini-grant to the Alaska Federation for Community Self Reliance. The purpose of this organization is to explore the impact mental illness has on our communities and to find ways we can all work jointly to effectively and efficiently help those whose lives have been interrupted by mental illness. People wanting to RSVP or seeking additional information can contact Valarie at TCC at 458-7281. Her e-mail is vanew@comcast.net There will be professionals from behavioral health services, Alaska District Court, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), police, the Office of Public Advocacy, Ch’eghutsen’ Tanana Chiefs Conference, the University of Alaska as well as concerned community members in attendance.
Rob Thomason – announced that he will be the director of the NSLC and Keith Seig has a new position: Recruiting, Student Support and Resource Development. They currently have 80 students. Rob said that the school has received an advance on funding from the state and that the PERS/TERS issue has been resolved.