Minutes - Unapproved

Ridgefield Prevention Council Minutes
December 20, 2023 at 7:00pm
Town Hall Annex, 66 Prospect Street

Attendance: Karen Facini, Sarah Lorenzini, Sean McEvoy, Debra Hopke, Kim Carone, Tina Malhotra, Carol Ann Sganga, Siera Fregosi, LouAnn Daprato, Sean McEvoy, Christine More

Call to Order: 7:07pm

Approval of Minutes: September, October & November minutes- LouAnn 1st motion, Karen 2nd, All in favor.

Treasurer report: Karen Facini; $16,128.35 in account.

Reports/Discussion:

• Welcome Christine More, our new BOE liaison. She will be taking Sean McEvoy’s place.
• Updates From last Meeting
  • Birdie Costs for 400 Seniors- Birdie company charges $22.50 per birdie (with a 25% discount). With 400 seniors that cost would be $9,000.00. That does not include branding (which only happens on orders of 5,000 or more). Karen said she would look into other ideas.
  • Project Graduation: Do we want a representative on their committee? Kim is already on the committee. Sarah will be joining to help.
    • It was discussed that they need funds to help the night run. Members feel that giving them money helps them, but it doesn’t get our name out there. It was proposed that RPC pay for something specific @ the event and have our name/logo by that specific item. Kim to get their budget of what costs are for the next meeting.
  • December
    • Anti-Vaping Contest- We extended the submissions until the end of December. Great submissions this year. Kim will be sending out posters for the RPC vote.
    • Holiday Stroll Recap- It rained and with the DownTown Merchants in charge, there was no space for us. With DTM in charge, the feel of the stroll has changed the past few years. Not sure if handing out breathalyzers is necessary. For next year we will need to coordinate with DTM for space if we’re interested in attending and decide on our giveaway item.
    • Deborah Ann’s Update- Not many kids this December (but it was the same night as the Holiday Stroll). Decided to move forward with this for January, February thru May.
  • January
    • Postcards: Kim and Sarah to work on. Sarah to provide information to go on the postcard. Kim will contact Gerri once that information is ready to coordinate with the Emergency Management org.
    • Marijuana Event @ Playhouse- Karen and Brian to provide more information. 
  • February
    • 40 Asset Event Update- LouAnn is all set with the event. Flier is being created, and can go out to the PTAs once it’s done. It will be 6pm on 2/21 @ the library. There will be treats, water and coffee. Kathy and Sarah will be presenting. Kim has requested pamphlets from CT Clearinghouse for the event.
  • Proposals for Rudy/Opioid $
    • Postcards: Cost will be based on how many residents are in Ridgefield & postage. TBD once a postcard is made for it to be included in the proposal.
    • Dettera bags: Need to follow up with Bissell to see if the last set we left were given out and if it’s worth purchasing more. If so we would be looking to purchase a case of 250 for $734 (can use SOR funds).
  • Social Media/ Text Messaging o Text Messaging- Could be paid for by SOR funds. Wix has an option for $6.99 a month. We will be moving forward with this to start texting our events information to supporters.
• New Business:
  • Budgets: Everyone needs to create budgets for all upcoming events.
  • Grants/$:
    • LouAnn applied for the Thrift Shop Grant, Lewis Fund Grant, and the SOR Grant for 2024.
    • The Fathers Club/ Grinch Support- We will be inviting the Fathers Club Board to our next meeting (1/24) where we will order food and brainstorm ideas on what their vision is for the grant funds they will be donating to us. We will keep the agenda light for this meeting.
    • Federal Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Grant- We would need to work on funding and our sectors in order to apply for this grant.
    • Narcan Training scheduled for January at RHS (Asst. Principal Michael Yagid).
    • January Dinner Set for 1/17 @ Ancient Mariner.
• Adjourned: 8:27pm