January 17, 2005
Meeting called to order at 4:10 p.m. on January 17, 2005.
Those in attendance were Ethel Talbert, Randy Larson, Becky West, Becky Barrett, Tim Freeman, Pam Freeman, Carol Yonkee, Donna Bennett, Susan Shippy, and Linda Mohr.
Carol Yonkee reported on the Alternative Activities. They had a Bands Event at the American Legion and approximately 300 to 350 kids attended. There were a few problems with a few "bad apples" moshing and one youth had to be asked to leave. Police were called, and the youth left. There was a broken table found after the dance, and it will have to be replaced. Carol asked the Coalition what all thought about possibly keeping the bands for just kids who were still in high school. Maybe that would keep the older out of high school kids from coming to the dances and causing problems.
Randy discussed the need in Gillette to build something for the kids to do such as an arcade etc. kids have nothing here to do but cause trouble and drink. All agreed. Becky Barrett talked about a 21 and under club her daughter goes to at College: the clubs are alcohol free.
Carol told the Coalition that two more dances are planned one in Feb. and one in March. The band in the parks will not be set up until April; Carol will let us know the date and time. Becky W. talked about how to keep "older" kids away from the younger youth at the dances etc. She also asked if Carol wanted police presence as help for a "walk-through" at the next dances/bands events.
Carol replied she would take the matter up with the kids and see what they thought.
SWAT TEAM- Donna says they are meeting only once a month with the SWAT TEAM kids at this time. They are trying to get more kids involved. When each SWAT TEAM meets, the minutes will be sent out to all Coalition members.
Randy suggested we as a group buy pizza or sub sandwiches for the SWAT TEAM at Cottonwood until they can get more kids involved. Ten to twelve kids are involved so far.
Susan replied January 16th the SWAT TEAM Advisors had a meeting. She also told us that the SWAT TEAM was in Cheyenne testifying for House Bill 66. Another suggestion was to partner with the Boy's and Girl's Club for their "black-light" event. Several things are being talked about and on the horizon.
Tim talked about the Wyoming's First Lad's Initiative. He handed out WFLI magnets to all members. He stated that compliance checks were going great, and that this media campaign is targeted at the parents instead of the kids. He told the Coalition that Martin Reed would be doing a story about WFLI in the upcoming newspaper. Tim stated we have to educate ourselves and other adults in our community to change attitudes about underage drinking. Underage drinking is no longer a morality issue, it is a health crisis issue. Bills are being passed in the Legislator that will support these changes and support WFLI.
Becky W. suggested Tim and Pam team up with Police Department to educate the liquor establishments and possibly put up some WFLI posters. Other suggestions were to put the WFLI message on scrolling signs in town, and go before the City County Council to ask for their support in financially helping with WFLI. Becky also suggested we need to get the Sheriff's Department on board with doing compliance checks.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:30p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Pam Freeman Coalition member
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