Minutes

SVCN Healthy Community Coalition

 12/8/2011

Attendees:

Barbara Lunick Rakita, Friends of Youth

Stephen Kangas, parent

Gabe Kangas, Youth Council, Junior, Mt Si

Jan Olav Johansson, SVCN

Kristy Trione, SVCN

Ryan Lewis, SVCN

Debby Peterman, SVCN

Kerry Beymer, Encompass

Steve Bates, SVSD

Joan Zoet, RSD

Tom Athaneses, SVSD 

The focus of the meeting was a continued discussion of positive activities for youth in the valley.  Gabe Kangas offered to help in putting together a website that identified activities that youth could do outside of school.  He identified the Gravity Fest as one example of a fun activity that the kids really liked.  He indicated that music was really big with lots of kids in the valley.  Other fun activities he shared included a video game club and paint ball.

There was a group discussion of the importance of having the website be youth friendly with a youth friendly URL.  Stephen noted that securing a domain name was one place to start.  It was also noted that there would need to be a moderator or administrator for the site - someone who could review the activities to be posted to be sure they met set criteria and then to post all needed information on the website.  The concept of developing a form that individuals completed to guide the type of information that was needed to make a posting was also discussed. 

All agreed that youth input, early in the process, was very important.  Gabe noted that he knew 4-5 teens that would volunteer to help.  It was agreed that future meetings of the positive activities group should be set to allow youth participation. 

Stephen raised concerns regarding bullying activity at Mt Si.  The frequency data he cited did not agree with Healthy Youth Survey data so discussion was limited. 

Jan Olav noted that there are about 16 kids in the valley that are pushing drugs and that the sheriff knows these kids - the instigators.  The group felt it was important that the positive activities addressed were offered in a drug free environment.

Jan Olav noted that he believed that we need an inventory of activities in the valley.  Gabe said that he felt that there are a number of activities for teens in the valley, but kids do not know about them.  That is why the website can be so important.

The group also suggested that the kick off event for the website should be a really good event that will get youth excited.  This would help in promoting the website, something that will take time.  Twitter, Texting. screen savers, movie slide and natural helpers were approaches suggested to let kids know about the website.

The next meeting is scheduled for January 12 however the group decided to wait until February because there was not a clear agenda ready.  Topics discussed for the next meeting include:  a reporting back from the positive activity group if they have made further progress; a tour of the new Y and a viewing of their resources and services; a presentation by the Two River's principal and a report from the drop out prevention group.  Network staff will follow up with these topic groups and let everyone know if there is a meeting in January and what the topic will be.

Response from network evaluator, Jan-Olov on a point made at the meeting that “bullying and harassment was rampant”:

“Results presented in the Ombudsman report suggest that SVSD had 11 formal complaints. It is not clear if this is unique complaints or more than one complaint filed by the same person. See p. 11. On p. 12, the results are shown as a function of the number of enrolled students. The number of complaints refers to all types of complaints, related to "bullying and harassment" are presented, accounting for 28 percent or 221/791 of all complaints. The report does not provide data on how many SVSD complaints were related to "bullying and harassment", but if 28 percent of the complaints statewide were "bullying and harassment" complaints we can assume that at least three SVSD complaints were related to this issue. That actually corresponds to three publically discussed incidents that I am aware of. The OEO 2009-2010 report provides a break down of the reported complaints for that school year in which SVSD had five complaints filed with the agency. Two of these five complaints were related to "bullying and harassment". I agree that many issues regarding "bullying and harassment" are not filed as formal complaints, but I strongly disagree that the "evaluation" of this data or any available data (Healthy Youth Survey or School Discipline) over that last 12 years warrants negatively charged statements such as: "bullying and harassment" is "rampant" or "out of control" at Mt. Si. High School or any of the school in SVSD.”

Healthy Community Coalition 11-10-11 2:00 to 3:30 KCLS Snoqualmie   Youth Activities In attendance: Barbara Lunuk Rakita, Friends of Youth Tom Athanases, SVSD Brian Peterman, Mount Si Coach Minna Rudd, Si View Metro Parks Leighton Harder, SVA Kristin and Ken Kajer-Cline Ryan Lewis, SVCN Rochelle Clayton Strunk, Encompass Sara Biancofiori, Eastside YMCA’s Dave Mayer, Eastside YMCA’s Kristy Trione, SVCN Joan Zoet, RSD   Ken kenkristin@comcast.net gave an update on the youth activities group that formed at Key Leaders Summit, “what is there to do in the valley for youth?” There really is a lot to do, but not enough. The group would like to put together a website to do that. Two examples are Gocitykids.com, and macaroni kids for younger kids.   Some components of the website were discussed: ·      Calendar- of what’s going on that can be personalized, so people could check off things they’re interested in knowing about Sort by age group, out doors, games, to help feed their e-mail blasts (if you’re interested in paint ball- paintball at Si view) ·      Positive sharing of ideas ·      Resource section—what resources are out there ·      Ability to e-mail blast and text about activities, directed to both adults and interesting enough that young people would check on. ·      Accessible to both parents and kids—so parents can access either a separate section, but also cool and okay for kids to go on and find something to do ·      Marketing piece—good marketing procedures- applied to different ways to get kids to access.  Involve kids in how to get the word out, Facebook, tweet, text, & whatever is new ·      Involve youth in helping design and establish – (Joe Dockery’s media design) ·      North Bend theatre slides could be used ·      Focus on the Valley, but also on some activities just outside could be sorted- search/find tool ·      Transportation advice, including that provided by the Y and SVT and Rideshareonline.com ·      Time the website unleashing with three cool upcoming activities that we know will be successful ·      Coordinate activities among providers. ·      Include volunteer opportunities ·      Links to resources   Minna shared what’s going on at Si-View: The bond measures passed, so they are in business! Middle school/high school: any programs that are enrollment based, there are need-based scholarships, sports- seasonal-to 8th grade including Basketball, wrestling, baseball, track and field in the summer. Clinics for various sports, cultural arts/special interests, hit and miss participation- writing, photography, art, teen focused- teen trips, van to paintball, laser tag, Pizza, bowling, skiing, minimal fees, and inclusion to trips. Teen nights: going into ‘Tween nights in January. Participation is greatest among 6-7thgraders.  From 10 to 40-50, participate.Teens are welcome to participate in adult classes; CPR, Fitness, Open Gym, Karate, and yoga. Zumba is popular with 15-18 year olds. They have Volunteer programs, job shadowing, and leadership skills. Welcome youth to help coach younger kids and for special events. Volunteer opportunities can lead to employment at Si View.   Sara and Dave presented on the YMCA:  The Y on the Snoqualmie Ridge will open Jan. 1. They have four centers on the eastside, providing recreation for teens to try new things, like rock climbing, snowboarding, socializing, trips, ropes courses, divas nights- for girls, and one for boys. Field trips any time kids aren’t in school.  Scholarships are also offered.  Teen leadership-focus on high school youth in government-, Five days in Olympia, youth run, and debate bills.  The Recreation programs feed into the leadership programs. They offer many youth volunteer opportunities, including Leadership Board and Environmental club. They would like to work with schools to offer activities there.  They listen to kids to get what they think is cool, to keep up with what they think they should do more of or less of. The teen center in Snoqualmie will be open to all teens, those who are and those who are not members.Two community rooms will be open to community members/groups without membership required, as long as mission/values match.    Joan asked about the YMCA’s service in Duvall: Service areas conversations are going on with the youth development director of the Y in partnership with the school district to offer space. The Y wants to provide activities beyond the 4 walls. Schools are a natural partner. Hang time program is in Northshore in partnership with the Y.  Joan will follow up with the Y and the school to find out about what is going on and what may be possible.   Leighton shared what Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church is providing for teens: missions trips, feed the homeless programs, downtown snoqualmie “The Center” (Formerly Space 8036) open after school drop in for middle school, and Saturdays for High School. They host concerts, with a stage and fun venue; a safe place for kids.  70-100 kids show up for band night.  There is a concert planned for Dec. 18.A group of Youth Pastors meet to coordinate four activities a year, one on New Year’s Eve, Baccalaureate, Rally in the Valley, See you at the pole, and monthly meeting to get together.     Ryan spoke on behalf of Wilderness Awareness School- They host adult, teen and child program. Coyote mentorship program instructs how to mentor and serve as living examples. On the surface, it is through a nature connection- tracking in the woods, deer, elk, chipmunks, and learning bird language. Through just sitting still and listening to bird language, and learning how to use it in the woods, for hunting, for orienting, and loss proofing.  Kids learn about wild edibles, medicinal plants, after a period of time, an awareness of the plants that are outside your window, and use, can result in a better sense of place.  Instead of an information approach, they use child’s passions- asking kids what they love to do; that is the lesson plan played like a game. Where is the nearest medicinal plant? They may or may not know, but there’s a natural movement to figure it out. The program is an excellent outlet and venue for kids to be kids. The mentee selects the mentor. Nature is the primary teacher. The main facility is in Duvall near Lake Margaret. The school is looking to offer more activities in the community.  There are currently 30 apprentices training to help with that.   Brian spoke for Mount Si Track: Everyone who can turn out for track is not cut, how can we get more kids to turn out? Track little leagues? Cross-country? Social reasons.  Champions make programs work.   Jan-Olov’s Challenge to the group: How can we reach out and between to a sustainable purpose from offering great programs to articulate what are we trying to achieve; to be more connected with a purpose. ·      What behaviors are we looking for? ·      What resources exist? ·      What isn’t there that should be? ·      Then develop a strategic plan to support what is there and to fill gaps All the activities are in a solution domain, have we had the deeper discussion of what our common values are that we want to impart on our kids? Do adults in the community know how to do that now? How do we define mentorship and how do we propagate that? We’re all doing good stuff, and working hard. With a commitment to have a common strategy to have kids in the forefront, maybe we could catch some of these kids before they head down the trajectory of substance abuse.   The group made a commitment to work together and exchange e-mails through this communication. The next meeting is December 8 at Riverview School District at 2:00. Bring numbers: How many kids do you engage, how many do you want to engage? What is your capacity?   New Mount Si Principal, John Belcher listens in his group at the Key Leaders Summit in August. He met four times with Youth Council member, Ethan Waud following concerns Ethan raised about substance abuse and the high school culture at the event. Healthy Community Coalition Meeting September 8 meeting notes: In attendance:  Ken Kajer-Cline- Parent  "Tall Bill" Blakely-Parent  Jaeger Johnson-Student  Peggy Johnson-SVSD Board Candidate  Laurie Wesorick-SVCN  Rochele Clayton Strunk- Encompass  Nela Cumming- SVCN Board, Encompass  Paula Matthysse- SVCN Board  Phoebe Terhaar- SVCN, ESD, Friends of Youth  Steve McCulley- Snoqualmie Police Dept.  Thomas Athanases-SVSD  Leanne Christensen- RSD, PTA, SVCN Board  Laura Smith- SVCN  Steve Bates, SVCN Chair, SVSD  Laura Quinn- King County Community Organizing Program  Kristin Kajer-Cline- Ed Consultant, Parent  Joan Pliego- City of Snoqualmie, Leadership Eastside  Kristy Trione- SVCN Groups discussed next steps forward on work-plans from the Key Leaders Summit.  Get involved!  link to action plans  Discussion about communication to keep the momentum of the work from the summit. In the future, messages from the Network will go to all participants, not just the group leaders, so all can follow-up. Watch for information in the newsletter and on the website, under the coalition tab where work-plans are posted. i. Repeat Problem Behaviors…  Paula will connect with Jan and Mark about shared leadership and next steps ii. Positive Community Messages/Rachel’s Challenge…  Rachel’s Challenge Program explained. Group seeking partner funding so the program can be presented in districts that want it. Next steps- connect with potential partners. iii. Positive Activities for Youth – meeting today. SVCN will explore adding youth activities to their website. iv. Homeless/Affordable Housing – Terry @ FoY would like to support a focus on youth homelessness. v. Drug Alcohol - Ethan met 4 times with the principal at MSHS Suicide prevention- kids trained in Peer-to-Peer – an art contest at Mount Si resulted in two murals painted of the three steps: Show you care, Ask the Question, Get Help. A project to create screen savers promoting positive social norms that students helped create for Mount Si's computers is near completion. And T-shirts with a positive message: "Nothing to do in the Valley? Sober Teen Rock the House" are now being distributed to youth participating in Council events and activities. Question about prescription drugs and tip box, anonymity discussed about the tip line. vi. Employment: New Livelihood Job Fair – November 5, 8:30 – 3:30 at CKMS to stimulate local economy, with funding from DVR and targeting 16 – 18 year olds, but for the whole community. Author David Korten will keynote. vii. Drop out prevention/drop out recovery – Tom Athanases connect to Jan-Olov about the data, desire to look at researched effective programs, for Two Rivers to initiate two projects per year ,and an intention to explore what parents can do to help the middle schools prepare for larger class sizes and over crowding before it happens. viii. Improve school funding – interested in looking at where the monies for schools are going from all sources, including lottery, big corporation donations, and box tops. Costs for families have gone up to just start school. The group would like more people to help. ix. Bicycle helmet and safety- model the Tanner Jeans Foundation, to perhaps share a bicycle rodeo and other activities with other cities. Plan to research funding sources and community partners. Perhaps have youth reps in each area engage peers. Police reward families wearing helmets, and work on education. Laura suggested attending the Youth Council meeting 9/21 at 6:30, MSHS and get this on their agenda. Also suggested that this would be a good Eagle Scout project. x. Community Resources – Not represented, staff will help re-connect this group. b. Announcement – Encompass is adding Family support program in North Bend for anyone in crisis. Open house in November. Parent-Child home visiting program 23 hours to assist low income. Referrals (16mos to 30 mos old and in the program for 2 years also have bilingual Spanish) Next Meeting: October 13 Riverview School District Boardroom 2-3:30pm. Get Involved! You are welcome to attend these open public Meetings: Network Board September 28, 6:30 PM  Riverview School District Boardroom  October 26  December 7  January 25  February 29  March 28  April 25  May 23  Rise and Shine (June 5 or 7 TBD)  Key Leaders Summit (Aug. 13 TBD) Healthy Community Coalition Riverview School District Boardroom  from 2:00 to 3:30 on these dates:  October 13  December 8  February 9  April 12  June 14  And at the Snoqualmie King County Library  on November 10  January 12 (TBD)  March 8 (TBD)  May 10 (TBD) Valley Youth Councils Sno-Valley Youth Council meets 6:30pm Sept. 21 in the Career Center at Mount Si High School Riverview Youth Council meets 6:30pm Sept. 27 in the library at Cedarcrest High School "New Livelihoods" Job Fair November 5, 8:30 to 3:30 at Chief Kanim Middle School A new kind of community event Featuring speakers, workshops, vendors, local food, and networking for anyone who is unemployed, underemployed, could be more happily employed, and those with jobs, resources, ideas, and experience to offer.  The Keynote speaker is internationally recognized author of Agenda for a New Economy, David Korten  The event is being organized by the Network and Transition Snoqualmie Valley.  and supported by YES! magazine. Link to YES! Sept. issue about New Livelihoods- How we're building the do-it-yourself economy.  Get involved! Planning underway, contact svcn@msn.com FOOD * FUN * FRIENDS Youth Councils kicked off the new school year with ice cream socials. Invite a young person you know to get involved in this fun leadership opportunity offering community service hours!  Contact Laura Smith for updates and invitations. For Parents: Set clear rules about alcohol as your teen heads back to school.

Healthy Community Coalition Meeting September 8, 2011 2:00-3:30 Snoqualmie King County Library  Agenda:  Join in for taking next steps forward on work-plans from the Key Leaders Summit.  Groups report and brainstorm additional support, set timelines, and next steps.  Workgroups formed around these topics: Repeat Problem Behaviors and Growing up in the Valley Positive Community Messages/Rachael's Challenge Partnership Positive Activities for Youth Homeless-Affordable Housing Valley Resources Drug/Alcohol and Youth Suicide Prevention Employment Drop out Prevention Improve School Funding Bicycle Helmets and Safety Get involved!  link to action plans

Because you care.... Come to the 2011 Key Leaders Summit-Monday August 8, 9:00 to noon Meadowbrook Farm Interpretive Center  ... because you have skills, expertise and experience, you absolutely must join other movers and shakers to figure out who’s doing what to make a positive difference in the Valley. Leaders (anyone who comes out to help at this time) from every sector of the community including schools, government, cities, law enforcement, businesses, religious communities, parents, students, healthcare, service providers, and service clubs are welcome to help connect a more healthy and caring community.  It's free, you'll get fed, and you will make a difference. Looking for something fun in the Valley? Bring your pooch to Three Forks for Dog Days of Summer If you love dogs or have a dog, bring your four-legged friend to the “Dog Days of Summer” event at Snoqualmie’s Three Forks Off-Leash Dog Park on Sunday, August 7 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Check out the dog-friendly vendor booths where you can buy a new collar or leash, fun dog accessories, and toys for your furry pooch. Join in on the fun and teach your dog some new tricks, test his or her abilities, and enter one of the many contests. Event Activities:  Watch a Flyball demo by Jet City Jumpers.  See Ray’s Rescue Dogs do tricks.  Dog/Owner Look-Alike: Does it look like you are looking in the mirror when you look at your dog? Then this is the contest for you!  Ugliest Dog Contest: Does your canine have a face that no one will forget?  Best Howl or Bark: Do you think that your dog is the next doggie idol? Test their “singing” skills! Chow down on some free hot dogs. But get there early, because there is a limited supply of these delicious treats!  Get a picture of you and your dog at the photo station. After the event you can order online.  Three Forks Off-Leash Dog Park is located at 39912 SE Park Street, across from Centennial Fields Park. Vehicle parking is available both onsite and in the Centennial Fields parking lot.  Space is still available for local dog businesses that would like have a vendor booth. Call the Snoqualmie Parks & Recreation Department at 425-831-5784 for more information or to sign up. North Bend Hosts Advocacy Camp The Children’s Alliance invites you or someone you may know to our Advocacy Camp Oct. 19th- 21st 2011 at Rainbow Lodge in North Bend, WA. Advocacy Camp is a great opportunity to learn and improve leadership ability in advocating for children in public policy. At the end of Advocacy Camp, each graduate will gain tools in lobbying, grassroots community building, and media strategies to make improvements in state policy investments. Advocacy Camp participants are expected to attend the full training. Tuition is $400 for non-members and $300 for organizational members of the Children’s Alliance. Scholarships are available. Depending on available resources, child care and transportation assistance will be available. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications are due by Monday, September 12, 2011. We want advocacy campers to reflect the diversity within the child advocacy community. We highly encourage individuals with children or work with families directly affected by Children’s Alliance policy issues to apply. We want advocacy campers committed to advocating for policies that benefit children. To learn more about this year’s Advocacy Camp, visit www.childrensalliance.org.

The Sno Valley Youth Council hosted Seven bands at Gravity Fest on April 23 at Si View in North Bend. Another fun thing to do in the Valley! Photo by Toni Pinto Healthy Community Coalition Meets THURSDAY May 12, Healthy Youth Forums this week! Riverview School District Boardroom 2:00pm Conversation with Local Government Sector How can the coalition best collaborate with local governments to connect a healthy and caring community? • Summer programs for youth • Roles and priorities of cities in youth services- options for teens • How spaces are designed and developed to provide safe environments for recreation and other uses. (e.g parking, lighting, fencing, cycling, and pedestrian) Gravity Fest performers warmimg up before the April 23 event at Si View. Toni Pinto Photo Healthy Youth Forums Learn the truth! (Why should I come? Video) May 11 Mount Si High School 6:30pm. May 12 Cedarcrest High School 7:00pm. What are young people reporting in the latest Healthy Youth Survey? How can parents, students and community work together to promote healthier futures for our kids? Back by popular demand: Network Evaluator Jan-Olov Johanssen, Ph.D and Social Development Research Group's Kevin Haggerty. Bring the family to join in a powerful conversation with other teens, parents, and community members who care about kids growing up healthy and connected in the Valley. A collaborative event sponsored by the schools and Healthy Community Coalition partners. Don't miss it!!! The Healthy Community Coalition 2010-11 Meeting Schedule: 2:00-3:30 pm May 12 Riverview School District Boardroom -- Collaborating with local Cities August 8-- Key Leaders Summit Snoqualmie Valley Community Network Board 2010-11 Meeting Schedule 6:30-8:00pm Riverview School District Boardroom May 25 June 2--Rise and Shine Breakfast Your Help is needed NOW to create a caring and connected community where all our kids can grow up healthy. JOIN US! Friend us on Facebook Find the calendar of upcoming events and information on the Network website Riverview Youth Council Sno Valley Youth Council Parents who let their kids drink when supervised - is it safer? Adults who believe that alcohol is a normal part of growing up might want to read this. A new study co-authored by University of Washington professor Richard Catalano, found that teens who drank with adult supervision had more drinking-related problems than teens raised with a zero-tolerance attitude. The study compared Australian youths, where drinking with parents is more typical, to Washington state youths. Australian youth reported more drinking, more drinking around adults, and more drinking that led to fights, blackouts, regrettable sex and addiction than did the Washington youths. With the risk for addiction so much higher and the critical development still taking place in the teen brain, using that unpopular zero tolerance message seems a much better idea. Teens already have friends, they need you to do your job. Read the study- (PDF) Article taken from: Seattle PI Mount Si Substance Abuse Prevention/Intervention Team: Phoebe Terhaar and Ginnett Durham 2011 Rise and Shine Breakfast Mark your calendar for June 2, 7:30am at Camp River Ranch in Carnation to join in the annual celebration of amazing volunteers who rise to make the Valley shine! Free breakfast prepared by the Mount Si Culinary Arts program. RSVP to svcn@msn.com 425-333-6614 What would you do if a loved one fell down, could you pick them up? Have you wondered how professional caregivers manage their work, day after day ,without getting hurt or frustrated? If you are currently caring for a loved one or if you ever may be, we have a class for you: Caregiver Trade Secrets Revealed! Learn from professional caregivers their tricks and secrets at the Sno-Valley Senior Center. Registration required call 425-333-4152 Monday May 16th, 10:45 am. At the Sno-Valley Senior Center, 4610 Stephens Ave, Carnation. What is one thing your family can do for better health? Participate in Soda Free Sundays challenge! Soda Free Sundays Campaign to limit soda consumption to reduce childhood obesity.

The Sno Valley Youth Council hosted Seven bands at Gravity Fest on April 23 at Si View in North Bend. Another fun thing to do in the Valley! Photo by Toni Pinto Minutes for Healthy Community Coalition Meeting 4/14/2011 Riverview School District Boardroom Attendees: Barbara Luniuck-Rakita, Friends of Youth, meeting facilitator Jan Solomon, At Risk Youth Program Manager, At-Risk Youth and Juvenile justice, guest speaker Ken Heikkila, RSD Ken Kajer-Cline, parent, SVSD Joan Zoet, RSD Angela Thompson, Si View Metro Parks Rochelle Clayton Strunk, Encompass Darcy Newmann, King County Library System Lindsey Oliver, SV hospital district Steve Bates, SVSD Tom Athanases, SVSD Laurie Wesorick, SVCN Gwen Voelpel, City of Snoqualmie Kristy Trione, SVCN Debby Peterman, SVCN Jan Solomon was guest speaker for this meeting on at-risk youth. She started her presentation with an outline and history of the Becca bill noting that it was passed to help kids from getting deeper into the system. She talked about the truancy board and the diversion process and noted that this process was developed to help keep families out of court. She suggested that local truancy boards are effective and should be considered. The three pieces of Jan’s program include truancy, at-risk youth (ARY) petitions and Child in Need of Services (CHINS) petitions. Truancy - Washington’s truancy law requires that students attend school between the ages of 8-18. If a student does not attend school, the law requires the school district to take action. ARY Petitions - These are petitions to obtain assistance and support from the juvenile court in maintaining the care, custody and control of the child and to assist in the resolution of family conflict, after alternatives to court intervention have been attempted. CHINS- These are petitions to obtain a court order mandating placement of the child in a residence other than the home of his/her parent because: a serious conflict exists between the parent and child that cannot be resolved by delivery of services to the family during continued placement of the child in the parental home, and reasonable efforts have been made to prevent the need for removal of the child from the parental home. Jan handed out materials and gave a PowerPoint presentation to address these three program components. Link to Becca information County Chins and At-Risk information Upcoming budget cuts may reduce the number of family resource counseling services. Barbara shared information about Friends of Youth programs specifically their MIDD program and Safe Net. The MIDD provides mental health and substance abuse counseling to middle school students at specific schools in RSD and SVSD. SafeNet is one-on-one training with middle school students and may include help with homework, organization, study skills and other activities designed to build commitment to school. Angela Thompson announced that Si View Parks is looking for college students to work this summer in their camps program. She noted that April 16 was teen night at Si View and volunteers were needed for Greenway days in June. Gwen announced that April 16 was healthy kids day and ground breaking for the new YMCA on the Ridge. She shared that the Y will have a community teen area and lobby that will be open to anyone, however to attend classes you must be a member. May 12 Coalition Meeting: Representatives from the local governments will be invited to talk about such topics as: • Summer programs for youth • Roles and priorities of cities in youth services- options for teens • How spaces are designed and developed to provide safe environments for recreation and other uses. (e.g parking, lighting, fencing, cycling, and pedestrian)

The third Be the Change Initiative with Nigel Wrangham at Twin Falls Middle School on March 12 was an exciting opportunity to strengthen knowledge and skills to change the world. Here, participants share what they valued from the event. It was a powerful day for kids from the Valley and beyond. The Healthy Community Coalition 2010-11 Meeting Schedule: 2:00-3:30 pm May 12 Riverview School District Boardroom -- Collaborating with local Cities August 8-- Key Leaders Summit Snoqualmie Valley Community Network Board 2010-11 Meeting Schedule 6:30-8:00pm Riverview School District Boardroom May 25 June 2--Rise and Shine Breakfast Your Help is needed NOW to create a caring and connected community where all our kids can grow up healthy. JOIN US! Friend us on Facebook Find the calendar of upcoming events and information on the Network website Riverview Youth Council Sno Valley Youth Council Healthy Youth Forums Learn the truth! What are young people reporting in the latest Healthy Youth Survey? How can parents, students and community work together to promote healthier futures for our kids? Join the conversation with teens, parents, and others who care about kids from 6:30-8:00 pm. May 11 Mount Si High School May 12 Cedarcrest High School

Take back your medications to North Bend and Snoqualmie Police Stations or participate in the DEA's April 30 take back day until there is a comprehensive take back program. DEA National Pharmaceutical Take-Back Day Saturday April 30 The DEA and local law enforcement are collecting potentially dangerous medicines for safe disposal on April 30th. Local Drop Sites: Park and Ride on the South East Corner of East North Bend Way and East McClellan Street. Sno Falls Credit Union in Snoqualmie Duvall Police Station In response to rising rates of prescription drug abuse and the dire need for safe drug disposal programs, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency and participating local law enforcement are coordinating a nationwide drug “take back” day on April 30 from 10 am to 2pm. This one-day event will provide residents with "free" anonymous collection of unwanted or expired medicines. “Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse." North Bend and Snoqualmie Police have installed anonymous drop boxes for prescription narcotics at their stations. Taking unwanted medicines to a take-back keeps those drugs out of children's hands and out of our groundwater. Take-back programs are the best way to dispose of old drugs. learn more at the take back your meds website!

Safe TALK Suicide Prevention Training offered FREE! Sno-Valley Senior Center, Carnation May 4, 4-7pm This highly acclaimed comprehensive 3-hour training will help you know how to recognize suicide risks and signs as well as how to ask someone (of any age) if they are thinking about suicide and get them help. The class is for all ages, under 15 must have parent permission. Clock hours available! "It is my opinion that we can never know enough about suicide awareness. Our biggest prevention tool is knowledge and the spreading of knowledge. Suicide prevention cannot ride on the shoulders of 'the professionals' only (i.e. counselors, therapists, doctors). Hopefully we can help prevent suicide tragedies by having more people in our community who know how to recognize the signs of suicidal thought and severe depression and who know how to respond to someone who is seriously depressed and thinking about suicide. We all have an obligation to educate and equip ourselves to recognize and support individuals who need help. Please consider attending the safeTALK Suicide Awareness Training (FREE), offered by Sue Eastgard of the Youth Suicide Prevention Program. And please, spread the word. This training is for any persons living or working in the Riverview or Snoqualmie Valley School Districts. At this training, you will learn four basic steps to recognize persons with thoughts of suicide and how to connect them with helpful resources." Heather Kern, Counselor, Snoqualmie Middle School To Register: svcn@msn.com

Nominate an outstanding volunteer who makes the valley shine!

2011 Rise and Shine Nomination Form

Nominee:     ___ _ Individual nominee __ Group nominee

Contact info: Phone     Email     _ Address      

Nominator: _ (Please attend and help present the award 7:30 am June 2 at Camp River Ranch) Contact info: Phone Email _ Address Affiliation ____

Respond to each question (attach additional page as needed): Note how the volunteer efforts are not a part of the nominee’s employment responsibilities

1. Describe the nominee’s volunteer efforts, including examples of how nominee’s efforts promote a healthy future for children and families in Snoqualmie Valley.

2. Explain how the volunteer efforts are “above and beyond” in quality, scope or precedent.

3. What, if any, recognition has this nominee received from the volunteer efforts?

4. How is this volunteer an inspirational model to others?

5. What is the estimated gift of time contributed by the nominee?

6. How has the nominee’s efforts expanded diversity awareness or understanding?

7. Provide additional narrative to highlight how this individual makes the Valley shine.

Return form by April 29 2011 to: SVCN PO Box 910 Carnation, WA 98014 or to: svcn@msn.com
425-333-6614

You can also download a copy of the application from the SVCN website

Nigel Wrangham training youth co-facilitators for last year's Be the Change Leadership Initiative Conference. These young people are sharing their knowledge and skills to create a healthier community. Coalition Meets April 14 2:00 to 3:30 Riverview School District Boardroom Agenda: At-Risk Youth and Juvenile Justice Jan Solomon, At Risk Youth Programs Manager King County Superior Court will present on the At Risk Youth court process to launch a discussion about systems and resources for troubled kids in the valley. All are welcome!   Lead the change you want to see. Join a great group creating a healthy Snoqualmie Valley community. Attend a coalition or network meeting this month. Above, 2006-7 Mount Si ASB President, Lauren Clapp meets with Senator Cantwell at the Community Anit-Drug Coalitions of America annual conference in Washington DC. The Network and coalition are in their 7th year of a federal Drug Free Communities Grant program to strengthen collaboration for a healthy community. JOIN US! The Healthy Community Coalition 2010-11 Meeting Schedule:  2:00-3:30 pm April 14 Riverview School District Boardroom -- Updates on Juvenile Justice services May 12 Riverview School District Boardroom -- Collaborating with local Cities August 8-- Key Leaders Summit Snoqualmie Valley Community Network Board 2010-11 Meeting Schedule  6:30-8:00pm Riverview School District Boardroom April 27 May 25 June 2--Rise and Shine Breakfast Your Help is needed NOW to create a caring and connected community where all our kids can grow up healthy. JOIN US! Friend us on Facebook Find the calendar of upcoming events and information on the Network website Healthy Youth Forums Learn the truth! What are young people reporting in the latest Healthy Youth Survey? How can parents, students and community work together to promote healthier futures for our kids? Join the conversation with teens, parents, and others who care about kids from 6:30-8:00 pm. May 11 Mount Si High School May 12 Cedarcrest High School

Nigel Wrangham training youth co-facilitators for last year's Be the Change Leadership Initiative Conference. These young people are sharing their knowledge and skills to create a healthier community. Coalition Meets April 14 2:00 to 3:30 Riverview School District Boardroom Agenda: At-Risk Youth and Juvenile Justice Jan Solomon, At Risk Youth Programs Manager King County Superior Court will present on the At Risk Youth court process to launch a discussion about systems and resources for troubled kids in the valley. All are welcome! Lead the change you want to see. Join a great group creating a healthy Snoqualmie Valley community. Attend a coalition or network meeting this month. Above, 2006-7 Mount Si ASB President, Lauren Clapp meets with Senator Cantwell at the Community Anit-Drug Coalitions of America annual conference in Washington DC. The Network and coalition are in their 7th year of a federal Drug Free Communities Grant program to strengthen collaboration for a healthy community. JOIN US! The Healthy Community Coalition 2010-11 Meeting Schedule: 2:00-3:30 pm April 14 Riverview School District Boardroom -- Updates on Juvenile Justice services May 12 Riverview School District Boardroom -- Collaborating with local Cities August 8-- Key Leaders Summit Snoqualmie Valley Community Network Board 2010-11 Meeting Schedule 6:30-8:00pm Riverview School District Boardroom April 27 May 25 June 2--Rise and Shine Breakfast Your Help is needed NOW to create a caring and connected community where all our kids can grow up healthy. JOIN US! Friend us on Facebook Find the calendar of upcoming events and information on the Network website Healthy Youth Forums Learn the truth! What are young people reporting in the latest Healthy Youth Survey? How can parents, students and community work together to promote healthier futures for our kids? Join the conversation with teens, parents, and others who care about kids from 6:30-8:00 pm. May 11 Mount Si High School May 12 Cedarcrest High School Take back your medications to North Bend and Snoqualmie Police Stations or participate in the DEA's April 30 take back day until there is a comprehensive take back program. DEA National Pharmaceutical Take-Back Day Saturday April 30 The DEA and local law enforcement are collecting potentially dangerous medicines for safe disposal on April 30th. A local drop site will be at the Park and Ride on the South East Corner of East North Bend Way and East McClellan Street. In response to rising rates of prescription drug abuse and the dire need for safe drug disposal programs, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency and participating local law enforcement are coordinating a nationwide drug “take back” day on April 30 from 10 am to 2pm. This one-day event will provide residents with "free" anonymous collection of unwanted or expired medicines. “Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse." North Bend and Snoqualmie Police have installed anonymous drop boxes for prescription narcotics at their stations. Taking unwanted medicines to a take-back keeps those drugs out of children's hands and out of our groundwater. Take-back programs are the best way to dispose of old drugs. Celebrate Earth Day by bundling up your unused or expired medications do drop off on April 30! learn more at the take back your meds website! Safe TALK Suicide Prevention Training offered FREE! Sno-Valley Senior Center, Carnation May 4, 4-7pm This highly acclaimed comprehensive 3-hour training will help you know how to recognize suicide risks and signs as well as how to ask someone if they are thinking about suicide and get them help. The class is for all ages, under 15 must have parent permission. Clock hours available! "It is my opinion that we can never know enough about suicide awareness. Our biggest prevention tool is knowledge and the spreading of knowledge. Suicide prevention cannot ride on the shoulders of 'the professionals' only (i.e. counselors, therapists, doctors). Hopefully we can help prevent suicide tragedies by having more people in our community who know how to recognize the signs of suicidal thought and severe depression and who know how to respond to someone who is seriously depressed and thinking about suicide. We all have an obligation to educate and equip ourselves to recognize and support individuals who need help. Please consider attending the safeTALK Suicide Awareness Training (FREE), offered by Sue Eastgard of the Youth Suicide Prevention Program. And please, spread the word. This training is for any persons living or working in the Riverview or Snoqualmie Valley School Districts. At this training, you will learn four basic steps to recognize persons with thoughts of suicide and how to connect them with helpful resources." Heather Kern, Counselor, Snoqualmie Middle School To Register: svcn@msn.com Nominate an outstanding volunteer who makes the valley shine! 2011 Rise and Shine Nomination Form Nominee:     ___ _ Individual nominee __ Group nominee Contact info: Phone Email _ Address Nominator: _ (Please attend and help present the award 7:30 am June 2 at Camp River Ranch) Contact info: Phone Email _ Address Affiliation ____ Respond to each question (attach additional page as needed): Note how the volunteer efforts are not a part of the nominee’s employment responsibilities Describe the nominee’s volunteer efforts, including examples of how nominee’s efforts promote a healthy future for children and families in Snoqualmie Valley. Explain how the volunteer efforts are “above and beyond” in quality, scope or precedent. What, if any, recognition has this nominee received from the volunteer efforts? How is this volunteer an inspirational model to others? What is the estimated gift of time contributed by the nominee? How has the nominee’s efforts expanded diversity awareness or understanding? Provide additional narrative to highlight how this individual makes the Valley shine. Return form by April 29 2011 to: SVCN PO Box 910 Carnation, WA 98014 or to: svcn@msn.com 425-333-6614 You can also download a copy of the application from the SVCN website

 

Healthy Community Coalition Meets March 17 Snoqualmie Valley School District Boardroom 2:00-3:30pm Third Thursday this month! AGENDA: DATA: What do we want to know from the Healthy Youth Survey Data? As coalition members, what is important to learn to build a better future for our community? In what formats can we comprehend and effectively share information to shape positive community norms? VILLAGE PARTIES Committee report following youth council conversations and next steps. Lead the change you want to see. Join with others who are creating a healthy Snoqualmie Valley community. Attend a coalition or network meeting this month. Above, Network board members, Clockwise from left, President Steve Bates, Secretary, Paula Matthysse, Vice President, Ken Heikkila, Leanne Christensen, ED Kristy Trione, Carly Christensen, and Nela Cumming. Not pictured, Treasurer Laurie Minaglia. This dynamic group charged with connecting a caring community is actively recruiting new members. Please reply to svcn@msn.com if you would like to know more about what is required to serve on the SVCN board. The Healthy Community Coalition 2010-11 Meeting Schedule: 2:00-3:30 pm March 17 Snoqualmie Valley School District Boardroom April 14 Riverview School District Boardroom May 12 Riverview School District Boardroom Snoqualmie Valley Community Network Board 2010-11 Meeting Schedule 6:30-8:00pm Riverview School District Boardroom March 23 April 27 May 25 Your Help is needed NOW to create a caring and connected community where all our kids can grow up healthy. JOIN US! Connect with us on Facebook and on our updated website with numerous resources and information SVCN Snoqualmie Valley and Riverview Youth Council members visiting Olympia in 2009. Making a difference! ADVOCACY NEEDED TO CONTINUE CONNECTING A CARING COMMUNITY Proposed cuts to the state budget threaten the networks. Please contact your representatives to remind them that the Community Health and Safety Networks are a response to a people's initiative to prevent problem behaviors, and that elimination would threaten the loss of additional matching funding from the Federal Drug Free Communities Grant. This infrastructure strengthens our community and is achieving positive results through mutual responsibility of strategic partnerships, in these difficult times. The Network helped bring in an additional $350K in grants this year to the Snoqualmie Valley, and hosts important community conversations for positive change. Our representatives are listening. Your voice makes a difference. The Medicine Return Bill The secure medicine return bill fell short one vote on the floor of the state Senate. Thank you for your advocacy and education regarding this issue. Senator Cheryl Pflug (5th District), deserves our thanks for sponsoring and for her unwavering support for this bill. Next year! In the meantime, dispose of narcotics at local police stations and keep your medicines secure at home. Friends of Youth Celebrates 60 Years Join in a Celebration of Youth Friday, March 18th, 2011 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Hyatt Regency Bellevue 900 Bellevue Way NE Bellevue, Washington 98004 Register Here

Save the date for March 12 Leadership Conference at Twin Falls Middle School in North Bend. Invite a young person to participate in a fun and informative day. Healthy Community Coalition Meets February 10, 2011 Snoqualmie Police Station, 34825 SE Douglas Street  2:00- 3:30  AGENDA  Report from Law Enforcement Agencies  Update on Village Party Planning  Planning for Healthy Youth Forums  Preliminary planning for Key Leaders Summit Lead the change you want to see. Join with others who are creating a healthy Snoqualmie Valley community. Attend a coalition or network meeting this month. Above, Network board members, Clockwise from left, President Steve Bates, Secretary, Paula Matthysse, Vice President, Ken Heikkila, Leanne Christensen, ED Kristy Trione, Carly Christensen, and Nela Cumming. Not pictured, Treasurer Laurie Minaglia. This dynamic group charged with connecting a caring community is actively recruiting new members. Please reply to svcn@msn.com if you would like to know more about what is required to serve on the SVCN board. The Healthy Community Coalition 2010-11 Meeting Schedule: 2:00-3:30 pm  February 10 Snoqualmie Police Department  March 17 Snoqualmie Valley School District Boardroom  April 14 Riverview School District Boardroom  May 12 Riverview School District Boardroom Snoqualmie Valley Community Network Board 2010-11 Meeting Schedule 6:30-8:00pm Riverview School District Boardroom  February 16  March 23  April 27  May 25 Your Help is needed NOW to create a caring and connected community where all our kids can grow up healthy. JOIN US! Connect with us on Facebook  and on our updated website with numerous resources and information SVCN LOTS OF FUN FREE THINGS TO DO IN THE VALLEY! February 12th Seed Exchange from 10-2 at the Carnation Tree Farm. Open to the public. You don't have to bring seeds to go home with seeds for your garden. ADVOCACY NEEDED TO CONTINUE CONNECTING A CARING COMMUNITY A bill currently before the state legislature threatens the existence of the networks. Please write your representatives to remind them that the Community Health and Safety Networks are a response to a people's initiative to prevent problem behaviors, and that elimination would threaten the loss of additional matching funding such as the Federal Drug Free Communities Grant. This infrastructure is important to continue the positive results achieved through strategic partnerships, especially in these difficult times. The Network helped bring in an additional $350K in grants this year to the Snoqualmie Valley, in addition to hosting important community conversations for positive change.  Our representatives are listening. Your voice makes a difference. The Medicine Return Bill Clears Senate Health Committee: With thanks to our 5th District Senator, Cheryl Pflug, this important legislation is closer to becoming law. It now needs support in the Senate Rules Committee and the House Environmental Committee chaired by Dave Upthegrove. Your advocacy is appreciated! Networks Day in Olympia Thursday, February 17, 2011, 9:00am – 3:00pm Register with svcn@msn.com for a free lunch at the capitol and to carpool. Free Class on legal resources Thursday, February 15, 7 PM  North Bend Library This one-hour class will help you find resources to guide you through family law matters such as divorce, child custody, or child support. Learn materials that are available in other languages. This class is taught by librarians from the King County Law Library, a public library with locations in the King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle and in the Maleng Regional Justice Center in downtown Kent. Free and open to the public. Sarah Lynch  Teen Services Librarian  Fall City, North Bend and Snoqualmie Libraries  King County Library System  www.kcls.org http://librariansarah.blogspot.com/ You are getting this newsletter because you are a leader in the Snoqualmie Valley. If you wish to be unsubscribed from this confidential list, please reply to svcn@msn.com

NEW MEETING LOCATION!!! Healthy Community Coalition Meets January 13 Snoqualmie Public Library, 2:00- 3:30 7824 Center Blvd SE, Snoqualmie Agenda: "Most of Us" Conference Report-- changing cultural norms "Take Back Your Meds" Campaign Healthy Youth Forum planning, continued Village Party planning, continued

Kevin Haggerty discusses teen brain development and the effects of alcohol and drugs, and tips for parents to guide, monitor and provide meaningful consequences to protect their kids from harm. Attend an upcoming Healthy Youth Forum in May. Healthy Community Coalition Notes from December 9, 2:00 Attendees:  Debby Peterman SVCN  Ken Cline Parent  Kristin Kajer-Cline Educational Connections  Laurie Wesorick SVCN  Steve Bates SVSD and SVCN Board Member  Joan Zoet Riverview SD  Barbara Luniuck-Rakita Friends of Youth  Ken Heikkila Riverview SD  Laura Smith SVCN  Kirsten Burt Lazy Ks  Kristy Trione SVCN  Evan Hatch CHS Counselor  I. Recruitment: Steve Bates briefly presented the Connecting a Caring Community brochure. He asked the group to review it and to share it with others who may be interested and effective in serving on the SVCN board.  II. Follow-up on Business Leader Conversations from Oct and Nov.  a. The discussion in the lower valley resulted in general plans for helping students learn interviewing techniques and how to present themselves.  ACTION: Laura Smith will work with Kirsten Burt to get the ball rolling on this.  b. The discussion in the upper valley focused on the idea of “healthy parties”. Kristin Kajer-Cline presented a Community Party Proposal/Ideas document that was well-received by the group.  ACTION: We will develop a sub-committee to further work on the concept. Task force will meet in January and then in February, and attend Youth Council meetings to seek their input.  III. Healthy Youth Forum  The group discussed the feedback from the Forums held at Cedarcrest and Mount Si High Schools in May 2009:  What did you like the most? (By priority with #1 being the comment most noted.)  *Interactive discussion with students - table discussions  *Guidance/Monitoring/Consequences model and teen brain  *Data and survey facts  *Discussions separated families  How could this event be improved?  *Handout of data  *More time for talking about and understanding the data- too much, too fast, too confusing - had hard time understanding and following data  *Better screen and sound system  *More time for table discussions  *Want kids recovering to talk - (Not a good idea according to prevention research)  *No changes  *More teen brain info  *Advertise so get more community involvement  *Kids want less talk and more activities  *More time for the event  Specific topics that you are interested in  *Suicide prevention  *Teenage depression  *Community working together to improve trends  *Effects of drugs on the teen brain  *Abuse including sexual harassment and bullying  *Methamphetamine  *Resources  *Eating habits  *Graffiti  *Sexual activity  *Drinking and driving  *Teen pregnancy  *Drug trends and abuse  *Youth council info and healthy activities in the valley  *Youth risky behaviors  *What happens when kids go to jail or the hospital due to alcohol use  *Cigarette use  *Drug/alcohol effects  b. There was agreement from the coalition that the data needed to be simple talking points.  i. Suggested that we stick to the graphs provided with the results since they are user-friendly and easy to understand.  ii. Suggestion to utilize an approach that engages the group in a quicker process for digesting the data.  iii. There was agreement that we need an emcee for events.  c. Suggestion to talk more about bullying in the presentation.  d. A draft agenda was presented (see below).  ACTION: Districts will identify dates in May that work for the presentation and provide feedback and direction on the agenda. SVCN staff will help organize presenters and publicity.  DRAFT AGENDA  5 minutes Welcome  5 minutes Walk the Walk - Student speakers  5 minutes Purpose  10 minutes Question 1  10 minutes Jan Olav data presentation  10 minutes Question 2.  20 minutes Teen Brain - Kevin  10 minutes Question 3  10 minutes Question 4  5 minutes Participants complete surveys  Questions:  1 What are your greatest hopes and fears regarding the high school scene?  2 From the data you heard, what stands out the most for you? Or If alcohol or drugs are offered, what do you hope your  Students: parent would do?  Parents: Student would do?  3 Your son or daughter is invited to a Saturday night get together at a friend’s house.  Students: What do you want your parents to do?  Parents: What do you want your student to do?  4 What are some fun healthy activities that can be planned by parents and teens outside of school?  IV. Safe TALK and ASIST Announcements  ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) - February 7th & 8th 2011 - Fall City, WA  Safe TALK January 25 at Snoqualmie Middle School 3:30-7:00 pm.  ACTION: We discussed the need for an ASIST class in the lower valley and will contact the Sno-Valley Senior Center as a potential hosting partner.  V. 2010 Key Leaders Follow-Up Plan: We will be following up with the KLS attendees. Communication 1 will summarize the participant’s commitment and Communication 2 will offer assistance with any barriers that hinder the accomplishment of the commitment.  ACTION: Staff will draft and send Communication 1. The next Coalition meeting is January 13th from 2:00 to 3:30pm at the Snoqualmie Library 7824 Center Blvd SE, Snoqualmie, 98065 One of many healthy fun activities for kids in the Snoqualmie Valley. Sledding at Tolt/MacDonald Park in November 2010. Free ASIST Training (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)  THIS IS A 2-DAY TRAINING. PARTICIPATION BOTH FULL DAYS IS MANDATORY.  Chief Kanim Middle School  32627 SE Redmond -Fall City Rd.  Fall City, WA 98024  Monday & Tuesday, February 7th & 8th 2011  8:30am - 4:30pm  REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Monday, January 31st 2011  COST: FREE for King County residents  Sponsored by the King County Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Plan in partnership with the King County Mental Health, Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division.  Register online at Register Here  For information,contact Sue Eastgard at <suee@yspp.org> or (206) 297-5922 ext. 1 Lead the change you want to see. Join with others who are creating a healthy Snoqualmie Valley community. Attend a coalition or network meeting this month. The Healthy Community Coalition 2010-11 Meeting Schedule: 2:00-3:30 pm  January 13 Riverview School District Boardroom  February 10 Snoqualmie Police Department  March 17 Snoqualmie Valley School District Boardroom  April 14 Riverview School District Boardroom  May 12 Riverview School District Boardroom Snoqualmie Valley Community Network Board 2010-11 Meeting Schedule 6:30-8:00pm Riverview School District Boardroom  January 26  February 16  March 23  April 27  May 25 Your Help is needed NOW to create a caring and connected community where all our kids can grow up healthy. JOIN US! Connect with us on Facebook  and on our updated website with numerous resources and information SVCN This year's Leadership Conference is scheduled for March 12 at Twin Falls Middle School. Mark your calendars for a GREAT event! safeTALK Suicide Prevention Training Suicide Alertness for Everyone  Learn four basic steps to recognize persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them with suicide helping resources.  This FREE three-hour training can help you make a difference Participants will learn to: provide practical help to people with thoughts of suicide be a suicide alert helper be aware that opportunities to help a person with thoughts of suicide are sometimes missed, dismissed and avoided activate a suicide alert using the TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen, and Keep Safe) connect people with thoughts of suicide to people trained in suicide intervention. safeTALK is for everyone who wants to help prevent suicide: front line workers, clergy, volunteers, parents, youth*, teachers, law enforcement...anyone who wants to help with suicide prevention. (* persons age 15 or younger may attend with the consent of parent or guardian.) Tuesday, January 25, 2011 3:45-7:00 pm Snoqualmie Middle School Facilitated by Sue Eastgard, Youth Suicide Prevention Program Executive Director Clock Hours available FREE to persons living or working within the Riverview or Snoqualmie Valley School Districts Register at svcn@msn.com (by January 18, 2011) Happy New Year from WASAVP, sending these tips for a safe New Year: Drink responsibly if you choose to drink at your New Years party  If you go out and choose to drink, some things you can do to be safe are: Designate a responsible sober driver before the festivities Keep a buddy system Limit the amount of money you bring before you leave Count your drinks Always keep your drink in your hand Reduce exposure to drunk/drowsy drivers by not waiting until closing time to leave. Going to a friend's house? Keep in mind that drinks poured at home are often actually stronger than those served at an establishment as shared in a video by the British campaign "Know Your Limits" last year (see link below). Especially, if you are thinking of pre-funking to save money, you may be running a higher risk of losing count of your drinks and all the dangers that come with that. Remember that if you have to drive home, you are still technically "out" and may still want to follow the suggestions from the first list. Video from the UK campaign, "know your limits":  Know your limits video SAVE THE DATE: Prevention Policy Day Youth and Adults descend upon Olympia!  Let's draw the line between  alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and youth MONDAY JANUARY 17, 2011 The State Capitol Campus  Olympia, WA Stay tuned for registration information. Fun Volunteer Opportunity! Re-in-Carnation, a cute little upscale thrift shop next to and benefiting the Senior Center in Carnation is a very fun community gathering place, with a cozy wood stove and friendly, happy volunteers. You'll pick days/hours that are convenient for you. The shifts are about 3 hours, morning (10 to 1) and afternoon (1 to 4), Tuesday through Saturday. A minimum of two people are present at each shift, one cashier and one attendant, who also receives & displays incoming donations. Training for the cashier position involves one or more in-store training days, depending on your previous experience.  Jump right in or just participate as you can. Come visit the shop to check us out!  To arrange your volunteer hours, call the Senior Center at 425-333-4152 and you'll be connected with Fran Carlson, the Re-in-Carnation manager. You are getting this newsletter because you are a leader in the Snoqualmie Valley. If you wish to be unsubscribed from this confidential list, please reply to svcn@msn.com ©2010 Snoqualmie Valley Healthy Community Coalition | svcn@msn.com

Healthy Community Coalition Meets Thursday December 9, 2:00 Riverview School District Offices  Agenda §  Follow-up on Business Leader conversations and youth activities proposals from last meeting §  Healthy Youth Forum Planning--May community conversations on the state of kids growing up in the valley §  Key Leaders Summit follow-up -- Participant commitments: plan for re-group and updates   This issue features the Drug Free Washington Month Poster Contest Winning entries from Mount Si High School. Above, by Hannah Masbaum. Healthy Community Coalition Meeting Notes From 10/14/10, SVSD Boardroom  Meeting with businesses in the Upper Valley Attendees Kathy Harris, Fall City Roadhouse and Inn  Stephen Kangas, SVCN  Phoebe Terhaar, SVCN  Kristi Kajer Cline- Educational Connections  Laura Quinn, King County Community Organizing  Nela Cumming, Encompass  Laurie Wesorick, SVCN  Lisa Mc Cord Finaghty’s Irish Pub  Chris Fagan, Thinkshop, Inc.  John Coulon, Twin Falls Middle School  Barbara Luniuck Rakita, FOY  Debby Peterman, SVCN Barbara facilitated the meeting and started with introductions. She shared what was important about the network for her and others followed her lead. Barbara described the services that FOY offers in the valley and noted that FOY had provided life skills training to all 5th graders in the district, but due to loss of United Way funding this program was cut. Attendees were interested in this program and discussed what might be done to bring it back. It was noted that life skills training is very important and 5th grade is a good grade to target. Laura Quinn noted that staff in the King County Community Organizing program had been reduced from three to one, and as the only remaining staff, she will be responsible for covering all of King County. She said that she wouldn’t be able to attend many of the healthy coalition meetings this upcoming year because her territory is so big. She also noted that she was using this committee’s format and structure as a model for other communities. She believes that it is very valuable to bring the community to the table for discussions. She was very impressed with the law enforcement meeting she attended earlier in the year. She also shared that her program is expecting future budget cuts so isn’t sure if she will have money for grants next year. Barbara raised the questions identified in our letter to the businesses and asked folks if they would like to comment. Lisa indicated that she believes that there are not enough healthy activities for youth and so they hang out on the streets outside the Game Cave, blocking the sidewalks and entrances to stores, riding their skateboards and loitering. The store owners do not appreciate this and view it as a kind of harassment of the public. Kathy said they didn’t have these issues in Fall City. Kathy is more concerned with the drug dealers in Fall City. She attended the meeting for a more personal reason - her daughter developed a problem with prescription drugs. The SVCN members shared the activities of the Youth Council and John Coulon described the natural helpers program, both activities unknown to the new members of the coalition. The group brainstormed healthy activities: • Ridge businesses could explore sharing lease fees to pay for a space on the ridge for youth to hang out- something like Ktub in Kirkland. • Businesses could identify times to invite and promote youth attendance at pubs or restaurants - open mike, karoke, pool, darts; • The healthy community committee could work to develop a template for healthy youth parties - Kristen indicated that she would be willing to kick this off with her ideas. This has been a success with her teenage children. There was lots of interest in promoting healthy youth parties. The group brainstormed places to hold the parties, possible roles for businesses (lend equipment or space), guidelines for parents to use in throwing the parties and groups to invite (e.g. Spanish class, drama group, etc.) . Kristen agreed to write up some of her experiences and the committee decided they wanted to devote time at the next meeting to flesh this out. Both of the restaurants attending indicated that they had no compliance issues. They indicated that the compliance problems are tied to the employees. They stated that they are aware of certain servers in the community who will provide drinks to underage youth. They no longer work at these restaurants. Barb agreed to facilitate the next meeting. Poster by Tony Torchia Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention Training Offered The Sno-Valley Youth Council is partnering with the Youth Suicide Prevention Program to offer a peer-to-peer suicide prevention training opportunity. Students who go through the training will be better able to help a friend in need as well as assist in leading the presentation in other classes throughout your school in an effort to reinforce what is being taught in health classes.  According to YSPP, curriculum AND a peer-to-peer program complement and reinforce each other and offer different advantages. Research also shows that the most effective programs in schools to prevent suicide include these two pieces and more!  If you know students who you think would be interested in this opportunity, please pass this information along to them. Date: November 9th from 6-8pm  Where: Meeting room at the Fall City Library  Who: Any SMS, TFMS, CKMS, or TR students who are interested in attending.  RSVP: learningepiphanies@hotmail.com or 206-226-5287   Poster by Tyler Cruz Ready to get scared?? Movie Fright Night 2010  Movie: Sixth Sense PG-13  Date: October 29th  Time: 6:30-9:30 (seating at 6:30 with movie starting at 7pm)  Location: Kokopelli Gardens, 14520 284th Avenue NE, Duvall, WA 98019  Sponsors: Riverview Youth Council, Carnation Library, City of Duvall, and Kokopelli Gardens  Indoor venue, but dress for the weather as it’s not heated  (RSVP)  $5 suggested donation; concessions available  We will also be collecting canned food for Hopelink. Poster by Brad Harrelson The Healthy Community Coalition 2010-11 Meeting Schedule:  2:00-3:30 pm  December 9 Riverview School District Boardroom  January 13 Riverview School District Boardroom  February 10 Snoqualmie Police Department  March 17 Snoqualmie Valley School District Boardroom  April 14 Riverview School District Boardroom  May 12 Riverview School District Boardroom Snoqualmie Valley Community Network Board 2010-11 Meeting Schedule 6:30-8:00pm Riverview School District Boardroom  October 27  December 8  January 26  February 16  March 23  April 27  May 25 JOIN US! Connect with us on Facebook  and on our updated website full of resources and information SVCN   Poster by Rahman Albashbishi Have some Harvest Fun at Si View! Something for everyone this Harvest season – Pumpkin Patch Swim & Dive-In Movies "Just like the drive-in, but wetter!"  Friday Oct 22nd, 5:30-7:30pm at the Si View Pool  Pre-register ($5/person), space is limited to 60 swimmers  Suitable for all ages, kids 6 and under must have an adult in the pool with them. Harvest Carnival, Spooktacular fun for all!  Saturday Oct 23rd, 1-4pm at Si View Community Center  Dress in your favorite costume and come try your luck at carnival games. We'll also have a G and PG rated haunted house.  Games 10/$2, haunted house admission $1  Co-sponsored by Encompass and Si View Metro Parks Howlin' Halloween Teen Night  Saturday Oct 23rd, 8-11pm at Si View Community Center  Games, costume contest, DJ & more…6-12 graders only.  Admission $2 Si View Haunted House 3G*  Saturday October 30th, 6:00-8:30pm at Si View Community Center  Prepare for thrills and chills featuring Michael Jackson's Thriller!  Admission $3  *Gory, Gruesome & Graphic! Enter at your own risk. For additional information about Si View Metro Parks programs, please call 425-831-1900 or visit www.siviewpark.org.

September 28 Connecting a Caring Community Healthy Community Coalition News and events

Outstanding 5TH ANNUAL KEY LEADERS SUMMIT "I was looking for a leader, and the leader is me." The Snoqualmie Valley Community Network would like to thank the participants of the 5th Annual Key Leaders Summit who gathered at Meadowbrook Farm on August 9 to improve the health and wellbeing of kids growing up in the Snoqualmie Valley. This cross section of the community went through a series of exercises to inform and leverage resources and initiatives for a healthy caring community. By the end of the event, each table group had created commitment lists that indicated one particular issue that the participants personally wanted to address in their goal of helping to create a more safe, healthy and connected community.  Key Leaders:  Jim Schaffer, Snoqualmie Police Chief  Steve McCulley, Snoqualmie Police Dept.  Mark Toner, North Bend Police Chief  Kim O’Hagan, Snoqualmie Nation  Bob Larson, City of Snoqualmie  Larry Springer, 45th District Legislator  Glenn Anderson, 5th District Legislator  Matt Larson, City of Snoqualmie Mayor  Paul Tredway, Sallal Water Assn.  Cory Cordova, Safeway  Stephen Kangas, Kangas Associates  David Speikers, Attorney  Allison Espiritn Snoqualmie Valley Record  Dan Catchpole, Sno Valley Star  Kim Arellano, Arrelano Consulting  Chris Fagan, Thinkshop  Becky Reitzes, Seattle King County Public Health  Scott Paul, Sound Mental Health  Sue Mocker, Snoqualmie Hospital  Scott Scowcroft, Snoqualmie Hospital Foundation  Nela Cumming, Encompass, SVCN Board  Sara Christensen, Northwest Art Center  Betsy Guds, Friends of Youth  Gillian Kenagy, Prevention Scholar, UW student, Network staff  Rebecca Milliman, Children’s Response Center  Gregory Malcom, Encompass Executive Director  Darcy Newman, King County Library System  Kathy Klein, Riverview Education Foundation  Kim Droppo, Girl Scouts  Laura Quinn, King County Community Organizing Program  Barbara Luniuck Rakita, Friends of Youth  Kim Thomas, Seattle Mental Health  Jim Hermanson, Metro Driver  Conrad Robertson, Riverview School District Superintendent  Tom Athanases, Two Rivers School Principal  Ray Labate, Cedarcrest High School Assistant Principal  Tom Oldenburg, Tolt Middle School Assistant Principal  Joel Aune, Snoqualmie Valley School District Superintendent  Brian Peterman, Mount Si Assistant Track Coach  Doug Poage, Carnation Elementary Principal  Laura Baker, Friends of Youth  Laura Smith, Snoqualmie Valley Community Network staff  Leanne Christensen, Cedarcrest PTSA, Network Board  Joanne Hall, Lake Washington PTSA, Parent Education  Lianne Smith, Parenting Coach  David Spring, Candidate for 5th District Legislature, Yes on 1098  Nick Van Veen, Student, Prevention Scholar  Garnet Droppo, Tolt Middle School Student  Steve Bates, Snoqualmie Valley School District Lead Counselor, SVCN President  Ken Heikkila, Riverview School District Director Special Services, SVCN Vice-President  Laurie Minaglia, Carnation Elementary Teacher, SVCN Treasurer  Paula Matthysse, SVCN Board  Debby Peterman, SVCN Staff  Kristy Trione, SVCN Staff  David Trione, Sound Power, Volunteer Photographer and Videographer Mark you calendars! The Healthy Community Coalition 2010-11 Meeting Schedule: 2:00-3:30 pm  October 14 Snoqualmie Valley Schools Boardroom  December 9 Riverview School District Boardroom  January 13 Riverview School District Boardroom  February 10 Snoqualmie Police Department  March 17 Snoqualmie Valley School District Boardroom  April 14 Riverview School District Boardroom  May 12 Riverview School District Boardroom Snoqualmie Valley Community Network Board 2010-11 Meeting Schedule 6:30-8:00pm Riverview School District Boardroom  October 27  December 8  January 26  February 16  March 23  April 27  May 25 **JOIN US!**