Sierra Ambulance Training Headquarters, Oakhurst

Present:  Dave Wolin, Sandy Hale, Barry Thorn, Janet Stanovich, Stu Tanner, Jerry Thompson, Roger Simms, Edward Guzman, Rhonda Catherina, Shirley Finneman

Called to order: 0730 hours by Ed Guzman and Dave Wolin

Introduction:  Roger Simms

Review minutes of last month’s (March) meeting

Discussions:

Volunteer Fair update regarding consolidating with the Oakhurst Health Fair.  A committee began meeting to prepare for this event.  Dave Wolin and Janet Stanovich will meet with Health Fair committee at noon today for further planning.   September 18, 2005 (Sunday) is the selected date of the Health Fair/Volunteer Expo.

Two sample of flyer/poster for promotion of Volunteer Expo were presented to the EMCEPC members for review.

The Volunteer Expo committee will schedule various days to setup a booth in surrounding communities to create a “community awareness” of the Volunteer Expo mission.  This will begin at the Memorial Day Peddlers Fair (2005).  Discussion of what type of material will be disseminated to the public was addressed; however, no decision has been reached at this time.  

Barry Thorn addressed the fact that Disaster Worker’s sign-up sheets would be used to get a “show” of interested/potential volunteers.  Then a packet would be sent out to those who are serious about becoming involved.

Barry Thorn further expressed that the concept of the Volunteer Expo was to develop a potential list of resources from all arenas – for public awareness and recruitment. 

It was mentioned that approximately 700 + people attending the Health Fair last year.  Rhonda Catherina discussed the importance of targeting the community through the use of specific artwork (bulldozers, etc) on the flyer (booth setup).

We will need to also recruit volunteers to work the booth at Peddlers Fair – using family members, etc.  Janet Stanovich suggested that the booth be staffed at all times with someone having knowledge of the purpose for this endeavor.  

Edward Guzman gave a PowerPoint presentation.  Ed will also send a thank you letter to Sierra Telephone (H. Baker) for the past years use of their conference room.

PUBH and Oakhurst Community Medical Center training on April 23^rd – totally blind – nurses don’t know it will be a drill.

OES – Barry Thorn reported on the tabletop exercise held on April 18^th – there were approximately 66 participants.  It was filmed and the film might be used in training sessions.  The Reverse 911 system has 357 dwellings now on file.  GIS I going well – new system. NIMS: California is ahead of everyone else.  Homeland security for ‘05 grants is $500,000.   ’06 and ’07 Homeland grants may bill half million a year; and awarded based on risk assessment.

Sandy Hale – Red Cross: Janet and Sandy will be contact persons.

Dave Wolin – Met with his general officer no “draft” at this time.

Stu Tanner – Still involved with Scout Pack #94.  CHP folded their Explorer program due to budget cuts.  Regarding West Nile Virus- get free algae-eating fish from Madera County; make bat houses.

Roger Simms – CDF Explorer program in mountain – contact person Mike Van.  There is a new CDF station in Ahwahnee, just past the Hitching Post.  Burn-day line is down.  May 1^st stop burning.  Burn day is a pollution agency issue.  877-429-2876 burn-day info.

No Hensley Lake drill this year.  The “Every 15-Minutes” program is now “Every 30-Minutes” – a two-day educational program surrounding drugs and alcohol.  Date is unknown:  kept a secret.

Committee discussed what other agencies should be involved with EMCEPC.

May 12, 2005 is next meeting date at 0730 hours at Sierra Ambulance.

Adjourned 0840 hrs.

Respectfully submitted,

Janet Stanovich