UNDERAGE DRINKING FORUM PLANNING WORKGROUP

Minutes of February 22nd, 2006

Our Vision: A child, a family. A community that is happy, healthy and drug free.

Attendance

All attending were asked to sign the attendance roster.
Introductions were made of all group members.

WPBF Channel 25 Follow up

JCoalition building is a goal. The 3/28 date continues to be a possibility however a second meeting to address the needs of the Town Hall event will be scheduled with Doris, Donna and Lynn to attend. It was suggested that the group proceed to secure a school location and speakers along with the possibility of a Channel 25 venue.

Location Update

Boynton Beach HS and Palm Beach Gardens HS have been contacted. Schools are requesting a faxed request. A concern was expressed over the possibility of two sites with all in agreement that a single site would be the most workable.

Palm Beach Atlantic has a number of extended facilities, which would be available in the future. The March 28th date is not available. Size of the event is of concern due to parking limitations.

Channel 20 at the Governmental Center was suggested as a possible site. Because Channel 20 offers community education, a "guaranteed audience" is already in place. Lester Williams, Channel 20 ( 355-4573), was contacted to follow up with this idea although he could not be reached. Doris Carroll will follow up with this contact.

Thus far there are three venue possibilities:

Channel 20- Governmental Center

WPBF Channel 25

A centrally located high school site.

Purpose

A total of 7 counties in the state will conduct a Town Hall meeting on 3/28. The purpose of the Town Hall meeting was reiterated emphasizing prevention awareness, national and local awareness, providing facts on underage drinking, stressing the need for pro-advocacy, and the distribution of local statistics.

The pros and cons of a beer company or distributor participating in the meeting were discussed. It was determined by the group that the participation of this group would send a "mixed message."

Panelist Updates

Sheriff's Office will provide two captains (links for research will also be provided.)

State Attorney's Office can provide an individual to speak to the laws of driving under the influence and parents and open house parties.

Athlete Billy Thompson was contacted. He is available and is requesting information in writing as a follow up. The group requires more information on his background and the specific "fit" for this event.

Mark Foley - unavailable due to conflict with district boundaries

Lois Frankel - very interested and is checking her calendar to determine availability. Doris Carroll to follow up with Mayor Frankel.

Parent (Bumper Sticker Dad) was contacted. He is unavailable due to health concerns.

MADD - called and emailed - no response as of yet

A representative from the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco will be an integral part of the panel. This division, under Governor Bush, enforces all alcohol and tobacco laws, licensure, regulation and taxes for alcohol and tobacco products, enforces underage drinking laws, and monitors the sale of alcohol to minors (bumper sticker campaign.)

Captain Carol Owsiany explained the role of her position and shared the need for a balanced panel, including an individual from the above referenced division.

Sub Committees

Three Sub Committees were formed:

Agenda/Program Committee

Marketing Committee

Charge for the Audience Committee
Workgroup members were divided among the three committees.
Sub committees will meet on March 1st to detail specifics for the event. All brainstorming and planning will be shared with the larger planning workgroup at the next meeting.

The next workgroup planning meeting is scheduled for:
March 8, 2006
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Prevention Center - Lincoln Elementary

All after forum ideas are to be sent to Doris Carroll to assist with prevention efforts in the future.

The large group meeting was adjourned at 3:50 p.m. with all members breaking up into their respective sub committees.