St. John the Baptist

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

St. John the Baptist Parish Library, LaPlace

Present: Sheela Jambotkar, Joe Carr, Laureen Arceneaux, Rhonda Lemons, Vondel Sylvan, Terry H. Mitchell, Shelia Louper, Patti Rodrigue, Dr. Regina Bracy and Cynthia Clifton.

Cynthia Clifton welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending the FCS Nutrition Advisory Board/Healthy Community Follow-up meeting.

Opening prayer was led by Vondel Sylvan. Everyone introduced themselves and stated their affiliation with the parish.

Minutes from the November 16, 2016 meeting was handed out and read. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Sheela Jambotkar and seconded by Laureen Arceneaux.

A discussion of the strengths and weakness of St. John the Baptist Parish was discussed from the previous meeting. Terry H. Mitchell stated that the Joe Brown Foundation has grants for organizations to apply for. She will get this information to Cynthia Clifton to see if grants can be applied for. Cynthia Clifton informed the advisory board that the parish has constructed a walking/bike path along the levee in Reserve. Vondel Sylvan stated that Dr. Eric Griggs has started a walking club in St. Charles Parish and is in the process of starting one in St. John the Baptist Parish also. He is affiliated with STEM NOLA. She will check into it for the board.

Dr. Bracy asked if we could get with Denise Holston West to see if she can make evaluations on how to make your community more fit to be distributed to the community to see what there interest are on getting fit.

New Business:

The Easter Egg distribution for the Head Start students were discussed which is scheduled for April 13, 2017. Patti Rodrigue stated that she will ask the schools to donate the eggs and candy for the Head Start students. Cynthia Clifton informed her that 700 eggs were needed.

Vondel Sylvan stated that the Diabetes Walk is scheduled for April 29, 2017 at East St. John High School and that everyone was invited to participate.

Rhonda Lemons stated that the Department of Human and Health Services were partnering with the military and are hosting a 2 week health clinic from July 12 – 22, 2017 at East St. John High School. The different organizations that will be on hand for the health clinic would include: blood mobile, military (screening physical, dental and vision (1 pair of free glasses), nutrition, and behavioral health. Flyers will be distributed within the next week.

Cynthia Clifton handed out flyers for the Louisiana Federal Credit Union which was sponsoring a SHRED FEST on March 25, 2017 from 10:00 – 1:00 p.m. at the Louisiana Federal Credit Union at the Belle Terre branch. Cynthia Clifton also handed out the Louisiana Federal Credit Union Insight Newsletter with other important workshops that the Louisiana Federal Credit Union is sponsoring in the future. They included the following dates:

April 26 Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits

May 24 Sending Your Child to College

June 21 Medicate and Your Retirement

July 19 Strong Women Powerful Financial Strategies

August 23 Divorce Changes Everything Find Your Independence

September 27 Identity Theft

October 25 Estate Planning for Women

All of these workshops will be held at the Louisiana Federal Credit Union Training Center at 406 East Airline Highway, LaPlace from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Everyone is asked to RSVP if attending at getsmart@LouisianaFCU.org or call 985-653-1736.

Other events in the parish included:

• April 8, 2017 -- Relay for Life -- 2:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Joe Keller Stadium
• April 29, 2017 -- Clean Sweep -- Thomas Daley Park on Highway 51

Rhonda Lemons stated that Assistance for Single Parents are looking for 24 families to use in a pilot program. They are a nonprofit organization whose goal is to provide a “hand-up” rather than a “hand out.” If you know of anyone that is interested call their office at (985) 233-1173.

The next meeting date was scheduled for Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 9:00 a.m.

Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.