20230822 - Stigma-Free Committee Meeting Minutes

Stigma-Free Meeting Minutes 8.22.23

Attendees: Danielle Pagani, Surbhi Kapadia, Stephanie McTigue, Sheila Brogan, Jan Bottcher, Gabrielle Milani, Corinne Scarpa, Denise DePalma, Deanna Schablik

Minutes:

• Sheila has invited Mark Schwarz, the new Superintendent of Ridgewood Schools, to attend the September meeting. Danielle will add him to the email list. 
• Danielle reported the resolution for Angst/Like movie program and curriculum were approved.  She is working with Indieflix/Impactful on paperwork to move forward with payment.  The paperwork process has been complicated and drawn out due to company using both names Indieflix and Impactful. However, all is moving forward.
• Danielle also shared the Health Department would like to invite Matt Bellace back to do a program in the schools for students and possibly with parents in the evening.  At the moment, the Health Department is working on securing the grant funding. Surbhi suggested reaching out to the parents at the Home and School Organizations to ask for their help with coordinating the program, especially the evening program for parents.  Sheila shared the name of the HSA presidents:  Carolyn Holt, Federated HSA; Mary Micale, RHS HSA; Claudia Fortunado and Anna Salerno, BFMS HSA. Surbhi to reach out to them once funding is secured.
• Jan reported on 3 items.  First, she shared that the Citizens for Swimming camp had another successful year.  This was the first year that the camp was able to secure the YMCA as a rain location for when Graydon is closed due to bad weather.  Second, she noted she has made a “Ridgewood Stigma Free” team for the Bergen County Out of Dark Walk that will be on Sunday 10/15/23 at Saddle River County Park.  Committee discussed and agreed that the name of the team should be general and allow for all residents/employees of Ridgewood to attend.  The Health Department had Ridgewood Stigma Free t-shirts available for pickup for anyone who wants to walk with the team.  Creating a flyer for the team was also discussed a way to help promote the event and encourage participation.  Lastly, Jan recommended that the YMCA be invited to Stigma Free meetings and collaborate more with Health.  Danielle shared she had a meeting with Ramon Hache, YMCA Executive Director, earlier this month to try to facilitate the same.  He had introduced her to Megan Nayden, Sr Director Membership & Volunteer Engagement.  Danielle has included both Megan and Ramon on the invitation to today’s meeting.  Danielle would gladly include Michael on future invitations in the hopes that a YMCA representative would attend.
• Deanna spoke about upcoming Parks and Recreation events and programs that pertain to seniors and those with disabilities. On 9/7 from 10:30-11:30 at Village Hall, two professional physical therapist will be leading an exercise and falls prevention workshop. On 9/26 from 11am-12pm at the Community Center, Jeff Rosenberg will be giving a presentation on “Alzheimer’s Gardens: Designed for Healing.”  This program is being advertised to residents, landscapers, local gardening groups, and open space committee.  On 10/6, as part of ACCESS Weekend, a senior event will be held at the community center. Last year the event was a carnival theme and as the seniors enjoyed it, the same theme will be applied and expanded. The Ridgewood Senior Dinner will be held on 11/12 from 3pm-5pm at the Old Paramus Reformed Church, and entertainment has been arranged.  Though not a Recreation Parks and Recreation on 9/12, Bergen County will again host a Senior Festival in Van Saun Park in Paramus.  The Northwest Senior Center will be offering transportation to and from the event. 
• Gabrielle shared that the Lukin Center is has a number of therapy groups that will begin this falls.  These groups include: an ADHD Support Group, a children’s Social Skills group, a divorced men’s group, a women’s divorce and separation group, and a teens DBT-informed.  Gabrielle to forward the flyers with the details about each group. 
• Corinne from Bergen New Bridge Medical Center shared that New Bridge has various event coming up this month and next.  Will share the information with Danielle post meeting to share with the group. Corinne did mention that New Bridge is hosting a Suicide Awareness and Prevention Symposium on September 14 along with a Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for First Responders on September 23 from 9 am to 3 pm.