Will County Gazette

Village of New Lenox Safe Community Coalition met March 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the coalition:

(Meeting held at Gatto’s Restaurant in New Lenox)

CALL TO ORDER

Dan Martin called the meeting to order at approximately 10:40 am. Everyone in attendance introduced themselves and noted which organization they represent and which task group they are on.

IN ATTENDANCE

Dan Martin / Village of New Lenox, Gloria Bodner / Older Adults Falls Prevention & Suicide Prevention and Awareness Task Groups, Jim Mihalovich / Top Driver, Pam Schiber / Linden Oaks, Colette Loecke / Older Adults Falls Prevention Task Group, Simon Harris / New Lenox CERT, Margaret Pearson / Illinois Secretary of State’s Office (Organ Donation), Lea Pipiras / New Lenox Community Park District, Joe Enzenberger / Dryer Vent Wizard of Will County, Heather Drew / Recovery Community Center of Joliet, Magdalene Campos / HERO, Joan Stefka / Willl County Health Department, Allison Thomas / Rosecrance Health Network, Patrice Martin / Lightways Hospice, Bonnie Hassan / Trinity Services Inc., Brooke Garren / Uniquely You Behavioral Health, Linda Bunting / Older Adults Falls Prevention Task Group, James Budrick / Will County Health Department, DeMarcus Wilfong / Sam’s Club, Stephanie Hook / Catholic Charities, Kristine Kioltyka / New Lenox Police Department, Courtney Garfield / Will County Sheriff’s Office, Rocky Dellamano / COUNTRY Financial, Marta Keene / Will County Green, Tracy Ferenzi / The Kennedy Center for Counseling, Gia Hill / The Kennedy Center for Counseling, Neesha Stringfellow / HLM Recovery & Will- Grundy ROSC, Dominica Dybas / DEA, Amirrah Abou-Youssef/ Family Violence Coordinating Council 12th Judicial District, Greg Lewis / New Lenox Community Park District, Ausra Tauginaite / Joliet Junior College, Nikki Merriman, Marie Goulet / NLSD #122, Paul Hempel / Recovery Centers of America, Mike Shovele / EOS, Reychel Buda / Nadine’s Blue Butterfly, Alexciana Castaneda / Will County Sheriff’s Department, Aishwarya Balakrishna / Will County Health Department, Caitlin Daly / NUAPP, Melissa Baloy / Will County Health Dept., Erin Hanrahan / Hines VA Hospital, Beth Alderson / Village of New Lenox, Kathy Beaudry / Older Adults Falls Prevention Task Group, Olga Viano / New Lenox Community Park District, Connie DeWall / Will County Health Department, Marie Kress / The Mental Wellness Center of Manhattan, Joe Malone / JM Training, Amy Maher / New Lenox Community Park Distrtict Jackie Prebe / Families Anonymous Braidwood, Jennifer Hofferica / Nadine’s Blue Butterfly, Britteny Gruver / Will County Sheriff’s Department, Daneen Taylor / Linden Oaks, Ariehe Jones / Will County Health Department, Jenny Guiney / Guardian Angel Community Services, Jen Hahs, Rosecrance Health Network, Samantha Lucko / Will County Veterans Assistance, Cristyna Ramirez / Existential Counselors Society, Raven Fisher / Nave Wellness Center, Veronica Cullinan / Sertoma Star Services, Alaina Murphy / Village of New Lenox, Samantha Godfrey / Guardian Angel Community Services, Bill Byerley / New Lenox ESDA, Sherry Coe / Guardian Angel Community Services, Mia Perri / Uniquely You Behavioral Health, Jan Vujosevic / LW District 210, LeShae Hudson / Joliet Township Government, Matt Arbanas / Senior Services of Will County, Diannaha Thompson / Meals On Wheels, Jamie Galante / Rogers Behavioral Health, Kathleen Burke / Will County Health Department, Annie Jaworska / Gateway Foundation, Michelle Augoustatos / Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Gina Kenny / CAMBR, Gia Washington / Sertoma Star Services, Katie Schram / Will County Health Department, Ariel Ruttenberg / New Lenox Police Department, Dan Johnson / New Lenox Search and Rescue, Annabelle Andrews / Village of New Lenox, Angela Molloy / Rogers Behavioral Health, Sheree Stillwell / Family Support Groups, Karen McHale / Older Adults Falls Prevention Task Group, Patty Cunningham / Paramont EO, Meaghan South / Trinity Services, Inc., Tim Muzzy / Will County EMA, Lizette Avran / Trinity Services, Inc., and Gloria Bloodsaw / Gateway Foundation.

APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 29, 2025, MINUTES

The minutes of the January 29, 2025, meeting, held via Zoom Videoconference, were available to the members prior to the meeting. Gloria Bodner made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Marie Kress. After no further discussion, the motion carried, and the minutes were approved.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dan Martin, Village of New Lenox, announced his retirement, effective May 2, 2025. He is transferring his duties along to others. Dan announced the following as his successors:

• The new Program Coordinator for the New Lenox Community Emergency Response Team will be Simon Harris.

• The new Program Coordinator for the New Lenox Search and Rescue Team will be Dan Johnson.

• The New Program Coordinators for the New Lenox Safe Community Coalition will be Kristine Kioltyka / New Lenox Police Department and Alana Murphy / Village of New Lenox.

Congratulations to everyone. They will all be transitioning with Dan Martin in the coming weeks.

NEW BUSINESS

Retirement of Dan Martin

Dan Martin announced his retirement, effective May 2, 2025. Everyone agreed that Dan has done a phenomenal job with the Safe Communities America—New Lenox Safe Community Coalition—for many years. He hopes the coalition will continue to be a strong entity in the

future, helping many in New Lenox, Will County, and beyond. He will be greatly missed by the group.

Dan began the coalition in 2008 and held its first meeting in January 2009. He secured the proper accreditation in 2010 with 105 organizations participating today. Dan gave credit to everyone for their dedication to the work of the coalition and its respective task groups. He acknowledged the talent and enthusiasm of each task group member and said the task groups accomplish so much because of this. He also thanked the employers of each task group member for allowing employees time out of the office for the meetings and activities. One of the task group members gave remarks on behalf of Tim Baldermann, Mayor of New Lenox, thanking Dan for all he has done over the years for the Village of New Lenox.

Dan highlighted each task group’s activities, showcasing the diverse programs, activities and accomplishments of each:

Domestic Violence Task Group

Dan noted this was the newest task group but has done an amazing job. Many programs involved building and supporting healthy relationships, domestic violence awareness, teen dating violence, sexual assault awareness, elder abuse and personal safety in these situations. This group supports several national campaigns including Domestic Violence Prevention Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Emergency Preparedness Task Group

Dan talked about the Community emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Search and Rescue Team (SAR). He said CERT required 20 hours of preparedness for members. Since 2009, 583 citizens have completed the 20-hour basic CERT class since 2009. It was also instrumental in New Lenox being awarded four Governor’s Hometown Awards in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. It is one of the best in the country. In 2024, volunteers have put in 7,676.5 total hours. There have been 15 Severe Weather Spotter / Severe Weather Preparedness Trainings since 2009. Other classes include How to Stop the Bleed, Surviving an Active Shooter, winter Weather Preparedness and numerous first aid classes. Dan also mentioned the amount of money saved by the volunteers over the years. There have been 18 Stop the Bleed classes since 2018, 15 Surviving an Active Shooter classes and many other offerings.

Motor Vehicle Traffic Safety Task Group

This group has hosted mobile drivers’ units from the Secretary of State’s Office several times to give people access to renew licenses and other tasks without having to go into drivers’ facilities. Also offered in the past were Rules of the Road refresher classes for seniors, Operation Lifesaver (railroad safety), Senior Vehicle Inspections at Lincoln-Way Central High School which uncovered many unsafe vehicles and totaling 252 car inspection, Teen Driver? What every Parent should Know for parents, motorcycle and bicycle safety, child car seat installation, organ and tissue donation, and ThinkFirst for parents of teen drivers. Other offerings included AARP Smart Driver Courses, bike and motorcycle safety and a program on Marijuana and the Teen Brain.

Older Adults Falls Prevention

This group offers many senior safety classes including A Matter of Balance (55 classes since 2013), Fit and Strong (11 classes since 2015), Seniors with Sole (a summer walking program in the Commons) and an annual event One Fall Can Change It All every year since 2014 (with informational tables, free health screenings, demonstrations, entertainment and breakfast). Dan recognized task group member Laura Regis who, sadly, passed away recently. She contributed much to the group and will be honored at the next One Fall Could Change It All event in September.

Substance Use Prevention Task Group

This task group offers many drug education presentations including a DEA Drug Education Program (150 have attended), Narcan training in which 1714 people have been trained since 2017, a teen substance abuse program called Hidden in Plain Sight,” proper drug disposal (from 2009 until 2024, 9,994 pounds of unwanted medications have been properly disposed of) and Your Light Still Shines which highlights medicine disposal, ways people hide drugs, Narcan training and speakers who share their experiences.

Suicide Prevention and Awareness Task Group

The group’s signature program, A Pathway to Hope and Healing, has attracted hundreds of attendees over the years. Presentation topics include suicide intervention (64 trained by Sertoma), mental health tips and tricks for both adults and youth (113 trained), QPR (717 trained), relaxation classes to master anxiety, a fundraiser for the Crisis Line of Will County, Healing Hearts (a support group for survivors of suicide) and many other topics of interest such as the dangers of vaping, recycling, and support of Red Ribbon Week.

OLD BUSINESS

Task Group Reports

Domestic Violence Prevention Task Group

Teen Dating Violence: What Trusted Adults Should Know—in support of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

The group presented a program called Teen Dating Violence: What Trusted Adults Should Know—in support of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. It was held February 25, 2025, from 7:00-8:30 pm via Zoom. The speaker was Nicole (Nikki) Merriman who shared her experiences with the group. The event was well attended with 102 registrations, while 65 attended. Jenny Guiney, Groundwork Community Outreach Supervisor, Guardian Angel Community Services, discussed several teen dating violence scenarios, shared myths and provided information. Marie Goulet, LCSW and lead social worker for New Lenox School District #122, discussed the effects social media has on teens, discussed a school’s perspective on teen dating violence, and offered additional resources.

Domestic Violence 101

Domestic Violence 101 will be held March 27, 2025, from 7:00-8:30pm. Tracy Curtis, community education and outreach coordinator, Crisis Center for south suburbia, will be the presenter.

Sexual Violence in a Digital World in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Sexual Violence in a Digital World will be held via Zoom from 7:00-8:30 pm Tuesday April 15, 2025. Bailey Gourley, Guardian Angel Community Services, will be the presenter.

Substance Use Prevention

DEA Presentation

A DEA presentation was held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 7:00-8:30 at the New Lenox Village Hall. A small resource fair with informational tables was held from 6:30-7:00 pm. Greg Czackowski from the DEA Chicago Field spoke, sharing what the DEA is doing about the opioid epidemic and sharing his personal story. Officer Candace Guidry, New Lenox Police Dept., conducted a narcotics sniffing demonstration with her K-9 dog. After the presentations, everyone had the opportunity to visit the informational tables again. The event went well with 95 registrations and 65 attendees.

NARCAN Training

A presentation was held Monday, February 24, 2025, from 7:00-8:30 pm via Zoom. The speaker was Dr. Kathleen Burke, Will County Health Dept. This presentation was well attended with 211 registrations and 188 in attendance. On Thursday, February 27, 2025, Narcan Nasal Spray Kits were distributed at the New Lenox Village Hall.

Teen Substance Use: What’s New and What’s Hidden in Plain Sight

This presentation will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 7:00-8:00 pm via Zoom. Speakers included John Roberts from HERO, as well as legislative updates, substance abuse in Will County, Narcan use and Hidden in Plain Sight trailer information. Tim Ignowski shared his recovery story.

Your Light Still Shines

A planning team said this program will be offered later in the year after securing a venue, speakers and a keynote speaker.

Kratom

Kratom will be an agenda item for future educational programs.

Motor Vehicle and Traffic Safety

Teen Driver? What Every Parent Should Know

This presentation was held via Zoom on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 7:00-8:00 pm. Presenters included: John Karales / Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210, Jason Helbling / Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210, Jim Mihalovich / Top Driver, Margaret Peason / Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, and Rocky Dellamano / Rocky Dellamano COUNTRY Financial. The attendance was good with 234 registrations but not everyone attended.

Rules of the Road Review Course offered by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office This course was held from 10:00 am-12:00 pm on Thursday, November 21, 2024, in the Community Room at New Lenox Village Hall. This was the very last class the Secretary of State’s Office is offering. Approximately 30 attended. All programs being offered by this task group will continue to be offered going forward including the Senior Vehicle Inspections which are very important for those who bring in their cars to be inspected. We thank the students in auto shop and their teachers at Lincoln-Way Central High School for giving us the space and student talent. This group will also try to set up bicycle, motorcycle and child safety seat programs.

ThinkFirst for Parents of Teen Drivers

This presentation will be held from 7:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, April 17, 2025, via Zoom. This evidence-based traffic safety program is designed to educate parents on the Graduated Drivers’ License law. The speaker will be Michelle Larson, project manager, ThinkFirst.

Operation Lifesaver (Rail Safety) Presentation

Carl Cicero, Metra, will be offering this presentation later this year.

Programs and Events for Future Consideration

A Secretary of State mobile DMV, A Rules of the Road refresher course presented by Jim Mihalovich, Top Driver; Teen Driver? What Every Parent Should Know presentation in Fall, 2025; Senior Vehicle Inspections in Fall, 2025, at Lincoln-Way Central High School; and programs for bicycle, motorcycle and child car seat/booster seat safety.

Suicide Prevention and Awareness

safeTALK

A safeTALK class was held from 8:30am-12:30pm on Monday, November 18, 2024, in the Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall. Sertoma Star Servies provided the presenters. Thirty-four people registered and 20 people attended.

VA S.A.V.E.

This class was held via Zoom from 7:00-8:00pm on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The speaker was Michelle Augoustatos, community engagement and partnership coordinator from Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital. There were 78 registrations and 50 attendees.

The Grief Experience—How to Cope or The Grief Experience—How to Support Someone Who is Grieving

Patrice Martin, Director of Grief Support, Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, will present both programs in late spring/early summer on separate dates.

Mental Health 101: Tips and Tricks for a Healthy Mind

This presentation was held from 6:00-7:30 pm on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in the Council Chambers at the New Lenox Village Hall. Marie Goulet, NLSD #122, was the presenter. Approximately 30 people attended.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)

This class will be held from 6:00-7:30 pm on Thursday, April 3, 2025, via Zoom. Sertoma Star Services will provide presenters.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) - Adult Version

This class will be held from 8:30am-4:30pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall. Sertoma Star Services will provide presenters.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

This class will be held from 8:30am-4:30pm on Wednesday June 18, 2025, and Thursday, June 19, 2025, in the Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall. Sertoma Star Services will provide speakers.

Out of Darkness Walk (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)

Marie Kress presented this class last year (Sept. 28, 2024) at the Kankakee County Walk, which was held at Riverside Healthcare in Bourbonnais, IL. She will present another class in 2025, but the date and place have not been finalized.

A Pathway to Hope and Healing

The group’s signature event, A Pathway to Hope and Healing will be held this fall (date TBD). Since World Suicide Prevention week is September 7-13, 2025, it will likely be held around that time. A Planning Team will be formed to discuss the event location, date, time and speakers this spring.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) - Youth Version

This class will be held from 8:30 am-4:00 pm on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in the Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall. Sertoma Star Services will provide speakers.

Dr. Mike Mecozzi (NEW) Presentation

This presentation will be held from 7:00-8:00 pm (tentatively) on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in the Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall.

safeTALK

This class will be presented by Sertoma Star Services from 9:00 am-1:00 pm on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in the Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall.

Emergency Preparedness

Dan Martin provided a synopsis on the New Lenox Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and New Lenox Search and Rescue (SAR).

Stop the Bleed

This class was presented by 20 Plainfield EMA volunteers on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 6:30 pm at the Plainfield EMA facility. Two more classes are scheduled for Wed. April 9, 2025, and July29, 2025 from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Community Room at New Lenox Village Hall.

Severe Weather Preparedness Training / Health and Safety Expo / Touch-a-Truck This event will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 5:00-9:00 pm in the atrium at Lincoln-Way West High School. The Health and Safety Expo will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm and the Severe Weather Preparedness Training from 7:00-9:00 pm in the auditorium. This year’s program will focus on preparedness, rather than the traditional Severe weather Spotter Training usually offered.

Stop The Bleed Classes

Three classes will be held:

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

All will be held from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall.

Home Safety and Personal Defense

This class, taught by Joe Malone, will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall.

CERT Class #21

CERT Class #21 will be held in September and October 2025. Both classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall. The first class will be on September 9th and the last class will be on October 2nd. The Final Exercise (Disaster Simulation) and Graduation will be held on Saturday, October 4th.

Surviving an Active Shooter Encounter

This class, taught by Joe Malone, will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall.

Older Adults Falls Prevention

A Matter of Balance NEW Coach Classes

The Matter of Balance (MOB) NEW Coach Classes were held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, and Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 1:00-4:30 pm. In the Community Development Conference Room at the New Lenox Village Hall. Linda Bunting and Gloria Bodner led this training. Kaen McHale, Dani Madon and Diannaha Thompson completed the class.

A Matter of Balance Coach Refresher Training

The annual MOB Coach Refresher Training was held from 9:30 am-12:00 pm on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in the Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall. The teachers were Linda Bunting and Gloria Bodner. Dan Martin, Colette Loecke and Kathy Beaudry completed the training.

A Matter of Balance Class #56

MOB Class #56 will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 am beginning Monday, April 7th,and the class will graduate on Wednesday, April 30th. The class will be held in the Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall.

A Matter of Balance Class #57

MOB Class #57 will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 am beginning Tuesday, April 22nd, and the class will graduate on Tuesday, May 20th. The class will be held at the New Lenos Community Park District Admin. Building, 701 W. Haven Ave. and will be taught by Linda Bunting and Kathy Beaudry.

Fit and Strong! Class #11

This class will be held at the Spencer Campus this summer. The class will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30-11:00 am. The first class will be held on Monday, June 2nd, and the last class will be held on Friday July 25th. An instructor schedule has been developed.

Seniors With Sole

This program will be held in the New Lenox Commons this summer. The program will meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30-9:30 am. The first session will be held on Tuesday June 3rd, and the last session will be held on Thursday, July 24th. Mercy and Tom Nolan will lead this program with assistance from Gloria Bodner.

One Fall Can Change It All

This event will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 8:00-11:00 am. There will be an expo for seniors with healthcare information, vaccinations, travel and safety tips, food and entertainment. Planning for the event is ongoing.

A Matter of Balance

The Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall has been reserved on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 am in October for MOB classes. The first class will meet on Monday, October 6th and the last class will meet on Wednesday, October 29th. These classes help seniors prevent injuries and strengthen joints.

Announcements / Organizational Updates

There were none.

Dan Martin thanked the task group members for their hard work in keeping the goal of SCA moving forward in the last few years. He thanked everyone for continuing the work he started, and he wished everyone the best of luck going forward.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 10:30 am via Zoom.

Adjournment: at 11:50am for lunch.

https://www.newlenox.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03262025-378