The Clay Counts Coalition held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 13th. Discussed topics included: accomplishments, Courageous Conversations follow-up, Community Garden, Family Movie Day, National Suicide Survivors Day, and more.
At the start of the meeting, Coalition members were presented with an “I Make a Difference” document to be shared at home or work.
The Courageous Conversation’s “Fight Addiction Night” had a good turnout with students painting pumpkins and an inflatable jousting ring for the youth. About 45 people attended, including two church youth groups.
Nikki Burwell gave an update on the Community Garden. She reported that they are still waiting to get the perimeter up, which will be completed in a few weeks. She stated that many donations of time, funds, and resources have been given to get the Community Garden started. The Garden will have 12 garden boxes, 2 blessing boxes, and seating.
Lori Martin followed up on Clay Center’s Drug Take Back Day from October 23rd. She stated that they disposed of 66 gallons of unwanted “stuff” and handed out 25 units of Narcan.
Pawnee Mental Health and the Coalition will collaborate for a National Suicide Survivor’s Day Coffee on November 23rd at 9:00 a.m. This will take place at Pawnee Mental Health, anyone who would like to be a host is asked to contact Lori Martin.
Michelle Tessaro reported on a public presentation called the “You Matter Tour.” She would like to bring the presentation to Clay Center and believes it would be a good Courageous Conversation’s Event. Matt Weller said he would check into using the High School Auditorium to bring the presentation to the city.
The Coalition spoke of the holiday events coming up throughout Clay Center. The Clay Center Elks Lodge will be handing out bags of holiday sides on Monday, November 18th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. There are no income guidelines, but it is set to only one bag per family. Justin Tadtman is hosting this year’s Operation Elf. So far more than 80 families have requested help this year. A date community members can choose items to purchase will occur at a later date. The “Holiday Red Backpack Tree” will invite the public to take a slip from the tree, purchase the item, and bring the item to the Health Department to further support families in need.
YLink will hold a “Sing Your Own Song Night” on December 6th following the first home high school basketball game from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. Chaperones and Baristas are needed. Contact Lori Martin if you’d like to help.
