Meeting Minutes for September 18, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. and the “Pledge of Allegiance” was led by President Dianna Hyres.

 The Secretary’s report was given and accepted.

 The Treasurer’s report was given and accepted.

 Presentation:   This month’s presentation was by Senator John Rafferty – Chairman of Senate Law and the Justice Committee.  He spoke about the status of crime prevention bills currently before the Senate, criminal justice and property taxes.  He has worked on laws enhancing criminal punishment for those buying alcohol for the under aged, establishments that serve minors alcohol,  and enhancing punishment for those driving under the influence with children in the car to mention only a few.  One of Senator Rafferty’s top priorities has always been to make sure that police and fire fighters receive the resources they need to perform their jobs.  He concluded with a question and answer period.

 Old Business: 

1. Dianna thanked all the volunteers who helped with Community Days.  It was a big success even though Saturday was canceled due to rain.  Raffle ticket sales and donations were down from last year as well as missing profits from Saturday’s cancellation.  The raffle ticket sales were $1098.00.  The golf game netted $347.00 and donations were $385.00.  Total earned is $1830.00.  Down approximate $900.00 from last year, but still a big success.
2. The raffle ticket sales for August 30^th at Redner’s was $242.00 
3. Kevin Neiswender from the 911 Communication Center will speak at February’s meeting and Izzy Ingram of Guardian Protection will speak at the March meeting about home alarms and home security.
4. There are Crime Watch shirts available if anyone wants one.

  New Business: 

1. Tom spoke to Dianna about having a table at the Amity Fire Company’s Open House on October 4, 2009.  We were planning to have a Membership Drive that day from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  The board agreed that we would combine the two at the Fire Company’s Open House from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  A sign up sheet was passed around.
2. Redner’s is now requiring that we have $5000.00 worth of receipts to submit for reimbursement.  Members were reminded to get a “save a tape” card from Redner’s customer service and to save the receipts for Crime Watch.
3. The Amity Halloween Parade is schedule for Tuesday, October 21 and the Birdsboro Parade is Thursday, October 23.  Sign up sheets were passed around.
4. The Daniel Boone High School is hosting a fundraiser for the Boone Area Library Saturday, September 20^th.  They have asked if we have anything left over from Community Days that we could donate for the benefit.  We have a few t-shirts and coupons that the board agree to give them. 

 Police News:  Officer Gauby informed the group that retail theft is on the rise.  Redner’s has had a problem almost every day this week.  Kiwi had steel stolen from the parking lot.   There was a burglary at the townhouses this week.  The burglar went through a screen in a window around lunch time and was found when the homeowner came home for lunch.  He escaped through the front door.  Officer Gauby can not stress enough to keep your window and doors locked.  He asks that you call the police immediately if you see anything suspicious.

 Adjournment:   A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Dave Hyres and seconded by Kathy Fry.

 Attendance:   Twenty two members and 2 guests attended.

  Respectively:  Susan Smolinsky, Secretary of A.T.C.W., Inc.

 Meeting Minutes for August 21, 2008

President Dianna Hyres called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led the group in the “Pledge of Allegiance”.

 The Secretary’s report was given and accepted.

 The Treasurer’s report was given and accepted.

 Presentation:   This month’s presentation was Officer John Dzurek of the Douglas – Berks Police Department and his partner “AKIMBO”.  Officer Dzurek explained and demonstrated why Akimbo is such an asset to the Douglas Police Department as well as other local departments in the area.  He explained what it takes to get the funding to acquire and to train a dog to become one of your own partners out in the street.   Officer Dzurek and Akimbo demonstrated how they work together with the help of Douglas Township Police Officer Ted Daniels.   A question and answer period followed. 

 Old Business:   

1. A sign up sheet was passed around for volunteers to help fill bags for Community Days at the Hyres’ home on Wednesday, August 27, at 6:00 p.m.
2. The Pampered Chef fundraiser for Community Days ended tonight.  The total sold was $800.00 which left a profit of $165.00 to purchase Pampered Chef products for raffle prizes.
3. Dianna asked members of the Membership Committee to meet with her after the meeting to discuss our next committee drive.  October 4^th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. was scheduled for our next membership drive.
4. Dianna announced she is looking for three volunteers to be on the Election Committee.  We need new officers and one new board member for next year.
5. Senator Rafferty is confirmed for our September 18^th meeting.  He will be talking about Crime Bills that are before the Senate.  Susan will try to get articles put in the newspapers to do some advance advertising.
6. The Crime Watch picnic in July was a big success.  Everyone had a good time.
7. Last night we played Mini Golf at Evergreen.   Al Greenawalt won on the men’s team.  Rita and Carolyn won on the women’s teams.
8. Saturday’s Raffle Ticket sales at Redner’s went really well.  We made $3ll.00.  More volunteers are needed for the Raffle Sale scheduled for Saturday, August 30^th.

 New Business:

1. Next years Shredding Event has been scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2009.  Our recent Shredding event was so successful that it was requested that we have another one next year.
2. Raffle tickets are on sale for Community Days.  They can be purchased after the meeting.
3. We are already planning events for next year’s meetings.  We are looking for a representative from the Berks County 911 Communication Center to come in February.  In March we are hoping to have someone here to talk about home safety and alarm systems in your home.

 Police News:   Officer Gauby reported that a black van with people selling cleaning products was in the area and were being disrespectful and arrogant.  The police got eight calls complaining about them within 24 hours.  Their selling permit was revoked and they were told they could no longer solicit in Amity.  If you see them please call the police department right away.   

There has been a rise in break-ins in the area.  Several businesses were broken into.  Copper was stolen from one of them. Two cars have been stolen in the township and there continues to be car break-ins.  He advises patrols to watch the Community Park in Amityville and the Lake Drive Recreation Area for groups of kids after curfew.  He suggests doing checks on local businesses for cars after hours.  He stresses locking your cars and homes to help deter criminals from targeting your property.

 Adjournment:   A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Dave Holeman and seconded by Alan Brown.                 .

 Attendance: Thirty two members and eighteen guests attended.

 Respectively:  Susan Smolinsky, Secretary of A.T.C.W., Inc.

MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 17, 2008

President Dianna Hyres welcomed everyone to the meeting at 7:30 p.m. and lead members in the “Pledge of Allegiance”.

The Secretary’s report was given and accepted.

The Treasurer’s report was given and accepted.

 Old Business: 

1. A reminder that the Crime Watch family picnic is Saturday, July 19^th at the Hyres home anytime after 12:00 noon.
2. Safety Days at WaWa was a lot of fun.  Tom did fingerprinting for the little kids and handed out badges and his picture cards.  The Amity Fire Company gave tours of their fire trucks.  We gave out balloons, coloring books and crayons and sold raffle tickets for Community Days.  We made $73.00.  We handed out a few Crime Watch applications and received some email addresses for the crime prevention network email mailing list.  WaWa had Frisbee’s for the kids, free drinks, a free raffle for Reading Phillies tickets and had two Reading Phillies Dance Team members signing autographs.  Police and Crime Watch Mascot “McGruff” and Reading Phillies Mascot “Screwball” made special appearances.  The WaWa District Manager offered us additional help for Community Days.  They will provide us will additional  juice boxes and bags that we need.
3. We will fill the bags for Community Days on Wednesday, August 27 at 6:00 at the Hyres home.
4. Miniature golf at Evergreen Golf Course on Wednesday, July 17th was a lot of fun.  The women played against the men and enjoyed ice cream afterwards.
5. Pampered Chef order’s for our Community Days Fundraiser is due August 21, at our next meeting.  Jen Bowen was present for questions.
6. Dianna took orders for Crime Watch “McGruff” t-shirts and sweatshirts.  T-shirts are $10.00, crew neck sweatshirts are $14.50 and hooded sweatshirts are $19.00.  To order more we need to order at least 12 at a time.

7. August’s meeting will be a children’s program.  Tom is working on it.  September’s Guest Speaker will be Senator Rafferty.  October’s Speaker will be Judge Victor Frederick.  November’s Guest Speaker will be Attorney Matthew Kessler and December will be our annual Christmas Party.                                        

New Business:

1.  1.      Our next miniature golf outing at Evergreen Golf Course will be Wednesday, August 20^th at 6:30.  

2.      Susan will call ProShred to ask if May 9th or May 16^th is available to schedule next year’s shredding event.

3.      Dianna announced that volunteers will be requested at our next meeting for the years upcoming Election Committee for the 2009 Elections.

Presentation:

 This month, Pest Control Expert, Dave Hyres gave a presentation on “Bed Bugs”:  Safety tips while traveling.  He gave a very detailed power point slide show that was very informative.

 Police News:

Officer Thomas Gauby, Jr. discussed recent incidents in the township.  He reported that thefts in vehicles are on the rise.  He recommends that you keep your car doors locked at all times to help deter these criminals.  With the economy getting worse and gas prices increasing, crime will no doubt increase.   He also recommends if you don’t have self locking gas caps that you purchase metal gas locks, not plastic.  The plastic is easily broken.   He advises that you keep your home locked and keep your property well lit at night.  Residents should always close their garage doors at night.  While on patrol he has notice that residents are leaving their garage doors open through out the night.  This is an invitation for crime.

 Tom reported that a person responsible for some of the recent car break-ins was arrested last week.  His cell phone was left in a vehicle he broke into and led them to him within 24 hours of the crimes.  Stolen property from the thefts was found in his possession.

 Adjournment:  A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Dave Hyres and seconded by Alan Browne.

 Attendance:  Twenty eight members and four guests attended.

 Respectively:  Susan Smolinsky, Secretary of A.T.C.W., Inc.

MEETING MINUTES FOR JUNE 19, 2008

President Hyres welcomed everyone to the meeting at 7:30 p.m. and led members in the “Pledge of Allegiance”.

 The Secretary’s report was given and accepted.

 The Treasurer’s report was given and accepted.

 Old Business: 

1. A reminder that the Crime Watch family picnic is Saturday, July 19^th at the Hyres home anytime after 12:00 noon.  A $2.00 donation is asked for each adult to help defray the cost of the meat (children 12 and under are free).  Each couple is asked to bring an entrée or dessert and families are asked to bring an entrée and dessert.  If you like to drink something special you can bring it.   Bring your swim suits and lawn chairs.  The rain date is July 20^th rain or shine.  
2. The shredding event was a big success.  We had a good attendance and it went very well.   We got pretty wet, but still had a lot of fun.   We made $260.00 after the expenses were paid.  People have already asked us to have another one next year.
3. The Community Days sign up sheet was passed around for volunteers to help.  It’s not a lot of hard work.  We usually have a good time.  Any time you can help would be appreciated.
4. Susan will be scheduling a Community Days Committee Meeting in the near future.
5. We are still selling Pampered Chef to help earn products for our raffle.  We have catalogs if you can help.
6. Tom is still working on a kids program for August. 
7. The survey sheets completed at last month’s meeting have given us an idea of what members are interested in hearing at the meetings.   Members are interested in hearing more from the D.A.’s Office, hearing from lawyers about wills, insurances, security alarms, Medicare, dog and leash laws and the FBI.

 New Business: 

1. Next month we will have Dave Hyres speak about “Bed Bugs – Safety Tips While Traveling”.   He will even have samples to view. 
2. Senator Rafferty will be here to speak in September.   Judge Victor Frederick will be here    in October.  Mark these dates on your calendar.
3. Wawa has asked us to participate in their Youth Safety Program along with the Police Department on Saturday, July 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  We can hand out balloons, sell raffle tickets, and hand out crime watch information.  A sign up sheet was passed around for volunteers.
4. There are still extra Crime Watch T-shirts to purchase for $10.00 each.  JD Sports will add your name for $3.00 extra or add Amity Township Crime Watch for $5.00 extra.
5. The Boy Scout Troop at St. Paul’s UCC Church in Amityville asked if we would participate by bringing our golf game to their Carnival.  The Carnival will be held Saturday, April 25, 2009.  .
6. Dianna is submitting a letter to the Lions Club to get a Crime Watch sign added to the other organization signs coming into and when leaving the township.
7. Mini golf at Evergreen is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, at 6:30.  A sign up sheet was passed around.
8. Members were asked if they were interested in sponsoring a blood drive.  Tom was asked if he could get a group together.  Only one person raised their hand in interest.
9. Susan is going to organize two raffle ticket sales events for August 17^th and August 30^th. These dates still need to be confirmed with Redner’s.  Sign up sheets will be available at the next meeting.  Please keep these days open to help.

Police Business: 

1. Officer Tom Gauby discussed and answered questions about Police Enforceable Ordinances.   He explained how residents are served with complaints.  Many questions were asked about fire burning in the township, dog and cat leash laws, dog barking, skateboarding in parking lots and mini bike laws. A noise and nuisance problem in neighborhoods was also discussed. 
2. Tom talked about a drug bust in the area as well as other incidents in the township.

 Adjournment:  A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Carolyn Browne and seconded by Kathy Fry.

 Attendance:  Twenty nine members and one guest attended.

 Respectively:  Susan Smolinsky, Secretary of A.T.C.W, Inc.