AMITY TOWNSHIP CRIME WATCH, INC.

Meeting Minutes for July15, 2010 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 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:   A bomb sniffing dog and a drug sniffing dog were the featured attraction at tonight’s meeting.  They and their handlers are part of the Berks County Sheriff’s Department K-9 corps.  Crime Watch members and local citizens watched the dogs sniff out contraband or other dangerous materials.  Both dogs did a demonstration attack on our Chief of Police, Kent A. Shuebrook, who has previously worked with police dogs in solving crimes.  When “on duty” they are available for use by various authorities throughout Berks County and are a key component in solving local crime.

 Old Business: 

1. John Fry has painted half the golf game.  Dianna asked for volunteers to help John move the game after tonight’s meeting so he can finish painting it.
2. Saturday, August 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. will be our raffle ticket sales at Redner’s in Douglassville.  Volunteers are needed.  A sign up sheet was passed around.
3. Tom has three officers that will come and talk about their specialties at the   August, October and November meetings.
4.  We have scheduled the bagging night for Community Days for Thursday, August 26^th @ 6:30 at the Hyres home.  Volunteers are needed and a sign up sheet was passed around.  This is a fun filled evening.  We fill bags with all the donated pens, tablets, magnets, etc. that we give out to each of the kids that play our golf game during Community Days.
5. Our picnic is Saturday, July 24^th at noon at the Hyres home.
6. Crime Watch will be 25 years old this year.  We are planning a celebration here at St. Paul’s on Saturday, September 25^th from Noon until 4:00 p.m.   It will be an indoor carnival.   We have invited other Amity Organizations to participate.  Everything is free.  We are going to have our golf game and we are talking about having a ring toss game also. The Optimist Club will be participating and will have a type of ball game.  We will hot dogs, drinks, and cake.  We will need volunteers to come and help with the different activities.

 New Business: 

1. Wednesday, August 11^th is our next planned evening of miniature golf at the Evergreen Miniature Golf Park.  We will meet at 6:30 p.m.  The rain date is Wednesday, August 18^th at 6:30 p.m.
2. It was decided to add the Township curfew times to the patrol log sheets.
3. One new member application was approved this month.

 Police News:    

Tom talked about procedures when an officer stops a vehicle.  He asked members on patrol to be aware of kids that are out being destructive.  Recently there has been mischief in the area of Maplewood Drive and Mulberry Place and has moved to the Cider Mill Development.  A business on Old Swede Road had their ice machines painted with paint sticks.  They are now destroying property and have escalated to criminal mischief.  Patrols are needed between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.  The Township curfew for children under the age of 18 is as follows: 

Township Curfew:            Sunday through Thursday – 10 p.m.

                                             Friday and Saturday – 12 p.m. 

Park Curfew Information:  Hill Drive and Community Center – 11 p.m.

                                              Lake Drive Recreation Center – 10 p.m. 

Tom announced that four officers from the Amity Township Police will be attending training classes for four days on child safety seats in October.  Before ending his talk, he asked members to remember to check on their elderly neighbors that are at risk during this very hot weather. 

Susan Smolinsky and John Fry talked about their experiences during their recent ride longs with Tom. 

Attendance:  Twenty two members and more than 22 guests attended the meeting. 

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

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

AMITY TOWNSHIP CRIME WATCH, INC.

Meeting Minutes for April 15, 2010

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:  Officer Tom Gauby demonstrated and discussed securing a crime scene, collecting and processing evidence and lifting finger prints at a crime scene.  He is one of five officers in Amity Township that are qualified evidence technicians.

Old Business: 

1. We are looking for a few additional men to help load the golf game on Alan’s truck and for set up and tear down at the Carnival on April 24.  We will meet down at the Lake Drive Office at 8:00 a.m.  It looks like we have enough coverage for the stand during the day.
2. Youth Safety Day is Saturday, May 1^st.  It will be a fun day for the kids.  We are still looking for volunteers to help at the event.  You can help during the whole event or what ever time you are available.
3. We are looking for volunteers on May 1^st to meet early in the morning to help put the golf game on supports so it is ready to paint.  If anyone is available to help with the paint detail they should let Dianna know.
4. Our new banner for our 25^th Anniversary Celebration is here at the meeting tonight for everyone to view.
5. District Attorney John T. Adams has postponed his presentation for our May meeting and has rescheduled for September.  He was kind enough to find replacement speakers for May.  Detective Michael Gombar and Lieutenant Leon Domsic will talk about crime trends in Berks County including the Massage Parlor arrests which began in Amity.
6. We have a lot of great events coming up in the months ahead and Dianna hopes that everyone can attend the meetings and events.

New Business: 

1. Carolyn discussed our Board Member, Kathy Fry’s illness and gave an update on her condition to the group.
2. Crime Watch membership cards and MrGruff pins were handed out to members after the meeting.

Police News:   

1. Chief Shuebrook was present at tonight’s meeting.  He informed the group that last week there were a rash of car break-ins and burglaries.  It has been his experience over the years, that a lot of these break ins are occurring because residents are not locking their cars and homes.  He recommends that you keep you cars and homes locked during the day and at night.  He also recommends that you do not leave your purses and wallets visible from your front doors and windows.  He does not want residents to be paranoid, but he wants them to be cautious and to practice securing their homes and property to prevent the opportunity for these crimes to take place.

Attendance:  Twenty five members and 2 guests attended tonight’s meeting. 

Adjournment:  A motioned to adjourn the meeting was made by Carolyn Browne and seconded by Donna Wunderlich. 

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

 

 Meeting Minutes for March 18, 2010

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:    March’s guest speaker was Judge Timothy J. Rowley.  He was elected to the Berks County Court of Common Pleas in 2007.  He spoke about the diverse types of cases he presides over, the court system and the Crime Alert Berks County Organization in which he was a founding member.  The meeting was very informative and provided everyone a better understanding of the judicial system.

 Old Business: 

1. Our next event is the Boy Scout Carnival on April 24 at St. Paul’s U.C.C. Church, Amityville.  We need strong volunteers to help set up the golf game at 7:30 a.m. and for tear down at 3:00 p.m.  Members were asked to let Dianna know if they are able to help.
2. May 1 is Youth Safety Days at Lake Drive
3. May 8 is the Shredding Event at Redner’s.

New Business: 

1. A letter was sent to the Township Supervisors for reimbursement of last year’s electric bill which was $138.49.
2. The end of the year summary for 2009 has been completed.
3. We are looking for old crime watch pictures and newspaper articles to use for our 25^th Anniversary Celebration.
4. Dianna asked for volunteers to paint and clean the golf game before our 25^th Anniversary celebration.
5. We received a thank you card from Ray Lauer’s family.
6. New calendar of events were made available at the end of the meeting.

Police News:    

1. Officer Thomas Gauby spoke to the group about crime around the township.  Things have been generally quiet with ongoing routine investigations, domestic calls and traffic patrol. 
2. He recently took Crime Watch member Joe Schlenner out on a ride along.  Joe gave a brief talk about his experience on the ride along.
3. Tom announced his 6^th annual Amity Police Department Golf Tournament on April 30.

Attendance:  Twenty seven members and five guests attended the meeting.

 Adjournment:  A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Joe Schlenner and seconded by Donna Wunderlich.

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

 

Meeting Minutes for February 18, 2010 

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 guest speaker is Trooper John T. Yount, a Pennsylvania State Police Community Service Officer that works out of Reading.  He spoke about the many ways our state police work with local municipalities.  He discussed the zones and jurisdictions that they cover, training and the many different resources that the State Police have to use and assist local municipalities with. Trooper Yount is also a firearms instructor and has served on the SERT (SWAT) team for 11 years.  Due to other professional commitments, Trooper Yount is standing in for Trooper Edward Maloney who was previously announced as the speaker.

 Old Business: 

1. The Patrol calendars have all been mailed.  Let Dianna know if you did not receive one.  Let her know if you need any changes made.
2. Sign up sheets for the upcoming events were passed out for volunteers to help at the events.   These include the Boy Scout Carnival, Youth Safety Day, the Community Shredding Event and snacks for meetings.
3. The following is a tentative schedule for the months to come:
   • March – Judge Timothy Rowley
   • May – District Attorney John T. Adams
   • June – Denine Ebling /Juvenile Probation Officer in Berks County assigned to the Daniel Boone School District
   • July – Sheriff Eric Weaknecht and his K-9 dog (weather permitting) The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m.
   • The next Youth Safety Day Committee Meeting is February 22 @ 6:30
   • The next 25^th Anniversary Committee Meeting is March 16 @ 6:30.
   • The Boy Scout Carnival is April 24
   • Youth Safety Day is May 1
   • The Community Shredding Event is May 8 at Redner’s.

New Business:

             There was no new business discussed.

 Police News:

 Officer Tom Gauby announced that there continues to be many burglaries through out the township in homes and businesses.  He asks that you do not leave personal details on your Facebook and Myspace accounts that let other people know when you will or will not be at home.  Do not announce how much money you get back from taxes.  There have been several barn fires in the township.  If you see vehicles that don’t belong in your neighbor, take the license number and vehicle make down and call the police to have them investigate it.  He advises everyone to get your cars off the street during snowy weather or your cars will be ticketed.  This is important for the township to get the roads cleared and passable.  There continues to be many domestic calls in the township.

 Attendance:   Eighteen members and eight guests attended the meeting.

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

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

 

Meeting Minutes for January 21, 2010

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. 

Old Business: 

1. The new Vice President, Rita Schlenner and Board Member, Dave Smolinsky were announced at the meeting.
2. The following is a tentative schedule for 2010. 

• February – State Trooper Maloney is scheduled to speak.
• March – Judge Timothy Rowley is scheduled to speak.
• April – Juvenile Probation Officer – Dianna is still confirming.
• May – District Attorney John T.  Adams is scheduled to speak.
• June – Dianna is still confirming Sheriff Weaknecht and his K-9 Dog.
• The next 25^th Anniversary Committee Meeting is January 26 at 6:30 at Alan and Carolyn Browne’s house.
• The next Youth Safety Day committee meeting is February 22.  We will have a sign up sheet for volunteers to help at the event at next months meeting.
• The Boy Scouts Carnival is April 24.  We will have a sign up sheet at next months meeting.
• Youth Safety Day is scheduled for May 1.
• The Shredding Event is scheduled for May 8 at Redner's.

 New Business: 

1. The new 2010 patrol calendars are ready and can be picked up tonight before leaving the meeting.
2. A $50.00 donation was approved to give St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for use of the Church for our meetings and Christmas Dinner.

 Police News: 

1. Officer Tom Gauby introduced new Amity Township Police Officer Justin Schlottman.  Officer Schlottman was hired on October 7, 2009.  He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and enjoys traffic enforcement and accident reenactment.  The group welcomed him to Amity.
2. Tom told the group that there has been a rash of burglaries in the area.  Ray’s Tires, Boyer’s Market and several homes were broken into in various areas of the township.  Turkey Hill in Robeson Township has been robbed almost once a week.  There continues to be domestic calls almost every night and many vehicle accidents.
3. Tom asked the patrols to watch the Amity Primary Center that is under construction for unusual vehicles.  He described a vehicle to watch for while out on patrol.
4. Chief of Police Officer Mark Laudenslager and Officer Michael McDonald from the Springfield Township Police Department in Northern Bucks County were invited to attend tonight’s meeting.  After reading of the success of our organization in the article in the “Pennsylvania Township News” they contacted Tom.  Their Board of Supervisor’s is urging them to set up a crime watch in their area and asked us for information and help.  Chief Laudenslager spoke to the group and gave us a little background information.
5. A member asked Tom about the barn fire on Amity Park Road. 
6. The Skateboard Park committee met in early January and the group is now off and running.
7. Now that Tom is done training new officers he will start the ride a longs again.

 Attendance:   Twenty one members and five guests attended the meeting.

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

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

 

Meeting Minutes for November 19, 2009 

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 speaker was Brent Frampton. Mr. Frampton is looking for volunteers for a skateboard committee whose goal would be to keep our skateboard park in good repair, run competitions and run fundraisers so that the park can be updated and possibly have security cameras installed to make the place safer.  He would like residents to volunteer to get involved and to use this as an opportunity to use the skateboard park and other park resources for family activities.  Mr. Frampton explained how he began a skateboard committee and why he needs more volunteers.   For additional information, check out his web site at www.amityskateboard.homestead.com.

Old Business: 

1. The Halloween Parades were successful again this year.  Sixteen bags of candy were purchased at a cost of $139.04.  The candy was rationed well and lasted through both parades.  It was agreed by the Board that we should purchase the same amount of candy again next year. 
2. The next 25^th Anniversary Committee meeting is planned for Wednesday, January 13 at 6:30 at either Dianna’s or Karen’s house.  The celebration is being planned for Saturday, October 16, 2010.
3. The Christmas Dinner is Friday, December 18 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  The sign up sheet was available for more members to sign up to attend.  The Christmas Dinner will also be our annual meeting.
4. The Nomination Committee Chairman, Alan Browne was asked for the committee’s recommendations for the December Elections.  Rita Schlenner was recommended for Vice President to replace Dave Holeman and Dave Smolinsky was recommended to replace Arlene Hiltebeitel on the Board of Directors.  All the other Board members agreed to keep their positions if no one wanted to run against them.   If there are no additional nominations, the Secretary will cast the ballot at our December Christmas Dinner.
5. Dianna received a copy of the “Pennsylvania Township News”.  She was recently interviewed for the article they were doing on Crime Watch Organizations.  A copy of the article has been posted on the A.T.C.W. web site for everyone to read.  Jim did send an email to everyone on the CPN mailing list.

New Business: 

1. Deneen Ebling, the Daniel Boone Juvenile Probation Officer from the Berks County Services Center will be our guest speaker next year in April or June.  The date will be confirmed at a later time.
2. An announcement was made that if a meeting needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather we will make every attempt to send an email out and will try to call members that regularly attend the meetings that do not have computers.
3. A new updated calendar for next year was passed out to the group.

Police News:   

1. Officer Gauby informed the group that Chief Shuebrook wanted to address the group briefly to talk about the skateboard park due to a problem he had with an article in the Reading Eagle.  He told the group that the skateboard park is not in jeopardy of being closed as stated in the newspaper article.  Limited drug exposure has been seen at the park.  Two previous drug arrests occurred at the park which is a small problem.  There have been 15 reports called into the police in 11 months which represent 1.3 reports a month.
2. Chief Shuebrook was asked about two recent bomb threats at the Middle    School and the Monocacy Elementary Center. 
3. Tom advised the group that kids were climbing on the roof of the primary center and the problem was taken care of to deter it from happening again.  He stated that most of the problems this month were domestic issues and car accidents.

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

Attendance:  Twenty five members and six guests attended the meeting. 

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

 

Police News:   

1. Officer Gauby introduced Officer Ken Moyer and Officer John Coe to the group.  Officer Coe recently joined the Amity Police Department.  He previously worked at the Berks County Sheriff’s department.  Officer Moyer was a Police Officer in North Coventry before coming to the Amity Police Department last year.  His specialty is traffic control. 
2. Tom is currently in Evidence Tech Training class to be an Evidence Technician.  He is getting additional training to process crime scenes such as burglaries, suicides, etc. 
3. Carolyn Browne recently went out on a Ride Along with Tom.  She gave brief    details about her experience on the Ride Along.  Tom likes being able to take residents out so they can see and experience what the police do.
4. Halloween Trick or Treat hours are 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.
5. While on patrol, Tom said we should watch out for kids.  There have been a couple of egg incidents in the Township.  Speedway Oil was broken into and there have been a lot of accidents due to leaves on the roadways.
6. It was suggested to get more people out on patrol on Halloween with the Crime Watch signs on their cars.  Our visibility is a great deterrent for crime.  It would also provide publicity for our organization as many parents will be out with their kids.

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

Attendance:   Twenty two members and five guests attended the meeting. 

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