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Council Meeting Minutes

September 27th, 2019
10:00 am – 11:30 am

Present: Randy Wilson, Denise Adams, Donna Gority, Lisa Hann, Jean Johnstone, Dee Martin Spallone, Tracy Kelley,
Cindy Cessna, Lori Pellegrine, Dr. James Baldwin, Rev. Devin Spradling, Dottie Elden, Cathi Sweeney, Brittany Podelco,
Suzanne Snyder, Melissa Gillin, Melanie Shildt, Lisa Georgiana, and Autumn Wagner

I. Call to Order – Randy Wilson called the meeting to order, welcomed everyone and introductions were made.

II. Speaker – Coleen Heim, Healthy Blair County Coalition

III. Consent Vote – Consent report was provided via email to the council prior to the meeting. Donna Gority made a
motion to accept the consent report as provided. Melany Shildt second the motion. Motion approved.

IV. Discussion Items

A. Grant – The open grant cycle announcement has been sent out to the council. Grant applications from paid
council members are due by October 25th.
B. Membership dues for 2019-2020 - Membership dues are currently due for the 19-20 program year. The
council asks that dues are paid by November. If dues are not paid by the end of December your name will be
removed from the council membership and email list.
C. Cancellations – As a reminder, HWC meeting schedule follows the Altoona School District. If the district has a
delay or cancelation on the day of a council meeting. Then the HWC meeting will be canceled.
D. Executive Committee approved the LBC scholarship – Council was informed that the Executive Committee
will award a $500 scholarship to Patrick Wills, from Family Services Inc., based of his application. Scholarship
monies to assist with LBC enrollment. Lisa Hann was present and thanked the committee for the scholarship
on Patrick’s behalf.
E. Blair County Proud 2019 – Randy Wilson submitted to the Altoona Mirror.
F. HWC Email Blasts – Informational emails will be sent out by Dee Martin Spallone on behalf of the HWC each
Friday. These emails will come from blaircountyhealthandwelfare@hotmail.com

V. Updates
A. Blair County Department of Social Services – James Hudack, reported on the Rural County Impact
Challenge. There were 19 applicants with 12 selected. They will participate in 1 year of webinars focusing on
housing and health. Discussing lack of housing and the impact.
B. County Assistance Office – Earl Getty, Earl was not present at the meeting. Jean Jonstone reported that
Liheap opens on November 1st. Cash benefit of $200-$1,000, and Crisis benefits up to $600.
C. United Way – Melanie Shildt, reported on a fundraiser called Dodge for a Cause on 10/26/19 @ Building II.
They are currently looking for teams, sponsors and volunteers. You must be 16 years old or up to play. There
is a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 players permitted per team. Entry is $150, or $100 for student
teams. MLK Day of Service info will be shared in the near future.

VI. Community Updates –

a. Donna Gority reported on the WISE Women grants are open. This can support projects, programs and events
that empower women and/or work to end racism. There is $10,000 available. Applications are due by
10/25/19. Info at wisewomenofblaircounty.org
 b. Denise Adams reported that the Toasty Toddler program is taking donations of coats, hats and gloves.
Volunteers for this program can sign up through the United Way’s website. Referrals are open, one referral
per family. This program includes children birth to age 5. Denise also reported that the Family Resource
Center hired a parent educator, Rebecca Rago.
c. Dee Martin Spallone reported on the Angel Feet project. Kids can be up to 9th graders to qualify for this
program of free shoes, socks and books.
d. Lisa Georgiana reported to the group that Saint Francis has interns available if anyone is in need of intern
help. These students work on community engagement and community needs course work.
e. Autumn Wagner reported on the Section 8 waiting list opens up from 1/22/2020 – 2/3/2020. Fairview Hills
has 2 & 3 bedroom apartments open.
f. Jean Johnstone from Catholic Charities reported on Dollar Energy, starting October 1st offering up to
$500/per person grants.
g. Suzanne Snyder from the State Department of Health reported that they have nasal Naloxone available at
their Cricket Field, Executive House 1 location. For more information call 814-946-7300.
h. Reported to council members that the HWC Annual Meeting on May 22, 2020 will have a change of location.
Location for this meeting will be the United Way of Blair County with an 8:30am start time.

VII. Adjournment – Meeting adjourned.

Council Meeting Dates:

November 22, 2019 January 24, 2020 March 27, 2020
May 22, 2020*** (Annual Meeting – will be held at the United Way - *** note change of location for annual
meeting)

** Agency Happenings and Updates – will now adhere to the following process:
Members wishing to share new information will be afforded the opportunity to speak at the Council meetings,
provided the member registers on the day of the meeting on the Speaker Registration Sheet. Updates should be
about upcoming events, changes to existing programs or new programs/services which directly concern your
agency and should be limited to approximately one to two minutes. Members also have the opportunity to share
hard copies at the registration table or send electronic copies to: blaircountyhealthandwelfare@hotmail.com