Blog
This Thursday, September 24th at 6:30pm, Lodi Community Action Team will be hosting a virtual town hall with Chief Wayne Smith (City of Lodi Police Department), Detective Sergeant David Clark (Columbia County Sheriff's Office), and Margaret Finco (Lodi Community Action Team) discussing drug identification, drug trends in our community, and youth prevention.
Please join us by registering at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZQjidkqRSGCP9JAin2rw6w
According to the most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 51% of Lodi HS students and 67% of Lodi MS students agreed that in their community they felt like they mattered to people. These numbers are not as high as they have been in previous years, and is part of the driving force behind the Lodi Pride campaign.
LCAT presents the third annual National Night Out with #LodiPride! Get to know your neighbors and community members at this family-friendly event. We will have a bike rodeo (Children: Bring your bikes!!), a K-9 demonstration, a "Lodi Pride Run" for all ages, and NEW this year will be UW Med Flight Landing.
Other features include live music, local food for purchase, emergency vehicle tours and equipment demonstrations, a kid's bouncy house, community booths, activities and giveaways...AND MORE! We hope you and your family can make it!
For more information, please view the flyer below or click here for the Facebook event and flyer.
The following blog was submitted by Paula Tonn, resident of Lodi, WI. Paula and her family have been fantastic supporters of the LCAT Block Party Wagon and of the Lodi Pride Campaign. LCAT would like to offer a $20 Downtown Coffee Grounds gift card to the first person who reserves the LCAT Block Party Wagon after this blog post is published. To receive the gift card, you must mention in your reservation that you read this blog post. To reserve the wagon, please click here. To read Paula's blog, please read below:
The Elizabeth Street Block party has become a great tradition in our neighborhood. With people's hectic schedules and cold winter weather, it can be difficult to introduce yourself to neighbors and cultivate friendships.
The picture above was taken at the annual Elizabeth Street Block Party in June 2014 (compliments of Paula Tonn).
The LCAT Block Party Wagon and support from LCAT staff makes it really easy to host a great party. Invitations, games, tables, chairs, a grill, and speakers for music are all included. Sharing a meal together, even if it is once a year, helps build community. People are more likely to wave, slow their driving, keep an eye out for trouble, and take a positive interest in our family. It can change a feeling from "I just live here" to "I belong here." The LCAT Block Party Wagon helps make Lodi our hometown.
Pictured above is Peter Tonn, who is using the gas grill from the LCAT Block Party Wagon during the annual Elizabeth Street Block Party in June 2014. Also pictured are the chairs, tables and blue tents from the wagon. (Photo compliments of Paula Tonn)
-Paula Tonn, resident of Lodi, WI
I have worked in the field of prevention for over 10 years, have presented to youth groups and adults on everything from team building to family meals to the dangers of substance abuse, however, last week during a Prevention and Response Columbia County (PARCC) Meeting, I found myself speechless. I felt so amazed and proud to be a part of a group working so incredibly hard on the heroin epidemic in our county that I was without words. Over a year ago, this group set out on a mission to achieve a Medication Assisted Recovery Coordinator position and yesterday was the day we were going to talk about the fact we had a person in place to carry that position forward. Amazing. Wonderful. Life saving.
While I call Pardeeville home, I have had the pleasure to work in the Lodi community for the past five years and I consider it a second home. Lodi and the surrounding townships are amazing communities and embrace the concept of keeping our youth safe, happy and drug free. As Project Coordinator for the Lodi Community Action Team (LCAT), we have learned many things over the years. For example, sometimes well-meaning adults can have their own agenda when it comes to youth issues. Also, youth will more likely stay away from alcohol and other drugs when they feel cared for and respected by the adults in their community. We know that youth need a web of caring adults to navigate through middle school, high school and beyond. We know that substance abuse education is way more than a “Just Say No” Campaign. And the list goes on. LCAT has an extraordinary Advisory Board that serves the community well by ensuring that LCAT stays true to its mission of reducing youth substance abuse. About 16 months ago, City of Lodi Police Chief Klicko made a plea to the Advisory Board to do something about the heroin epidemic that is sweeping across Lodi. He stated the important realization that Lodi is not an island, so tackling the heroin epidemic was not just a local issue but a county-wide problem.
So, we put out a call for community partners and over 40 people attended the very first meeting in February of 2015. Attendees included those with first-hand knowledge of opiate addiction in their lives, the Department of Health and Human Services for Columbia and Sauk Counties, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department, the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office, several police departments within Columbia County, the School District of Lodi, and more. The first goal became securing a Medicated Assisted Recovery Coordinator position. This person would have the task of being on the front lines with individuals who want to change their life and stop using heroin. This person would be a partner in the long road to recovery. The year began with county board meetings and conversations with leaders, family stories to stress the urgency and critical need for someone to help, and meeting after meeting to discuss what this all would really mean for Columbia County.
This brings me back to the beginning of this blog. I looked down at my PARCC Meeting agenda and thought to myself, “It has happened!” The Columbia County Department of Health and Human Services has hired someone to carry this torch forward and begin the first steps of working on a problem in our county that cannot be ignored.
So, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. We will savor this bite for a very short time, then roll up our sleeves and begin to work on the rest of the elephant. The rest of the elephant is more complicated and complex because it involves all of us realizing the part we play in the circus of substance abuse. No one wakes up one day and decides, “Well today is the day. Today I am trying heroin.” It is a broken road that has probably seen alcohol, marijuana, and often prescription drugs. As a society, we need to stop making excuses for underage alcohol use by saying, “It’s just what kids do.”
By living in Wisconsin, we need to own up to the fact that adult and youth alcohol consumption far exceeds alcohol consumption in other states. In 2012, 1,748 deaths in Wisconsin were attributed to excessive alcohol use. Alcohol is the most used drug by our youth today and most report they do not think alcohol is a gateway drug because it is legal. We also face a hurdle with many in our state thinking it is time to legalize marijuana. I can tell you that every person arrested for heroin use in our county reports using marijuana. I can tell you that the THC content of marijuana today is often found to be 40, 50, 60x the concentration of marijuana 20 years ago. I would recommend anyone who does not think it is dangerous visit the Impact Report on The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado at www.rmhidta.org and click on Reports. Ask yourself if that is what you want for our youth.
Most importantly, educate yourself on substance abuse and youth. Support county leaders who are working to make a difference for youth. Support your local law enforcement who work hard every day to protect kids and adults from the fall out of alcohol and other drug misuse. Opiate addiction is quite a sizeable elephant. However, communities working together can protect and embrace our families...one small bite at a time.
DON’T MISS the “Heroin in Our Hometown” presentation: Tuesday, May 3, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Columbus Middle School. This is a FREE county-wide presentation open to all Columbia County residents 12 and older.
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
1) Lodi Community Action Team (LCAT) Community Team Meeting: Thursday, May 19th, 2016 at the Lodi District Office (115 School Street) from 4:30 to 6:30 PM
2) Prevention and Response Columbia County (PARCC) Meeting: Tuesday, May 24th, 2016 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Location TBD but will be in Lodi.
Show your Lodi Pride and have a neighborhood block party this Spring! The process is FREE, EASY and FUN! The main benefits of having a block party are connecting with your community and having fun with your family. People who have used the wagon always comment on how it's easier than they thought to host a block party.
LCAT has provided everything you need for a block party FREE OF CHARGE. First, click here to reserve the Block Party Wagon. Next, inform your neighbors of the block party date. We drop the wagon off at your location before the block party.
The LCAT Block Party Wagon contains everything you need to host a block party, such as tables, chairs, canopies, plates, utensils, drink mixes, tons of sports equipment and games, and MORE. The only thing you and your neighbors need to provide is the food, which you can arrange like a potluck. Your neighbors help with the cleanup and it goes quickly. LCAT picks up the wagon when you are done. That's it. It is that easy!
For more information on the Lodi Pride Block Party Wagon, click here. For questions, please contact Paula Enger at paula@lodiaction.org.
Recently, Melissa Walsh, Lodi Elementary School Teacher, had a end of year party for her first grade students by utilizing the LCAT Block Party Wagon. The pictures below show how much fun the students had that day!
For information and to reserve the LCAT Block Party Wagon for your future event, please click here. Questions can be directed to Paula Enger at paula@lodiaction.org.
LCAT would like to congratulate our recent Lodi Pride Award Recipients! At the LCAT Advisory Board Meeting on Thursday, June 4, several Lodi Pride Awards were presented to outstanding Lodi residents (both students and adults). Our award recipients include:
Geno Eagan: Geno received a "Caring for Youth with Lodi Pride Award." He has been a faithful volunteer in Beth Sokol's classroom at the Lodi Elementary School for the past four years. He is also a fan of Lodi athletics and has a positive, grateful attitude.
Pictured (left-to-right): Patty Morter, Activity Director at the Lodi Good Samaritan Society; Andrew Sedrak, Administrator at the Lodi Good Samaritan Society; Geno Eagan, Good Samaritan Society Resident & Lodi Elementary School Volunteer; and Beth Sokol, Teacher at Lodi Elementary School
Barb Cook: Barb received a "Caring for Youth with Lodi Pride Award." Barb's nominator, Anne Lembcke, commented on how Barb constantly shows her Lodi Pride and empowers our high school youth. As a Educational Assistant at Lodi High School, Barb encourages our students to attend and participate in co-curricular and athletic activities/events. Additionally, she introduced the Community Closet to students, where they get to select and keep previously clean, used clothing.
Pictured (left-to-right): Barb Cook, Educational Assistant at Lodi High School; and Anne Lembcke, Lodi High School Special Education Teacher
Sarah V & Yullen N: Sarah and Yullen received "Outstanding Student Lodi Pride Awards." These outstanding students were nominated by Vince Breunig, Lodi High School Principal. Vince stated, "Sarah and Yullen have been a tremendous help this year with new students who spoke very limited English. They volunteered to translate, sought out and ate lunch with our new students, and found different ways to make these students feel welcome and supported." Congratulations!!!
Pictured (left-to-right): Sarah V, Lodi High School Student; Vince Breunig, Lodi High School Principal; and Yullen N, Lodi High School Student
Sammi B, Shelbi B & Nate J: These students received "Outstanding Student Lodi Pride Awards." They were nominated by Megan Kinonen, Lodi High School Counselor. Megan stated, “Sammi and Shelbi have been very involved with the high school leadership group over the last four years and have all been tremendous leaders in the group. They have helped organize events and have been leaders at the summer retreats, Flip it Forward, Sober Saturdays/Post-Game Parties, and Food Drives and they have been great role models to younger students in the group and in the school.”
“Nate did a lot of work for both Post Game Parties this year. He made announcements about the event, took the initiative to create a sign up sheet to have teams sign up ahead of time, created the brackets, found chaperones, and helped to make sure the tournaments ran smoothly.” Congratulations to all Lodi students!!!
Pictured (left-to-right): Nate J, Lodi High School Student; Shelbi B, Lodi High School Student, Sammi B, Lodi High School Student; and Megan Kinonen, Lodi High School Counselor
Reminder: Prescription Drug Take Back Day is on Saturday! Bring your unused and expired medications to the Lodi Police Station (142 S. Main St.) on Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. This is a FREE service for our community! Please leave the medication in its original container but cross out names while still keeping the name of the medication legible. Click here for a flyer with more details.
The following items will be accepted: Prescription and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, non-aerosol sprays, creams, vials and pet medications. Please DO NOT bring these items: Illegal drugs, needles/sharps, inhalers, aerosol cans, bio-hazardous materials (anything containing a bodily fluid or blood), mercury thermometers, personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreens, etc.), household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas).
There are several reasons why it is important to safely dispose of unused drugs. Did you know that medications flushed down the toilet may contaminate our lakes, streams and groundwater which causes harm to humans, wildlife and vegetation? In addition, medications thrown in the trash can cause poisoning by accidental ingestion by young children, pets and even wildlife.
According to the TheFlyEffect.com, prescription drugs like Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicodin are the primary gateway drugs to heroin use. Nationally, The Partnership at Drugfree.org has found teens who have misused or abused a prescription drug has increased 33% over the past five years. Misuse and abuse of prescription drugs is growing throughout the U.S. and is negatively impacting millions of youth, adults and families.
This program is being sponsored by LCAT and the Lodi Police Department. Let’s all work together to create a healthy, safer community. Please share this with our community members!
As you have seen from our previous blog posts, Prescription Drug Take Back Day is on Saturday, May 16 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Lodi Police Department (142 S. Main St.). We encourage you to go through your cabinets and bring old expired medication to the Lodi Police Department on this important day.
Additionally, we encourage you to bring your child with you, explain why it is important to properly dispose of prescription medication, and why we are lucky that our Lodi Police Department takes the time to do this. We know that prescription drug abuse is a gateway to heroin abuse. We know that more deaths occur every year from drug overdoses than from car accidents. We know that teaching our children respect for potentially harmful medications can literally save their life.
This article gives an excellent and easy tool we can all use to assist in speaking with our health care provider about prescription medication. You will not only obtain the detailed information you need, but respect for prescription medications will also be emphasized. As stated in the article, one of the most powerful opportunities parents possess is our opportunity to positively influence our children. Remember, they are paying close attention to our lifestyle choices.
Reminder: You can safely dispose of unused and expired medications by bringing them to the Lodi Police Station (142 S. Main St.) on Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. This is a FREE service for our community! Please leave the medication in its original container but cross out names while still keeping the name of the medication legible. Click here for a flyer with more details.
The following items will be accepted: Prescription and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, non-aerosol sprays, creams, vials and pet medications. Please DO NOT bring these items: Illegal drugs, needles/sharps, inhalers, aerosol cans, bio-hazardous materials (anything containing a bodily fluid or blood), mercury thermometers, personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreens, etc.), household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas).
There are several reasons why it is important to safely dispose of unused drugs. Did you know that medications flushed down the toilet may contaminate our lakes, streams and groundwater which causes harm to humans, wildlife and vegetation? In addition, medications thrown in the trash can cause poisoning by accidental ingestion by young children, pets and even wildlife.
According to the TheFlyEffect.com, prescription drugs like Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicodin are the primary gateway drugs to heroin use. Nationally, The Partnership at Drugfree.org has found teens who have misused or abused a prescription drug has increased 33% over the past five years. Misuse and abuse of prescription drugs is growing throughout the U.S. and is negatively impacting millions of youth, adults and families.
This program is being sponsored by LCAT and the Lodi Police Department. Let’s all work together to create a healthy, safer community. Please share this with our community members!
On Thursday, May 7th, you can help change someone's life by simply starting a conversation on mental health. According to the #TextTalkAct campaign, you can engage in a nationwide conversation on mental health and potentially help a friend in need. Through text messaging, small groups will receive discussion questions to lead them through a conversation about mental health. Watch this video for more details.
On May 7th, all you need to do is gather 4-5 people and text START to 89800. Below is an infographic with more information. Conversation is important. Mental health matters. Be part of the dialogue on Thursday!
Attention Lodi Area Community Members: This is your opportunity to safely dispose of unused and expired medications by bringing them to the Lodi Police Station on Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. This is a FREE service for our community! Please leave the medication in its original container but cross out names while still keeping the name of the medication legible.
The following items will be accepted: Prescription and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, non-aerosol sprays, creams, vials and pet medications. Please DO NOT bring these items: Illegal drugs, needles/sharps, inhalers, aerosol cans, bio-hazardous materials (anything containing a bodily fluid or blood), mercury thermometers, personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreens, etc.), household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas).
There are several reasons why it is important to safely dispose of unused drugs. Did you know that medications flushed down the toilet may contaminate our lakes, streams and groundwater which causes harm to humans, wildlife and vegetation? In addition, medications thrown in the trash can cause poisoning by accidental ingestion by young children, pets and even wildlife.
According to the TheFlyEffect.com, prescription drugs like Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicodin are the primary gateway drugs to heroin use. Nationally, The Partnership at Drugfree.org has found teens who have misused or abused a prescription drug has increased 33% over the past five years. Misuse and abuse of prescription drugs is growing throughout the U.S. and is negatively impacting millions of youth, adults and families.
This program is being sponsored by LCAT and the Lodi Police Department. Let’s all work together to create a healthy, safer community!
Show your #LodiPride and have a neighborhood block party this Spring! The process is FREE, EASY and FUN! The main benefits of having a block party are connecting with your community and having fun with your family. People who have used the wagon always comment on how it's easier than they thought to host a block party.
LCAT has provided everything you need for a block party FREE OF CHARGE. First, click here to reserve the Block Party Wagon. Next, inform your neighbors of the block party date. We drop the wagon off at your location before the block party.
The LCAT Block Party Wagon contains everything you need to host a block party, such as tables, chairs, canopies, plates, utensils, drink mixes, tons of sports equipment and games, and MORE. The only thing you and your neighbors need to provide is the food, which you can arrange like a potluck. Your neighbors help with the cleanup and it goes quickly. LCAT picks up the wagon when you are done. That's it. It is that easy!
For more information on the Lodi Pride Block Party Wagon, click here. For questions, please contact Paula Enger at paula@lodiaction.org.
Calling all Lodi students! This is your chance to be creative and help us design the new LCAT Community #LodiPride Wagon! We are asking you to draw a picture of what #LodiPride means to you for a chance to have your design placed on the LCAT Community #LodiPride Wagon.
To receive a contest entry form, please visit your Lodi Schools Art Teacher or contact Andrea Schneiter at andrea@lodiaction.org. Forms are available in the LCAT Office at 115 School Street (inside the Lodi School District Office). You can also click here to download the contest entry form (you will need legal size paper!) and the official contest flyer. Designs are due by April 15.
Please share this with your fellow Lodi students. Let's show our #LodiPride!
We would like to thank the Columbia County Drug Education & Enforcement Unit and the Principals Advisory Council (PAC) for engaging our community members in a community discussion on Monday, March 16 titled "It Doesn't Start with Heroin."
Community members learned about drug trends in the Lodi area and were able to ask law enforcement their questions. A big thank you to Det. Lt. Roger Brandner and Det. Sgt. Michael Haverley from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office for once again sharing your knowledge and experiences with our community!
We are having a LCAT Community Team Meeting TONIGHT (Thursday, March 19) from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Lodi District Office (115 School Street). Please note this time change - this meeting is at a different time than most of our meetings. At Community Team Meetings, our goal is to strengthen the web of support around our youth. You can help us make a difference in our community!
The agenda for tonight includes planning for summer movie nights in the park and National Night Out (NNO). Refreshments will be provided and anyone is welcome to attend. We hope you can make it!
