Start Out the New Year by Being Engaged in Your Community

Start out the new year by being engaged in your community! There are two ways to do this right now:

1) Our next Community Team Meeting is on Thursday, January 15 from 6 - 8:00 p.m. at the Lodi School District Office (115 School Street, Lodi).  At this meeting, we will be planning for the new year!  If you would like to help us plan, please join us.  

2) In addition to future planning, we will be discussing the results from a survey we are sending out today.  The survey addresses how well LCAT is meeting the needs of our coalition members.  It is very important to LCAT that we can get your feedback, so please click here to take the survey.  Your response is appreciated!

At Community Team Meetings, our goal is to strengthen the web of support around our youth.  Refreshments will be provided and anyone is welcome to attend.  We hope to see you on January 15!

We Challenge YOUR Family!

LCAT has a challenge for YOUR family!  We are challenging you to spend more quality family time together.  You may be wondering what your family can do during this time of year.  It's so COLD outside!

Well, we have the solution!  We have compiled a "Winter Challenge" Activity Sheet, which lists several outdoor and indoor family activities in our area.  Try completing as many activities as you can this winter!  

This challenge sheet was modeled after The Real Happy Hour initiative, which promotes families spending more quality time together.  We also have information about The Real Happy Hour on our website and you can download more family challenge activity sheets here (scroll to the bottom of the page).

We hope to help your family stay busy and spend time together all year long!

Snowmobiles & Alcohol

Did you know that 70% of snowmobile deaths involve alcohol?

Over the upcoming holiday period, many Wisconsin families will enjoy both alcohol and snowmobiling.  But together, alcohol and snowmobiles are a deadly combination.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has released a fact sheet on the topic.  See below for the fact sheet or click here for a direct link.  Be safe this holiday season!

Tips for a Safe Holiday Season

The winter holidays are a time to enjoy the company of family, friends and co-workers.  We all have so many responsibilities that sometimes some of the most crucial details get overlooked in the frenzy.  Here is a brief guide to help remind us all of important details and responsibilities during this exciting season - so we can enjoy it safely!

1) Are you aware that 40% of home visitors will inspect the contents of your medicine cabinet? Lock away any prescription medicine in a secure location away from the traffic of guests.  If you have unused or un-needed medicines in your medicine cabinet, take them to the Drug Drop Box at the Lodi Police Department (142 S. Main Street).  The Drug Drop Box is open every day until about 3:30pm.  Please leave medications in their original containers and cross the names off.

2) Remind relatives or guests staying with you not to leave their prescription medicine out where others can access them.  Did you know 80% of child overdose cases are from children accessing medication on their own?  We can prevent this.

3) Did you know that one in three adults prefer a non-alcoholic beverage?  If you are hosting a holiday event, make sure to offer plenty of non-alcoholic choices, such as sparkling water, juice drinks, soft drinks and bottled drinking water.

4) If hosting a holiday event, provide guests with nutritious and appealing foods to slow the effects of alcohol.  Provide food alongside alcohol; avoid the common timeline of cocktails followed by dinner.  High protein and carbohydrate rich foods, like cheese, meat and crackers, should be served with any cocktails.  Those foods stay in the stomach longer, which slows the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol.  Avoid salty snacks, which encourage people to drink more.

5) Serving alcohol to underage teens or adults is illegal and the holidays should never be an excuse to break that law.  In Wisconsin, it is legal to give your own child alcohol IF they are then going to remain with you until the alcohol is out of their system.  If your child consumes alcohol and then leaves your presence, they are breaking the law.  If traveling, remember most states DO NOT allow parents to serve minor children alcohol.

6) Stop serving drinks at least one hour before the end of an event.  Use this time to serve coffee, non-alcoholic beverages and desserts.  If you have guests who have over-consumed alcohol, it is your responsibility to offer them alternate forms of transportation or a bed at your home for the night.

7) Be aware of mixed messages you may be sending to your child about drinking.  Gathering around and telling drinking stories in front of your child, comments like "Thanks, I really needed this drink," asking your child to get a beer or drink for you or someone else, and even encouraging your family and friends to "drink a few more" ALL give the message alcohol is necessary and everyone drinks.

Have a safe, happy and healthy holiday season!

-Paula Enger, LCAT Project Director

Congratulations to our Real Happy Hour Meal Recipients!

In a partnership with "The Real Happy Hour" program, LCAT would like to congratulate those who received a free family meal last week!  See below for the meal recipients.  Five lucky families received a complete dinner for their family, t-shirts, and supplies for a successful family meal.  

Did you know family mealtimes provide profound benefits?  Family mealtimes foster family togetherness, help prevent behavior problems, help children do well in school, encourage healthy eating, and help prevent weight problems.  One of the best things you can do for your children is to provide a family meal!  

LCAT also encourages families to spend quality time together. You may be wondering what you can do when it's so cold outside!  Well, we have compiled a "Winter Challenge" Activity Sheet that will keep your family busy and spending time together.  Visit our website to access more information about The Real Happy Hour, as well as to download more family challenge activity sheets!

TONIGHT: Drug Drop Box Open Until 6pm

Safely dispose of your unused and expired medications at the Lodi Police Department (142 S. Main St.) TONIGHT (Thursday, Dec. 11)!  The Drug Drop Box will be open from 7am - 6pm.  Be sure to take advantage of this FREE service before the holidays!

The Drug Drop Box is open every day from 7am - 3:30pm.  All prescription and over the counter medication are accepted including pills, sprays, liquids, capsules, inhalers, ointments, patches and creams.  Simply leave the medication in it's original container but cross out names while still keeping the name of the medication legible.

For more information, click here to view the flyer.  We hope you can take advantage of this opportunity!

Reminder: Extended Drug Drop Box Hours on Thursday

REMINDER: Safely dispose of your unused and expired medications at the Lodi Police Department (142 S. Main St.) TOMORROW!  On Thursday, December 11, the Drug Drop Box will be open from 7am - 6pm.  Be sure to take advantage of this FREE service before the holidays!

The Drug Drop Box is open every day from 7am - 3:30pm.  All prescription and over the counter medication are accepted including pills, sprays, liquids, capsules, inhalers, ointments, patches and creams.  Simply leave the medication in it's original container but cross out names while still keeping the name of the medication legible.

For more information, click here to view the flyer.  We hope you can take advantage of this opportunity!

Congratulations to Our Award Recipients

LCAT would like to congratulate those who received "Caring for Youth with Lodi Pride" awards at the LCAT Advisory Board Meeting last week on Thursday, December 4, 2014.  Our award recipients include:

  • Piggly Wiggly in Lodi for a 100% Alcohol Compliance Check Pass Rate
  • Margot Myers for being a Lodi Elementary School Volunteer since 2003.  She volunteers as part of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).
  • Judy Lichucki for being a Lodi Elementary School Volunteer since 2007.  She volunteers as part of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

LCAT appreciates everything you do to keep our youth and community healthy and safe.  Thank you for making a difference! 

Piggly Wiggly team members receive their award! Pictured left-to-right: Tegan Krueger, Bryce Haessly & Paula Enger (LCAT Project Coordinator)

Piggly Wiggly team members receive their award! Pictured left-to-right: Tegan Krueger, Bryce Haessly & Paula Enger (LCAT Project Coordinator)

Lodi Elementary School volunteers receive their award! Pictured left-to-right: Judy Lichucki, Margot Myers & Lyle Hendrickson (Principal, Lodi Elementary School)

Lodi Elementary School volunteers receive their award! Pictured left-to-right: Judy Lichucki, Margot Myers & Lyle Hendrickson (Principal, Lodi Elementary School)

Extended Drug Drop Box Hours

Are you aware that 40% of home visitors will inspect the contents of YOUR medicine cabinet?  Before the holidays, be sure to take advantage of this FREE service to safely dispose of unused and expired medications by bringing them to the Lodi Police Department (142 S. Main St.).  On Thursday, December 11, the Drug Drop Box will be open from 7am - 6pm.

The Drug Drop Box is open every day from 7am - 3:30pm.  All prescription and over the counter medication are accepted including pills, sprays, liquids, capsules, inhalers, ointments, patches and creams.  Simply leave the medication in it's original container but cross out names while still keeping the name of the medication legible.

For more information, click here to view the flyer.  We hope you can take advantage of this opportunity!

Family Activities and Traditions for Celebrating Thanksgiving

LCAT is a supporter of families spending quality time together.  As Thanksgiving approaches, there are several ways you can create memories with your family by trying new activities or incorporating new family traditions in to the holiday.

Whether it is giving back to the community or making Thanksgiving dinner together, click here for a great list of ideas.  LCAT wishes your family abundant blessings, peace, health and happiness this Thanksgiving and always!

Know! to Seize The Teachable Moment

Be prepared if a situation arises with your child regarding substance abuse.  If you hear a song on the radio or see an item in the store, now is the time to "Seize the Teachable Moment!"  Use your parent power to take advantage of alcohol and other drug-related teachable moments.  

Be sure to utilize these helpful tips below:

  • Teachable moments work best when kept short and to the point;
  • They are not effective in moments of anger or resentment between parent and child;
  • The message will need to be revisited and repeated in order to inform, persuade and reinforce;
  • Be mindful of your tone and choice of words - how you say it is as important as what you say;
  • Keep it relevant and timely - take advantage of instances when a topic catches your child’s attention. If you need more info, research and then revisit your chat (but do it sooner than later). 

To read the full article, click here.  Know! is a program of the Drug Free Action Alliance.  To receive Know! Parent Tips, sign up online at www.drugfreeactionalliance.org/know/parent-tip-sign-up.  

 

Unified Sports on Sunday!

Come out and play Mat Ball with your friends on Sunday!  The fun will take place on Sunday, November 23 from 4 - 5:00 p.m. at the Lodi High School Gym (1100 Sauk Street).  Open to kids in Grades 4 - College (of all abilities!).  Come and have fun on a fair and equal playing field where all participate!

The event is sponsored by Special Olympics "Project UNIFY."  Special Olympics Unified Sports is an inclusive program which combines individuals with intellectual disabilities (athletes) and individuals without intellectual disabilities (partners) on sports teams for training and competition.  

By taking it out of the classroom and onto the playing field, students from both the general education and special education classrooms experience new social opportunities and make new friends they may not have otherwise.  These experiences create a culture of inclusion and foster understanding in schools and communities, goals of Project UNIFY.

You don't want to miss out on the fun, so be sure to gather your friends and come on out!  For more information, please contact CREW at 608-592-1076.

Story on Synthetic Marijuana

Have you heard of a synthetic form of marijuana nicknamed "Spice”, “K-2” or “Scooby Snax"?  Below is a link to a short news clip that shows how dangerous this substance can be and how it claimed the life of a vibrant 19 year old.  This 19 year old only took ONE hit of synthetic marijuana.  

Click here to view the news clip and full story.

Come to the Health & Wellness Interactive Expo Tomorrow!

LCAT will be drawing the winners of "The Real Happy Hour" family meal giveaway at the Health & Wellness Interactive Expo on Saturday, November 15 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Lodi Area Middle School (900 Sauk Street, Lodi).  

The event features several speakers, a "Kid's Zone" and door prizes.  Click here for the official flyer.  You won't want to miss it!

Here is a link for information on "The Real Happy Hour" program.

 

Don't Forget to Register for a FREE Family Meal!

That's right - don't forget to register your family or "Nominate a Family" for a FREE family meal (and all of the supplies to go with it)!  In a partnership with "The Real Happy Hour" program, LCAT will be giving away meals for FOUR lucky families!  Family mealtimes provide profound benefits.

Four families will receive a complete dinner for their family, t-shirts, and supplies for a successful family meal.  You can register YOUR family or "Nominate a Family" to receive a meal.  Meals can be picked up or delivered on December 11, 2014.  

You must register by tomorrow (Friday, November 14, 2014).  You can complete this registration form and submit it to the Lodi School District Office (115 School Street) OR complete an online registration form at goo.gl/forms/3IFKb5ahtH.  

LCAT will draw the winners at the Health & Wellness Interactive Expo on Saturday, November 15 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Lodi Area Middle School.  Click here for an event flyer.  You do not have to be present to win.

Ski Club for Kids

Do you know of any kids in first through sixth grade who may be interested in learning to cross country ski?  If so, the Lodi Area XC Ski Club is here to help!  Cross country skiing is a fun family sport and kids can stay active in the winter.  The program is open to kids from any community, not just Lodi.

Registration for the Lodi Area XC Ski Club will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 1-3 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 23 from 3-5 p.m. at the Reach Out Lodi building (601 Clark Street - this is the old medical clinic).

The cost per child is $60, which includes equipment and all eight sessions.  If a parent or other responsible adult volunteers twice in the season, $20 will be refunded at the last practice!  For more details, click here to view the flyer.

Let it SNOW!!!

 

Join LCAT on November 15!

Join LCAT at the Health & Wellness Interactive Expo on Saturday, November 15 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Lodi Area Middle School!  This event is brought to you by Partners Towards a Healthy Community, which includes the School District of Lodi, Activate Lodi, Sauk Prairie Healthcare, and the Lodi Enterprise.  The event features several speakers, a "Kid's Zone," and door prizes.  Click here for an event flyer.

In a partnership with "The Real Happy Hour" program, LCAT will be giving away meals for FOUR lucky families at this event!  Did you know family mealtimes provide profound benefits?  Family mealtimes foster family togetherness, help prevent behavior problems, help children do well in school, encourage healthy eating, and help prevent weight problems. 

Here are the Details: Four families will receive a complete dinner for their family, t-shirts, and supplies for a successful family meal.  You can register YOUR family or "Nominate a Family" to receive a meal.  Meals can be picked up or delivered on December 11, 2014.  

Registration: You must register by November 14, 2014.  You can complete this registration form and submit it to the Lodi School District Office (115 School Street) OR complete an online registration form at goo.gl/forms/3IFKb5ahtH.  LCAT will draw the winners at the Health & Wellness Interactive Expo on November 15.  You do not have to be present to win.

Win a FREE Family Meal!

In a partnership with "The Real Happy Hour" program, LCAT presents a chance to win a FREE family meal!  Did you know family mealtimes provide profound benefits?  Family mealtimes foster family togetherness, help prevent behavior problems, help children do well in school, encourage healthy eating, and help prevent weight problems.  One of the best things you can do for your children is to provide a family meal!  

Details: Four families will receive a complete dinner for their family, t-shirts, and supplies for a successful family meal.  You can register YOUR family or "Nominate a Family" to receive a meal.  Meals can be picked up or delivered on December 11, 2014.  

Registration: You must register by November 14, 2014.  You can complete this registration form and submit it to the Lodi School District Office (115 School Street) OR complete an online registration form at goo.gl/forms/3IFKb5ahtH.  LCAT will draw the winners on Saturday, November 15, 2014 from 9am-noon at the Lodi Area Middle School Health Fair.  You do not have to be present to win.

 

Youth Retreat Fun

In the past few weeks, LCAT was involved with two fall youth retreats.  Lodi Area Middle School Students who are involved with the Color Outside the Lines (COL) youth group attended a youth retreat on October 8.  They began the day playing team games and planned for the year.  In the afternoon, they went rock climbing at Boulder's Gym in Madison.  We can't wait to see what their plans for the year include!

Pictured: Lucinda Ranney, LifeSkills Teacher at Lodi Area Middle School

Pictured: Lucinda Ranney, LifeSkills Teacher at Lodi Area Middle School

Lodi High School students who are involved in the Leadership Council attended a youth retreat on October 14.  They began the day team building and planning for the year.  In the afternoon, they headed to the Lodi Sports & Recreation Center for a fun afternoon of team building activities.  We are super excited to see what this group planned for this year!