Today was an in-person meeting at Madeline’s in Fogelsville. There were 22 of us present, plus 3 more on line.
Our Greeter was Jeanne Shipe.
Sgt-at-Arms Mitch Huston handled Registration, prizes, and Happy Dollars..
GUESTS
Samuel Hursh, our Y.E. student from Germany; and Quentin Sowers, almost a member.
OPENING:
President Gail Micca rang the bell and started the meeting at 7:30 A.M.
Pastor Jean Masiko gave a very nice invocation.
Jeanne Shipe led us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the U.S.
Someone led us in the recitation of the Four-way Test, and added “Is it Fun?”
YOUTH EXCHANGE STUDENT INTRODUCTION:
Sam is 16 years old and is from a town in the west of Germany. He loves all sports and plays on the Northwestern Lehigh HS football team.
CELEBRATIONS:
Pres. Gail displayed the list of September member celebration events. The list is shown below.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ALL MEMBER SURVEY:
The all-member survey, arriving in inboxes in October, helps RI learn about our members and their experiences so they can continue to build a stronger Rotary. Make sure you receive your copy of the survey by updating your email address in My Rotary by October 1st.
AWRC JOB OPPORTUNITIES:
Vice President to be President for the 2024-25 Rotary Year.
Foster Parents Breakfast one-time event chair. Without a lead Rotarian we may have to put this off unfortunately.
Dining Out Chair is needed. AW Rotarians have a history of going to local restaurants every month or so for supper and fellowship. We need a leader for this.
AWRC HOLIDAY PARTY:
Pres. Gail said that we are holding our annual Christmas party at Twin Lakes C.C. The date is Friday, Dec. 2nd.
We need volunteers to work on this event’s planning.
HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP:
Sharon Goldner will lead this event on Oct 8th. It will run from 9:30 A.M. to about 1:00 P.M.
GREEN THUMB GARDEN:
There will be a harvest this week, and then the last of the season will be next week.
SHREDDING OPPORTUNITY:
Jeanne Shipe said that there will be a shredding event in Macungie Rd is Saturday at the Community Center on Brookside Rd. again. It starts at 9:30 A.M. and she needs one more volunteer.
HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP:
Takes place on October 8th. Sharon needs volunteers.
CASINO NIGHT:
It was a blast. Pres. Gail said that there will be a survey of members seeking feedback on how we can make it even better next time.
There were $11,500 from sponsors, and about $20,000 gross.
POTATO PROJECT HARVEST DATE:
Rotary members participated in the Potato Project on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the KU Heritage Center in Kutztown, PA to help out iHartHarvest, Inc, a unique ministry answering local hunger issues. This project, in which potatoes and other vegetables are planted and harvested by volunteers, has been helping to feed the hungry since 2009.
GIVE & GROW FUNDRAISER:
Katrina Sundstrom asked for support of this fundraiser at Eight Oaks Distillery on Sept. 24 from 2 PM. There will be a cornhole tournament, and a silent auction too.
PARLAND C.A.R.E.S.:
Oct 8th is their next event.
MULTI-CLUB MEMBERSHIP EVENT:
“Conversations Over Cornhole”, will happen on October 19th. It will be a cornhole tournament and get-together in Center Valley at the Stone Fam Cellars and Vineyards from 5:30 to 8:00 P.M. So bring member candidates as your guests.
POLIO ERADICATION RUN / WALK etc:
The Lehigh Valley Passport RC is managing the district Purple Pinkie 5K RACE event which will be on October 15th.
The other activities planned for this year include non-competitive walks, runs and bike trips “On The Trails” in the Reading area. The Pottstown RC is managing the day. Registration is $40, and includes a lunch.
KINGDOM LIFE FOOD DISTRIBUTION:
Jean Masiko needs volunteers for October 15th.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY:
They are building 8 houses right now, and their dedication will be soon. A “Women’s Build” event is coming.
They always can use volunteers on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. And they will teach you any needed skills.
PRIZES:
The $10 door prize donated by Jeanne Shipe was won by Bill Weber. A flower arrangement was won by Len Salines. The $20 prize from the 50:50 was won by Bill Palmer.
HAPPY DOLLARS:
Murtaza Jaffer is happy that we have two great people here today as our speakers.
Sue Weber is happy that our Y.E. student, Sam, was with us today.
Bill Palmer is happy that last evening he had dinner with Wendy Weaver and Halyna and Mike Stegura, as they worry about their homes in the Villages in central Florida.
Ernie Boll is happy -- with a capital “H.”
John Scott is happy that Casino Night went so well. Many thanks go to Gail and the committee.
SPECIAL REQUEST FOR HELP:
Chris Blechschmidt said that a Ukraine citizen that was here 5 years ago, now is in Estonia with his wife and child. He wants to come to the Lehigh Valley to live, but needs temporary shelter here until it all comes together.
Lisa Walton said she may have a friend with a place they can stay. That is true Rotary in action!
NEW AWRC BROCHURE:
Pres. Gail thanked Peter Wohlsen for creating a new AWRC brochure.
NEXT MORNING MEETING:
Wednesday October 5 VIA ZOOM starting at 7:30 A.M. Come at 7:15 and talk around.
Our program will be Peter Wohlsen, Owner at Wohlsen Design to give his Classification Talk.
PROGRAM:
Murtaza Jaffer introduced Lois Keller, Executive Director AND Emily Grigonis, BSW, Supervisor Community Outreach and Educational Programming, both from The Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley to provide an Educational Overview of the Crime Victims Council and their Service to Our Community.
Lois Keller, MS, LPC, is the Executive Director of the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley. Lois previously served as the Associate Director of the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance. In addition, she maintains a small private practice. Lois earned her M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Holy Family University in Philadelphia. Much of Lois’ early clinical experience was providing crisis and trauma counseling to overseas humanitarian workers, enabling her to witness both the incredible commitment of humanitarian work and the toll that it takes on those who do it.
In 2019, Lois became the Executive Director of the Crime Victims Council. Lois currently teaches graduate counseling courses on trauma as well as grief and bereavement at Arcadia University. Lois considers teaching at Arcadia a “best of many worlds” assignment as it brings together her passion for teaching, counseling, and mentoring a new generation of clinicians.
Lois then showed us a short video overviewing what the Council does.
Lois’ slides from her presentation were:
Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley Mission:
Confidential services offered at no cost
Advocate for the rights, welfare, and empowerment of all victims of crime
Develop resources for individual and community education regarding crime victimization
WHO WE ARE ---
Any victim/survivor of a violent/personal injury crime including but not limited to sexual violence, homicide, assault, domestic violence, burglary/robbery, etc.
Does not have to be recent or reported for adult clients
All CVC Staff and Volunteers are Mandated Reporters so all cases involving children are reported to ChildLine
EXCLUSIONS:
If the client(s) have had personal injury charges against them, as a rule they are not to be seen at CVC, except with permission by the supervisor in exceptional circumstances such as self-defense.
CVC cannot accompany victims to custody hearings or hearings related to charges against them.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT ---
Immediate family Extended family
Social circle Coworkers
First responders Those assisting victims
Community members
One reason there is no such thing as a victimless crime…someone is bound to be hurt.
Keep in mind, Family members in worse shape than victim Crisis responses to workplace.
CORE COMPONENTS OF OUR WORK ---
Counseling services
Community outreach and preventative education
Advocacy and support services for victims and witnesses
CONDULTING SERVICES ----
individual Counseling provided by highly trained, credentialed therapists (Allentown/Bethlehem)
Group Counseling Lehigh Valley Crisis Response Team
Accompaniment Crisis Intervention
24 Hour Hotline Peer Support
Emily Grigonis then presented the following.
OUTREACH & PREVENTION EDUCATION ----
Programs and guest speakers for pre-k through senior citizens
Trainings for professionals Mandated reporter, victim sensitivity
Community collaborations Volunteer training
SERVICES FOR VICTIMS AND WITNESSES ---
Hospital, Police, and Court Accompaniment
Victim Witness Room Victim Offender Conferencing
Victim Advocacy Victims Compensation
CRIME VICTIMS COMPENSATION ----
The Victims Compensation Assistance Program helps victims and their families through the emotional and physical aftermath of a crime by easing the financial impact placed upon them by the crime
Payer of Last Resort Eligibility depends upon…
Must report crime to police within 72 hours
Must cooperate with the police
Must not be engaged in any illegal activity at the time of the crime
WHAT’S COVVERED BY VCAP?
Funeral Expenses Medical
Counseling Lost Wages
Travel Expenses Loss of Support
Relocation Stolen Benefit Cash
Crime Scene Clean-Up
VICTIMS COMPENSATION ---
Does not cover pain and suffering
Civil Action
Does not cover property loss or damage
If there is an offender, costs must be paid out as restitution
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS ---
Defendant vs. Victim
No Constitutional Rights for Victims of Crime, only for those accused
In an effort to combat the victimizing effect of the criminal justice system, PA enacted the Victims’ Bill of Rights and other Victim Assistance Laws, which are intended to ensure and provide the protection and fair, respectful treatment of all victims.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTIONS FOR THE CRIMINAL DEFENDANT--
Due Process Equal Protection
Free from Unreasonable Search and Seizure
Against Self-Incrimination
Against Double Jeopardy (being tried more than once for same offense)
Legal Counsel Speedy, Public Trial
Impartial Jury Trial Confront Witnesses Against You
Call Supporting Witnesses
Free from Cruel and Unusual Punishment
Against Ex Post Facto Laws (laws that retroactively criminalize certain acts or increase criminal sanctions)
Free from Excessive Fines or Bail
Clear Notice of Criminal Charges
PA. BILL OF RIGHTS FOR A VICTIM OF CRIME ----
You have the right to be told… about basic services in your county
about certain court events about details of the outcome of the case
You have the right to receive… notice of the arrest of the offender
notice of the release, escape, or transfer of offender
Information and support about restitution and assistance with compensation
accompaniment to all criminal proceedings by a family member, victim advocate, or support person
You have the right to provide input…
Into the sentencing decision and receive help in preparing an oral and/or written victim impact statement
Into post sentencing decisions
MEDIA RIGHTS ---
Even if you have previously granted interviews
Select a spokesperson or advocate of your choice
Select the time and place for an interview
Ask for a specific reporter
Refuse an interview with a specific reporter even if you granted one with other reporters
Release a written statement
Exclude children from interviews
Refrain from answering any questions you feel are inappropriate
Know in advance what questions reporters will ask
Ask for a review of your quotation in a story prior to publication
Avoid a press conference and speak to one reporter at a time
Demand a retraction when inaccurate information is reported
Ask that offensive photographs be omitted from airing or publication
Conduct a TV interview in silhouette or grant a newspaper interview without having photos taken
Give a statement of your side of the story if you feel the reporter is not asking the questions you feel need to be addressed
Refrain from answering reporters’ questions during trial
File a formal complaint against a reporter
Grieve in privacy
Be treated with dignity and respect by the media at all times
1976 OVA
Marsy’s Law- trying to have these put into constitution
THE CRIMINAL “IN” JUSTICE SYSTEMCRIMINAL ---
13% chance of arrest; bail/ROR provided attorney, if needed
receives free medical attention
receives drug & alcohol counseling can plea bargain
can change venue of trial 10% chance of going to trial
can appeal sentence alternatives to jail available
early parolenal
VICTIM ---
-pays own medical bills -responsible for replacing property
-responsible for own physical, economic, & mental problems
-provide own transportation -responsible for getting childcare
-may be harassed or intimidated -must retell incident
-no right to appeal verdict -seen as a piece of evidence
-no voice in pleas
VICTIM IMPACT __
Diversity in type and severity of reactions
Impacted on several levels
Physical: Immediate and long-term
Financial Insurance deductibles
Damaged/lost belongings Property repairs
Salary loss Moving expenses Emotional/Psychological
Social Religious/Spiritual
Physical: aside from direct injuries…headaches/stomachaches, weight loss/gain
Financial: VCAP and restitution doesn’t cover everything, of course…even for what it does—it’s the victims responsibilities to keep track of bills and submit them. Time consuming.
Emotional. Somethings can never be replaced. Sentimental value.
Social: especially if a friend assault you…what happens to your mutual friends? Do they take sides? Especially youth on youth—complex dynamic. Sometimes you can’t escape the people associated if they go to your school. Many people change the way they live…don’t walk to get coffee in the morning anymore. They don’t want to go out—that affects their interactions with friends.
Spiritual: questioning belief systems, goodness of others
SECONDARY VICTIMIZATION ___
Inappropriate or unhelpful conduct of first responders
Criminal justice procedures Medical treatment
Reactions of family/friends
MeatHead cop:
“wait—what was your name?”
PHYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA OF CRIME VICTIMIZATION ---
INITIAL CRISIS REACTION:
Physical reaction
Numbness, Increase Heart rate, Adrenaline Rush
Psychological
Shock Disbelief Denial ear/Anger/Frustration/Confusion/Guilt
LONG TERM STRESS ___
Triggers Senses
Anniversaries or proximity to holidays
Court Process Media Response
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER ---
PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event which results in psychological trauma
Symptoms:
Re-experiencing Flashbacks
Nightmares Avoidance
Emotionally numb Losing interest
Hyper-arousal Easily startled
Difficulty sleeping Angry outbursts
Emotional disregulation
HOW DOES TRAUMA AFFECT REPORTING?
Delayed Reporting Missing information
Uncooperative Retracting information
CULTURAL BARRIERS TO SERVICES ___
Definitions of crime and victims
“Perfect Victim” myth
Limited resources/Location of service
Language barriers
Lack of diversity in agency staff
Distrust of criminal justice system
Fear of deportation Cultural shame/taboo
Grief/healing processes Conceptions of privacy
HOW CAN I HELP?
Spread the word! We are here to help.
Help bring support funding to CVC:
Your business can participate in our annual flower sales
Your business can choose CVC as a United Way Charity
You or your business can sponsor a child victim of sexual abuse to receive therapy services
You or your business can donate items for victims at the hospital, for children at court, for counseling
Follow your passion! If there is an area you are interested in funding, please let me know
Donate: hit the “donate” button on our website
CVCLV.ORG
CONTACT INFORMATION ___
Allentown Office
2132 S. 12th Street
Suite 101
Allentown, PA 18103
Office Hours: Monday- Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
(Counselors have late appointments)
Phone: 610-437-6610
Fax: 610-437-9394
Bethlehem Office
65 E. Elizabeth Avenue
Suite 208
Bethlehem, PA 18018
2 full time counselors
Phone: 610-849-2446
CLOSING:
Pres. Gail led us in reciting our motto “One profits most who serves best,” and adjourned the meeting..
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