Drug Awareness and Education Committee Meeting Notes
08/27/07
Public Forum
Approved Minutes
Members present: Robert Wharem, Denise Morin, John Webber, Donna Keeley, Scott Brown, Larry Konopka
Members absent: Dan Ward
Also present: Jeffrey Cain and Richard Walter Pittsfield Police Department, Lt Thornley MCSO, and Town
Administrator Leon Kennison
Minutes for meeting on 08/08/07 approved with a spelling change on Donna Keeley’s last name.
Robert Wharem gave an overview of the committee to the public, also the purpose of the meeting
Scott Brown served as moderator of the meeting
Larry Konopka gave an overview of how the committee came to be
Citizen Questions
Sharon Blaise- Advised that used needles end up in the park after they are exchanged. Wanted to know if there
was a way to educated the people who were getting the needles and if there was an exchange program in
Pittsfield.
Arlene Norton- Is there help from the outside for PPD as far as the drug training/ enforcement. Committee
advised that we are currently getting help from MCSO, Concord PD
Ed Patterson- Has PPD considered using video surveillance. Committee advised that we have done it in the
past and are currently using it. To make the camera system work the best, PPD needs to have someone sitting
on the system to control where it records.
Jim Theodore- Are there rewards for information that comes in. Committee advised that there are some
rewards that are given out through Concord Regional Crimeline.
Joyce Terrell- No one seems to pay attention to the outskirts of town. She felt that there was a snitch that tells
the dealers when police get the information. She advised people are afraid to call to give information.
Committee advised that the best way to give information if people want to remain anonymous is to call Concord
Regional Crimeline.
Merrell Vaughn- Clarified that Pittsfield is not currently donating to Crimeline at this point. Reiterated that it
is confidential.
Larry Berube- Asked if people had to be in fear when they want to report things. Talked about his own
situation with someone retaliating against him. Offered to possibly put up a reward for solving the vandalisms
on his residence and business.
Dan Schroth- Handed out a flyer with his idea on how to curb the problem. Flyer indicated that he would like
to put people who go in trouble to work. Volunteers would be needed to supervise the workers. Voiced that the
drug battle is lost so this is a better course of action.
Tom Hitchock- Felt Dan Schroth idea could work
John Topouzoglou- Solution is family and supporting family
Pricilla Lemieaux- Voiced concerns over her 9-year-old son seeing drugs deals. Asked if drug education could
start earlier
Matt- Felt that the area needed a young person’s NA and AA group. Group discussion how this could be done
and if he would be involved.
Jim Estrange- Town needs to stand up for itself
Janet Valdez- Is there a mission statement. Yes, a rough draft, and was read to the public by Scott Brown. Has
there been a study of the drug problem. She was advised no and that the committee is in its’ early stages.
Allison Blaise- Is a member of SADD from another school. Students against Destructive Decisions. They
used to bring in speaks to talk about recovery.
Dan Schroth- Asked that people put their names on a list for his idea. Donna Keeley invited people to become
involved.
Larry Berube- Important for the town to act if the (select ) board won’t.
Tom Hitchcock- We need to move the bad spirit out, God is with us.
Jim Theodore- Felt that education needed to start with parents
Peggy Weldon- Problem is we cannot legislate behavior. The parents are not there.
Denise Patterson- Felt that there should be more education for the young, more mentoring. PYW is helpful. Is
there a big brother/ big sister program in town. Liked the idea of Job shadowing/ internships. She also liked the
bike patrol. Committee advised that the school does have a mentoring program and a form of job shadowing
that has been successful.
Jim Estonge- There should be a town wide BBQ in support of the police and fire departments. Committee
spoke about National Night Out and this year’s version. PPD will continue to sponsor the event.
Eleanor- People who sell drugs don’t use them, they just sell them, but they both ruin lives. What’s the
difference.
Jon Laughlin- How do we keep track of drugs coming out of MA. Committee advised that there are things in
place, but right now, there are not enough parts.
Diane Vaughn- Is there going to be a drug officer? Yes
Dan Schroth- Enforcement is not the answer, we need the next step
Matt- Look into rehabilitation care/ treatment
Tom Adamson- reinforced Dan Schroth and Matt
Next meeting set for 09/10/07 at 1900 hours
JRW/458