Now in its eighth year, the Indiana Regional Collaborative Team (I-ACT) continues to work to ensure Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the surrounding community is prepared for any situation, especially as the 2022 Homecoming celebrations begin. increase.
“Let’s have a good time,” IUP President Dr. Michael A. Driscoll said as he concluded the I-ACT all-stakeholder meeting on Tuesday at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex’s PNC Room. .
Various IUP entities, including county business, tourism and outreach agencies, landlords, emergency services, and student councils, student affairs, and centers for multicultural student leadership and engagement.
“It’s about us as a community,” said County Commissioner Robin A. Gorman, a former executive assistant for Driscoll, who was with fellow commissioner Shereen Hess on Tuesday.
Gorman also served to deliver a message from Kami Anderson, executive director of the Armstrong Indiana Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission, who was unable to attend Tuesday’s event at KCAC.
It was a warning message about mental health issues (a “very serious problem”) and fentanyl, which Gorman said “is added to many street drugs” and is appearing in forms such as pills and candies. did.
Through Gorman, Anderson said Narcan is available at any AICDAC office (Indiana, Shelocta, Kitaning) and that “Naloxone safes can be found in all IUP halls.” If you think someone has overdosed, the advice is “Take Narcan” and “Call 911”.
Anderson also sent a message that the Crisis Hotline is available 24/7 at (877) 333-2470.
Rep. Jim Struzzi, Republican Indiana, told the I-ACT committee, “Thank you for all your actions,” adding, “Unfortunately, the unsanctioned events leading up to the formation of I-ACT have not. was needed,” he said.
The I-ACT typically surfaces at least twice a year for Homecoming and “unsanctioned events” such as IUPatty weekends in the spring.
Social media has been a factor in IUPatty and other events, but early Tuesday there was a problem with social media.
“You may have heard rumors circulating on social media that there was an unspecified threat of violence at the IUP,” students and staff were advised by university officials and also in the news media. Announced. “We are aware of this rumor and are investigating the situation. While we have found no evidence that this is a credible threat, we have strengthened our police presence around campus as a precautionary measure. And the event is proceeding as planned.”
Driscoll told I-ACT stakeholders that he had no news to add and that “there seems to be nothing to substantiate it.”
The university also advised those who read the advisory, “As always, if you have any concerns, please contact IUP Police at (724) 357-2141.”
Others who provided assistance at the I-ACT meeting were representatives of Spirit Life of Penn Run and Alice Pole House of White Township.
What Driscoll hoped would be a “great time” at this homecoming began Tuesday evening with chamber music by Cindy McTee and student and alumni composers at the Gorrell Recital Hall in the university’s Sutton Hall. . The University Museum at Sutton Hall hosts the ‘Soul of the Community’ exhibition from 2pm to 6:30pm daily through Friday.
Also available today are the Career Expo & Glad School Fair at KCAC’s Ed Frye Arena at 10am, Thursday’s 8pm concert with Offset and Young Nudy, and a “superhero” themed Homecoming Parade. We will cover a variety of activities from Departing Saturday at 13:00 and Philadelphia streets at 10:00, followed by a football game with Slippery Rock at 2:00 on Saturday, Fisher at 3:00 pm on Sunday at his IUP in his auditorium. A concert was performed by his band.
Members of the IUP’s Greek community gathered in a recently used barn at the County Fair in Mack Park on Tuesday afternoon to work on a float reflecting the “superhero” theme.
• Batman by Delta Phi Epsilon, Theta Phi Alpha, Sigma Chi and Phi Delta Theta.
• Wonder Woman by Delta Gamma, Alpha Xi Delta, Delta Zeta, Sigma Pi, Kappa Delta Rho.
• Spider-Man by Alpha Sigma Tau, Alpha Gamma Delta, Theta Chi, Zeta Tau Alpha, Phi Sigma Kappa.
• Incredibles by Alpha Sigma Alpha, Sigma Kappa, Acacia and Sigma Sigma Sigma.
According to the university, more than 70 campus and community units will participate in Saturday’s parade, which will begin at 11th Avenue and Philadelphia, east at 6th Avenue and Philadelphia, south at 6th Avenue and Church Street, and west at Travel from Church Street to Auckland Avenue and southwest. From Oakland Avenue to 11th Avenue.
“I want everyone to have a good time,” said Lieutenant Richard Quinn, commander of the Indiana Police Force A Unit. “But please know that our soldiers will be present, highly visible, and will enforce all applicable state laws.”
Some are plain clothes, some are brought from nearby state police barracks.
“As in previous years, members of Force A in Indiana will be supported by members of Force A’s perimeter station, tactical cavalry and dog units, the Bureau of Alcohol Control and Enforcement, and additional divisional resources,” a spokesperson said. Mann trooper Cliff Greenfield said, “Specific efforts during this period will include supplemental patrols and increased traffic enforcement efforts.”
They work with the Indiana State Police and Law Enforcement Agencies, the IUP’s Police Department, Civil Ambulance, and other agencies, including the Indiana Regional Medical Center (not just for medical emergencies, such as DUI or drug use). drawing blood from suspected drivers, handling additional staff, etc.). and Indiana County Jail — whose officials reminded her I-ACT officials that “beds are available.”
And Indiana County District Attorney Robert F. Manzi Jr. said, “I have multiple attorneys standing by all weekend.”
Indiana Borough Police Chief Justin Shoal said that “large gatherings are inherently unsafe”, so as Gorman put it, “don’t let large groups gather”.
On behalf of landlords in the area, Dick Clawson advised the public to “always keep the lights on.”
This weekend, regarding horseback troopers patrolling Indiana communities, Greenfield reminded the public about State Title 18, Section 5548 on Police Animals. Attack police animals. A person who violates the provisions of this subsection commits a third degree felony. ”
Several events are scheduled through Sunday, including soccer (against Seton Hill at South Campus Field today at 4pm) and field hockey (against Mansfield at Miller Stadium at 7pm Saturday). An Evening with Edward R. Sims and Renowned Artists Leonard Slatkin and Cindy McTee (Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Fisher Auditorium); arena from 11am to 2pm), the official Homecoming Party will be held on Saturday from 9pm to 1am at the Folger Student Center, and the Homecoming Weekend Cleanup will take place on Sunday from 10am.
As noted by Laura Herrington, executive director of the Indiana County Tourism Authority, there are many events taking place throughout Indiana County this weekend.Detail is www.visitindianacountypa.org/ website.
https://www.indianagazette.com/news/local/i-act-have-fun-and-be-careful/article_9a1fc944-90e0-5af4-8e4d-1129afdb87af.html I-ACT: Have fun, take care | Local news