June 17, 2021
Recreation Commission Minutes
Call to order: Pam Stocking 9:35am
Present: Jessica Knapp-Chair, Pam Stocking-Vice Chair, Deborah Martin, Stephen Lopez, Ashley Sweeney-Recreation Director, Bethany Dennin-Assistant Recreation Director.
Approval of Minutes: Deborah Martin made a motion; Stephen Lopez seconded.
Verbal Director’s Report: Ashley Sweeney
• Memorial Day- Parade was amazing. Mike said there were 42 vehicles involved. The Recreation Department would like to thank the Town of Rochester Highway Department for creating such a wonderful wagon for us to ride on. Our picture made the Daily Freeman.
• Ash Tree Arts Festival-Lots of people attended throughout the day. All children who attended participated in our nature scavenger hunt. I’d estimate about 30 kids were involved. They received a wooden train whistle & twizzlers as a prize after they completed the hunt. Tables were set up at the entrance of the trail and then people ventured down the trail to observe the artwork.
• Exercise classes-All three classes have moved inside the Community Center. Some participants requested this because it’s starting to get too hot outside to have them under the pavilion.
• Deborah Martin asked if we can put a donation box by the door in the Community Center all the time. Pam Stocking said that’s probably something we should ask the Town Board. Are we allowed to do that?
• Summer Program-Preparations are underway. We are so excited. First session filled up in an hour. There are still a few spots available in session 2 as of right now. Jessica suggested looking into Milton railroad Station as a trip possibility.
• Community Trip-We are tentatively planning a community bus trip to the Dutchess County fair in late August. Stephen suggested looking into TTI in Onteora. They have very affordable rates. Our goal is 4 community trips a year.
• Youth Awards-Should we pick two people for each award this year since we didn’t do it last year? (Mary Lee Friend of Youth Award & Sue Matson Distinguished Youth Award)
• “Be Kind” Youth Recognition Award-I nominated George Burkett for his outstanding contributions to this community. He received it on June 10, 2021 at the Center for Creative Education in Kingston. I attended the ceremony, as well as Bethany Dennin & Mike Baden.
• Mentoring Youth- Deborah Martin will look into starting a Youth Mentoring group in the area. Bethany suggested she talk to Frannie Hertz at Rondout Valley High School.
• Heritage Day-Deb is working on people for the Quilt Show. She has already spoke to Viola Lampman and Victoria Coyne about participating.
Meeting Adjourned: 10:25am Pam Stocking made a motion; seconded by Deborah Martin.
Next Meeting; July 22, 2021 at 9:30am.
Minutes submitted by: Ashley Sweeney (Recreation Director)