MINUTES YOUTH COMMISSION MEETING October 16, 2014 The meeting started at 9:45 am. Present: Sandy Chipman, Jessica Knapp, Manuela Michailescu, Pam Stocking, Recreation/Youth Department Director Carol Dennin, Assistant Director Rita Harkins and new Town Board liaison Cindy Fornino. Also participating, Jon Dogar-Marinesco. Absent: Sue Matson First, Carol Dennin introduced newly appointed Town Board member Cindy Fornino. After establishing that there is a quorum for the meeting, the minutes of the September 25, 2014 meeting were reviewed. Pam Stocking made a motion to approve the minutes and Sandy Chipman seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. The Director's report was then presented. Among the highlights: -- SUMMER PROGRAM / BUS issue update $5,000 were put aside (from 2014) for the bus; $3,000 more would be needed; it has to go through the Town Board... -- SURVEYS regarding the Summer Program were sent separately to parents and kids. Commission members got a chance to check them. Among what respondents stressed: • participants liked socializing and loved all outings • kids favored playing outside a lot and the field trips (Great Escape, Bounce, UC Fair, Howe Caverns) • kids loved the rides (having a blast with children their age) • other "likes" / wishes: cooking, more playground equipment • more than one kid/respondent indicated that there is "nothing" they didn't like about the program! -- The After School program is overflowing -- Fall Festival - it rained on Oct. 11 and it was too cold for outside activities, so participation was low; Jessica Knapp went and presented oregami to the few kids coming almost at closing time; they took some projects home. Nobody wanted face painting. -- Basketball Program - getting extra registrations, last day is October 20 -- Haunted Barn - Saturday, October 25 • situation seemed uncertain as 40 people work for that event and the Youth Dept. got only 8-10 sign ups so far, which is less than in previous years at the same point in time • advertising in the Gunk Journal (of that day, Oct. 16) was needed • Manuela Michailescu asked if posting photos from last year's Haunted Barn (on Youth Department's Facebook page) would help promoting this year's event and the answer was yes (photos were posted right after the meeting) • Jessica Knapp and Jon Dogar-Marinesco to meet next Tuesday at 9 am for Haunted Barn preparations -- Halloween Party is on October 30, 5-7 pm; a special Michael Jackson number (based on a grant) would be performed around 6 pm. DJ Eric not available (but Mickey). As hands-on activity, all those present helped fill the Halloween Party bags for kids. -- 2014 YOUTH AWARDS (to be presented on December 13) Manuela Michailescu made a motion for the following: • the "Mary Lee Friend of Youth Award" to be presented to Tana Miller (who for many years offered the Summer Program's free weekly "Lunch with Tana" and taught kids good manners, how to chop, cook, etc.) • the "Sue Matson Distinguished Youth Award" to be presented to Dylan Kajkowski (gifted Summer program counselor and baseball program coach). Pam Stocking seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned around 10:35 am. Next meeting: November 20, 2014, 9:30 am at the Community Center (as Thanksgiving falls on the regular 4th Thursday of the month, Nov. 27). Submitted by Manuela Michailescu Secretary