MINUTES
YOUTH COMMISSION MEETING
April 18, 2018

The meeting started at 9:40 am.
Present: Sandy Chipman, Manuela Michailescu, Pam Stocking, Recreation/Youth Dept. Director Ashley Sweeney and Assistant to the Recreation Director Rita Harkins.
Absent: Jessica Knapp

The minutes of the March 14, 2018 meeting were reviewed. Pam Stocking made a motion to approve the minutes, Sandy Chipman seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.

Ashley Sweeney presented her (written) Director’s Report; among the highlights:

MARCH was a very busy month, with 3 huge events which all turned out beautiful — thanks to all who volunteered in some way.

• St. Patrick’s Day luncheon — on March 16; about 120 people (most ever!) attended and everyone had a great time, enjoyed the food and the music (Deborah Miller); lots of compliments on the new Rueben sliders served.

• Easter Egg Hunt — on March 24th. Approximately 100 kids came (goal for next year: to make sure that each age group finds the Golden Egg). Manuela’s photo with the Easter Bunny (thanks Jessica!) was published in the April 6, 2018 issue of Blue Stone Press (cover and inside).

• Harold Lipton Community Center’s Dedication Ceremony — on March 31st
A great day and turnout, with about 75-80 people attending. Town Supervisor Mike Baden, former Recreation Dept. Director Carol Dennin and former Town Supervisor Carl Chipman gave lovely speeches on Harold Lipton’s behalf (who also spoke), and they unveiled the plaque at the entrance of the Community Center. Manuela sent some of her photos to Blue Stone Press and one was published in the April 20, 2018 issue. We all were so glad to have Carol Dennin back here, coming all the way from South Carolina…

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

• After-School Program — a little less kids participate now because sports have begun and this way new children are allowed to join the program. Veronica Schwenk is no longer with the after-school program but will be returning for the Summer Program.
Last day of the after-school program: June 15, 2:30 — 5:30 pm.

• Summer program — The Program filled up in less than 48 hours! Only Town of Rochester residents could be accepted and there are waiting lists on all weeks. Due to smaller bus size only 45 kids per week can be taken. Most trips are booked (but there are no trips over 70 miles one-way).
Tana Miller would no longer have the “traditional” Mondays “Lunch with Tana” — looking into back up plans. Susan Bruck, from Rondout Valley Food Pantry, is still going to provide food for the program.

• Earth Day clean-up — on April 14th and April 21st.
A very large number of people volunteered this year (5 pages of people who signed up!). On April 21st a pizza party for all the volunteers is scheduled at the Community Center. Councilman Chris Hewitt is making pizzas in the pizza oven outside.
A potential Earth Day clean-up day in the Fall, before the snow falls, was proposed.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Mother’s Day “Wear a Hat” brunch — on Friday, May 11th, 10:30 to 12 noon. We will be having a Fashion Show (created by Lolly Chase) again!

• Safety driving courses — in June

The meeting adjourned around 10:45 am. Next meeting takes place on May 23, 2018, 9:30 am at the Community Center.

Submitted by
Manuela Michailescu
Secretary