MINUTES
YOUTH COMMISSION MEETING
February 20, 2014
The meeting started at 9:45 am.
Present: Jessica Knapp, Pam Stocking, Manuela Michailescu, new member Sandy Chipman and Recreation/Youth Department Director Carol Dennin.
Absent: Susan Matson.
After establishing that there is a quorum for the meeting, Sandy Chipman was welcomed as a new member of the Youth Commission and all those present introduced themselves, stressing what their “specialty” is (also in terms of availability for participation to events). Carol Dennin mentioned that she is Director for 17 years and that the department got to use the present building since 2001.
Next was approval of the minutes from the November 21, 2013 meeting (last one having a quorum). After minutes were reviewed by all, Pam Stocking made a motion to approve them. Manuela Michailescu seconded the motion which was approved unanimously. Youth Commission Vice Chair Pam Stocking and Secretary Manuela Michailescu intend to attend the next monthly Town Board meeting on March 6, hoping to witness the passing of the resolution changing the minimum number of Youth Commission members from 6 to 5 (which would mean 3 members attending a meeting constitutes quorum).
Then Director Carol Dennin offered a summary of recent activities and brought up for discussion various issues:
— about 60 people enjoyed Thanksgiving meals at the Recreation/Community Center on Nov. 28, 2013
— despite the snowy weather, almost 40 seniors attended the Christmas party on Dec. 14, 2013, also enjoyed by numerous kids who came to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus (Carl Chipman loved being Santa and emotionally-told by a girl “I love you Santa!” Photo by Manuela Michailescu published on the cover of Blue Stone Press – very much appreciated).
— over 130 are registered for the Basketball program (and the numbers are going up); there is a “clinique” for the little people. A “food drive” always takes place at Christmas time for the Food Pantry.
— announcements regarding the Friend of Youth / Youth Awards would be made during the year in the department’s newsletters, to avoid lack of nominations (as in 2013). For easier identification and differentiation, the “Youth Recognition Award” should be called the “Distinguished Youth Award” and be named after co-founder, long-time member and former Chairwoman of the Youth Commission Sue Matson.
Pam Stocking made the motion to name this youth award: the “Sue Matson Distinguished Youth Award”; motion was seconded by Manuela Michailescu and approved unanimously.
— Valentine’s Day party for kids took place two days earlier, on February 12 (had to be rescheduled from Friday, Feb. 14 because of inclement weather, major storm).
— St. Patrick’s luncheon is on Friday, March 14, 11:30 am – 1 pm (helpers to come at 10 am).
— planning for trips/summer program not yet done – still waiting for a new(er) bus to become available (expecting to get – due to Rich Miller’s help – a 3-5 yrs. old bus; also, there is hope for playground equipment – very much needed as 40 kids are in the after school program)
— as Pam Stocking stressed during the January YC meeting (3 members present, no quorum), Thursday remains the day for the trips to the Ellenville Library (as part of the summer program)
— Murder Cafe dinner and show on April 25, 2014 at 6 pm, $30 per person; only 70 tickets are available (and Youth Commission members reserved their seats). Our Recreation Dept. ladies would cook for the dinner; Sandy Chipman offered to prepare and bring potato salad.
Last point on the agenda was discussing changing – at the request of member Sue Matson – the monthly meeting date. Pam Stocking made a motion to change the date of the monthly meetings from the 3rd to the 4th Thursday of the month except when that Thursday falls on a holiday (like Thanksgiving) and the meeting is to be held on the 2nd Thursday of that month. Motion was seconded by Manuela Michailescu and approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned around 10:55 am.
Next meeting: Thursday, March 27, 2014 at the Community Center.