MINUTES
YOUTH COMMISSION MEETING
January 24, 2018
The meeting started at 9:40 am.
Present: Jessica Knapp, Manuela Michailescu, Pam Stocking, Recreation/Youth Dept. Director Ashley Sweeney and Assistant Recreation Director Bethany Alongi Dennin.
Absent: Sandy Chipman (medical appointment scheduled in October 2017).
The minutes of the November 15, 2017 meeting were reviewed. Pam Stocking made a motion to approve the minutes, Manuela Michailescu seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Ashley Sweeney presented her (written) Director’s Report; among the highlights:
• Thanksgiving Day Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 23, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Everything turned out beautiful.
— Special thanks to Peggy Dennin for making the buffet table look spectacular and to all volunteers (Department was overwhelmed with people who wanted to help!)
— between 6 and 8 people signed up for to-go orders
— the number of people coming in house for the luncheon was not as high as expected (and almost equal to the number of volunteers present, about 30!); discussion followed regarding a potential day change for next year, like the day before Thanksgiving, so that more people would come, more deliveries can be made, atmosphere would be less rushed, more relaxed, etc.
— Tree Lighting on December 1st was successful, with cookies, hot chocolate and Santa coming in for a brief visit and to light the tree. ; Deborah Martin sang carols with the children.
— The Seniors’ Holiday Brunch on December 9th was very successful. Jessica Knapp and Ashley Sweeney spoke on behalf of Sue Matson (for “The Mary Lee Friend of Youth Award”) and Brendan Carney (for “The Sue Matson Distinguished Youth Award”), who were the 2017 recipients. So glad Sue Matson could attend, and trying to get Brendan attend another event (maybe Valentine’s Day), as he could not come that day. Extra thanks to Deborah Martin for playing Christmas Carol while everyone enjoyed the brunch and talking to friends.
— Youth Holiday Party on December 9th. Great time, lots of kids showed up. Supervisor-elect Mike Baden did well as Santa for his first time and Rita Harkins did a great job as Mrs. Claus — extra thanks to Rita!
Also thanks to Peggy Dennin who did again a beautiful work with the table decorations.
• After School program — running smoothly. More kids allowed in the program now as it’s running really well. A few new kids starting in January. Meeting with the staff scheduled for January 30 to discuss small improvements for 2018.
• Basketball program — all going well so far, good turnout (Juniors had the highest number of players, 59; Premier — 16-21 yrs old — did not play, not enough people signed up).
• Photo Release forms — Manuela to be updated regarding children not allowed to have their pictures taken (Manuela doing a fantastic job thus far).
UPCOMING EVENTS
• Training — “Responding to Opioid Overdose State Targeted Response.”
FREE training on January 24, 2018, 7 pm at the Community Center. Approximately 30 people signed up.
• Valentine’s Day party for kids — on February 14, mostly for the after-school program kids; light refreshments served, possibly having Jessica as DJ
• St. Patrick’s Day luncheon — Friday, March 16th, 11:30 am to 1 pm
• Easter Egg Hunt — March 24th
• Community Center Dedication for Harold Lipton — possibly March 31st
• Summer program registration — to begin on April 2nd (but registration forms will be made available online March 15th)
The meeting adjourned around 10:50 am. Next meetings take place on February 21 and March 14, 2018 (before the St. Patrick’s Luncheon), 9:30 am at the Community Center.
Submitted by
Manuela Michailescu
Secretary