MINUTES
YOUTH COMMISSION MEETING
November 15, 2017
The meeting started at 9:50 am (when all four members of the Commission were present).
Present: Sandy Chipman, Jessica Knapp (late), Manuela Michailescu, Pam Stocking, Recreation/Youth Dept. Director Ashley Sweeney and Assistant Recreation Director Bethany Alongi Dennin (Assistant Recreation Director Rita Harkins had surgery).
Absent: Town Board Liaison Cindy Fornino.
The minutes of the October 18, 2017 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 first (written) Director’s Report; among the highlights:
• The Halloween Party on October 27 was a lot of fun, with approximately 60 kids participating; Jessica was our DJ and did an excellent job. Kids loved the new “Trick or Treat Hayrides”; lots of positive feedback received; parents offered to volunteer next year.
• Basketball program — with a “ton” of registrations, it was difficult for Mike Smith to find people willing to coach (he and Debbie Baul started to call people); the season to be officially underway very soon. Clinic (which began on Oct. 23) is going well.
• After School program — running smoothly. The regulated number of children makes the program much safer. With few exceptions (which needed reminder phone calls), parents are making their monthly payments on time.
• Thanksgiving Day Luncheon — Thursday, Nov. 23, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Preparations progressing smoothly; people continue to sign up; very generous donations received. People willing to help to come around 9:30 am.
UPCOMING EVENTS
• Christmas
— Tree Lighting is scheduled for December 1st, at the Community Center, from 5 to 5:30 pm
Supervisor-elect Mike Baden would probably be Santa (not sure — at that time — who was going to be Mrs. Claus)
— The Seniors’ Brunch and Youth Holiday Party are on December 9th (Brunch begins at 10 am, followed by the Youth Holiday Party at 12 Noon, when Santa is coming).
During the Seniors’ Brunch the Friends of Youth Awards would be presented:
“The Mary Lee Friend of Youth Award” — Pam Stocking made a motion for Sue Matson to be the recipient of this award, Manuela Michailescu seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
“The Sue Matson Distinguished Youth Award” — Pam Stocking made a motion for Brendan Carney (who is 14 yrs. old and helps a lot with the after school program) to be the recipient of this award, Sandy Chipman seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
A discussion regarding the process of getting nominations for the Youth Awards followed; it was agreed that more outreach and reminders are needed (in addition to having the call for nominations printed in each quarterly Newsletter published by the Recreation Dept.). Jessica Knapp revisited the proposal to send letters regarding nominations to schools, churches, different organizations — in April and September.
The meeting adjourned around 10:45 am. Next meeting (originally scheduled for January 17 and rescheduled because of inclement weather) takes place on January 24, 2018, 9:30 am at the Community Center.
Submitted by
Manuela Michailescu
Secretary