MINUTES
YOUTH COMMISSION MEETING
September 23, 2015
The meeting started at 9:45 am.
Present: Sandy Chipman, Jessica Knapp, Manuela Michailescu, Pam Stocking, Recreation/Youth Dept. Director Carol Dennin, Assistant Director Rita Harkins.
Absent: Sue Matson and Town Board Liaison Cindy Fornino.
The minutes of the August 12, 2015 meeting submitted by Rita Harkins were reviewed. Sandy Chipman made a motion to approve the minutes and Jessica Knapp seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Carol Dennin presented the Director’s report (which she’d ask Town Board Liaison Cindy Fornino to summarize at the next Town Board meeting).
Among the highlights:
— the SUMMER PROGRAM was a huge success with over 72 children registered; 16 youth benefited from scholarships through the Oremus Foundation, donations from the Rochester Senior Group, yard sale money and Accord Speedway.
Christ the King Church sponsored the cost of the T-shirts for the children, Rev. Alison Quinn obtained grants, and Tana Miller, once again, provided weekly snacks, sandwich meats, bread, fruits, etc. and also cooked a wonderful lunch every Monday.
— The After School Program is in full swing with over 45 youth attending daily
— Registration for the Basketball Program starts on September 28
— “Haunted Happenings” to be held at the Community Center on Saturday, October 24th, starting at 6:45 pm
— Children’s Halloween Party – with DJ, refreshments, crafts and more – Friday, October 30th, 5 pm – 6:30 pm
The Jennie Bell Pie Festival and the youth Talent Show (held the previous weekend, on September 19th) were discussed, with thanks given to Jessica Knapp and Manuela Michailescu for their participation; considering disappointing aspects (pies from Walmart sold at the festival at high prices), the idea of having the Talent Show separately came up; Sandy Chipman suggested that we may have it as part of our town’s Heritage Day in the future.
For this year’s Heritage Day (scheduled for Oct. 3rd, but later on cancelled because of the weather) the request for youth participation came too late – no volunteers or 4H groups were available.
- •• NEW MEETING DAY for the YC monthly meetings (to better accommodate Jessica Knapp’s schedule):
Manuela Michailescu made a motion to change the monthly meeting day to the THIRD WEDNESDAY of each month. Pam Stocking seconded and the motion was approved unanimously.
Change to be conveyed to Rich Miller for the Town’s website Youth Commission page and monthly calendar.
FUTURE EVENTS:
- Thanksgiving Luncheon – November 26
- Tree Lighting – probably on December 4
- Holiday Party – probably on December 12
Regarding the “Mary Lee Friend of Youth” and “Sue Matson Distinguished Youth” Awards (to be presented at that time) Jessica Knapp indicated ways to publicize and distribute the application forms (via schools, Boy Scouts, churches, 4H, Facebook, etc.) but other members didn’t like the idea of having the award given to somebody we don’t even know and who was not at all involved in our activities.
Rita Harkins proposed that the “Mary Lee Friend of Youth Award” is given this year to MaryAnne Gates, summer program director for the last 15 years… To be discussed at future meetings.
The meeting adjourned around 10:45 am.
Next meeting is Wednesday, October 21st, 2015, 9:30 am at the Community Center.
Submitted by
Manuela Michailescu
Secretary