MINUTES
SENIOR & YOUTH RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
April 19, 2023
Present: Deborah Martin — Chair, Pam Stocking —Vice Chair, Marjorie Bogert, Manuela Michailescu, Recreation Dept. Director Ashley Sweeney and Assistant Director Bethany Dennin.
Absent: Sandy Chipman, Jessica Knapp, Cynthia Lampman.
The meeting started at 9:40 am.
Chair Deb Martin presented the Agenda of the meeting and called the meeting to order after establishing that we have a quorum (4 out of 7 members).
The minutes of the March 29, 2023 meeting were reviewed; Pam Stocking made a motion to approve the minutes, Marge Bogert seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Ashley Sweeney presented her (written) DIRECTOR’S REPORT; among the highlights:
• Easter Egg Hunt — was on Saturday, April 1st. 60 children came with their parents. It was a great turnout!
The weather ended up being beautiful after raining all morning, and all are thankful for that.
• Easter Bunny Photos — took place on Monday, April 3rd. 13 families signed up and the photos (which came out wonderful!) can be viewed on the Recreation Department’s Facebook page.
• Basketball — is now over. Ashley was able to attend the awards ceremony. They did a very nice job. A meeting is planned in the coming months to discuss improvements to the program after dealing with a few incidents this season.
• Summer Program — registration was on Monday, April 17th. All weeks filled up in one hour and the Department has now wait list on all weeks. Thank you to Town Clerk Kate Gundberg for assisting with registration (making sure all are town residents).
• Earth Day — clean up was on Saturday, April 15th and will also be this Saturday, April 22nd; Pizza party for volunteers is at 2 pm behind the Community Center. Chris Hewitt (our former Town Board member and current Ulster County legislator) will once again be making his delicious pizzas. All are encouraged to try to stop down if they can.
• Paint Classes — Bethany had already 2 of the 3 classes planned for April, 2 for adults and one for youth:
— Friday, April 14th — 6 pm — the first evening class for adults took place and was very successful
— Tuesday, April 18th — 6 pm — the youth class
On Wednesday, April 26th, at 10 am — the second adults class
CHAIR PRESENTATION — CURRENT NEWS/UPDATES
• Summer Program — clarifications: program starts on July 10th; weekly fee is $125. Bus (with driver) is rented.
• Heritage Day — is October 7th
NEW BUSINESS — UPCOMING EVENTS (from the Director’s Report)
• Line Dancing classes — restart on May 3rd
• Spring Fling Luncheon — May 19th at the Community Center, 11 am — 1 pm. Helpers to please arrive around 9 am.
• Memorial Day — May 29th
— Line up at the Town Hall at 12:30 pm and step off will be at 1 pm.
The parade will travel down Berme Road to Scenic, down Scenic Rd. to Main Street and Main Street to the Community Center and then will end at the Accord Firehouse where they will have a ceremony and refreshments.
OPEN ISSUES / DISCUSSIONS — was the last point on the agenda:
• Memorial Day — Manuela asked about the traditional ceremony at the Veterans Park; no news yet from the Town Board/Supervisor…
• Plastic bags — May 6th is the next collection day at the Transfer Station
• Piano repair — is moving forward
• Sing along — maybe in the park or after exercise classes; Marge suggested a “sing along” in memory of Harold Lipton
• The new town Cannabis Law — In March Manuela summarized the main issues for members who didn’t attend the first Public Hearing (which was on February 23rd and remains open); Commission members expressed their concern especially about consumption bars and proper security.
• Keep it Moving, Yoga Chair classes — faced some challenges (as discussed by Marge); excercise classes were overpopulated and participants did not respect the hours and parameters of the classes; Ashley to talk to the person in charge, ask for changes and for respect of the rules.
• SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT — made by Recreation Dept. Director Ashley Sweeney:
On Friday, April 28th, our very own Kate Gundberg (Town Clerk, Town Historian, President of Friends of Historic Rochester, Rondout Valley 2001 graduate) is being inducted into the Rondout Valley Hall of Pride. We are very proud of her for all her accomplishments and feel honored to be able to work with her everyday and call her a friend. She deserves this recognition for her outstanding contributions to her community and the preservation of local history! Congratulations, Kate!
NOTE/UPDATE: The Blue Stone Press published in the May 5th, 2023 issue (page 17) a nice write-up and photo regarding this RVHS induction.
The meeting adjourned at 10:25 am.
Pam Stocking made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Marge Bogert and approved unanimously.
Next meeting takes place on May 17, 2023, 9:30 am, at the Community Center.
Submitted by
Manuela Michailescu
Secretary