MINUTES
SENIOR & YOUTH RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
June 21, 2023

Present: Deborah Martin — Chair, Pam Stocking —Vice Chair, Marjorie Bogert, Cynthia Lampman, Manuela Michailescu, Recreation Dept. Director Ashley Sweeney and Assistant Director Bethany Dennin.
Absent: Sandy Chipman, Jessica Knapp.

The meeting started at 9:37 am.
Chair Deb Martin presented the Agenda of the meeting and called the meeting to order after establishing that we have a quorum (5 out of 7 members present).

The minutes of the May 17, 2023 meeting were reviewed; Marge Bogert made a motion to approve the minutes, Pam Stocking seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.

Ashley Sweeney presented her (written) DIRECTOR’S REPORT; among the highlights:

• Spring Fling Luncheon on May 19th was well attended, a great success!

• Memorial Day — Thanks to those who joined the Recreation Department on our float for the parade (Manuela’s photos were published by Blue Stone Press in the June 2, 2023 issue, on page 6). The Ceremony at the Veterans Park was organized by Town Supervisor Mike Baden. Ashley was very happy that the Sweeney family was part of the ceremony (sons Joseph and Brandon led in the Pledge of Allegiance and raised the flag). Special thanks to Siebren Miedema-Haynes for playing the taps.

• After-School Program is over. Thank you to Jennifer Connor, Christine Oquendo, Lisa Babcock, Shyann Sweeney, Lacey Freer and Alex Morales for being wonderful Recreation Aides the whole year! A “luau” party took place on the last day, Friday, June 16th. Bethany made hot dogs and hamburgers and the kids all got Hawaiian swag to take home.

• Paint Classes — yesterday (June 20th) there were 2 paint classes:
— Adult Paint Workshop in the morning — the adults made their own home decor signs. Thank you to the “Dennin Sawmill” for the donation of wood.
— Youth Paint Class in the evening — kids were free to create their own designs and painted very colorful birdhouses.
It was fun to have different paint classes this month. Thank you to Bethany for organizing and teaching them.

• Eldercare Information Session on June 15th was well attended, very informative, a big success. Thank you to Rich Miller from the Town of Rochester Constabulary and to Councilwoman Charlotte Smiseth who co-sponsored and put together the event, with assistance from the Recreation Dept. Also, thank you to representatives of the local food pantries and other organizations for sharing pertinent information with our seniors. All those who attended learned a lot and also received flyers, brochures and other age-related items.

CHAIR PRESENTATION — CURRENT NEWS/UPDATES
• Sing-Along — discussed and proposed for July, about 30 minutes for each “session.”
— First on Friday, July 14th, at 10:30 am — Sing-along with kids at the Town Park (where kids from the Summer Program are); maybe also sing-along with kids on Monday, August 21st (last week of the Summer Program)?
— For adults, July 25th at 12:30 pm (after “Keep It Moving” exercise classes).

NEW BUSINESS — UPCOMING EVENTS (from the Director’s Report)

• Emergency Preparedness Class — on June 27th at 12:30 pm. Must sign up to participate.

• Summer Program Training — begins next week, on June 28th.

• Heritage Day — on Saturday, October 7th; not sure if the Community Center is going to be used (being far away from all the other activities, difficult to reach especially for older people); question about having the Art Show at the Firehouse?

OPEN ISSUES / DISCUSSIONS — was the last point on the agenda:

• June Paint Classes — Manuela praised Bethany and the Department for the originality of the last two paint classes and also the amazing creativity displayed by the children painting birdhouses the evening before the meeting.

• Heritage Day “Art Show” — Deb would get in touch with local artists; to be discussed in August.

The meeting adjourned at 10:05 am.
Cindy Lampman made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Pam Stocking and approved unanimously.

Next meeting takes place on August 16th, 2023, 9:30 am, at the Community Center (there is no July meeting).

Submitted by

Manuela Michailescu
Secretary