MINUTES
SENIOR & YOUTH RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
August 28, 2024
Present: Marjorie Bogert, Jessica Knapp (10:10 am), Manuela Michailescu, Pam Stocking/Vice Chair, Assistant Recreation Dept. Director Bethany Dennin.
Absent: Deborah Martin/Chair.
The meeting started at 9:50 am. Vice Chair Pam Stocking called the meeting to order after establishing that we have a quorum (3 out of 5 current members being present at that time, 4 later on).
The Minutes of the June 12, 2024 meeting were reviewed — Marjorie Bogert made a motion to approve them, motion was seconded by Pam Stocking and minutes were unanimously approved.
Bethany Dennin presented the (written) DIRECTOR’S REPORT; among the highlights:
• Summer Program — started on July 8th and ended on August 23rd (with a Hawaiian theme, great lunch and Pat Davis from the Accord Fire Department came to the Town Park and offered a wonderful “sprinkler surprise” to the kids).
— the first time in many years all trips were taken as planned, with no rain days
— 35 kids were registered for each week
— Rondout Valley Food Pantry made many donations
• AARP Defensive Driving Course — on August 12th at the Harold Lipton Community Center, had a huge turnout (35 people signed up).
• Playground Equipment — was removed, as a first step in the process; more to happen next year.
The letter we voted for (regarding prioritized necessary renovations) was read at the Town Board meeting but not discussed.
NEW BUSINESS — UPCOMING EVENTS (from the Director’s Report)
• After School Program — starts on September 16th and is already half full.
• Heritage Day — on October 5th, 12 noon to 6 pm
— a “kid activity tent” would offer an enriching experience for the kids, separate from the pie contest and activities on Main Street.
— brainstorming regarding theme ideas for activities (like pumpkin painting, candle dipping, 18th century games); Jessica suggested many ideas (corn hole, needle point squares, plastic needles, etc.) and also to involve 4H groups; to be discussed more during our September meeting.
— help needed for dividing pies on Friday before Heritage Day (October 4th, at the Community Center, around 12—1 pm).
CHAIR’S REPORT
No report — Chair Deb Martin was not present.
OPEN ISSUES / DISCUSSIONS — was the last point on the agenda:
— Manuela and Marge expressed their amazement regarding the Summer Program, praised its perfect organization, having many new, exciting trips and congratulated Ashley and Bethany for this extremely successful year.
— Bethany said that the cut sunflowers at the Community Center were offered by Domino Farms for the people coming there for exercise classes.
ADJOURNMENT
Marjorie Bogert made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Jessica Knapp and approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 am in thanks to: Pat Davis, Rondout Valley Food Pantry, Ashley Sweeney and Bethany Dennin (Summer Program), Domino Farms (sunflowers).
Next meeting takes place on September 25th, 2024, 9:30 am, at the Community Center.
Submitted by
Manuela Michailescu
Secretary