MINUTES
RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
March 16, 2022
Present: Deborah Martin — Chair, Pam Stocking —Vice Chair, Sandy Chipman, Jessica Knapp (at 10:07 am), Manuela Michailescu, Recreation Dept. Director Ashley Sweeney and Assistant Director Bethany Dennin.
Absent: Tina Bergen Russell.
The meeting started at 9:30 am.
Chair Deb Martin presented the Agenda of the meeting and called the meeting to order after establishing that a quorum existed (with 4 of 6 members present at that time).
The minutes of the February 16, 2022 meeting via Zoom were reviewed and amended. Deb Martin made a motion to approve the minutes as amended, Pam Stocking seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
CHAIR PRESENTATION — CURRENT NEWS/UPDATES
a) Deb Martin summarized her meeting with Town Supervisor Mike Baden regarding:
— Air purification at the Community Center — Supervisor Baden explained that the system was upgraded when the new building was constructed but he’s going to check the situation
— the “Recreation Commission” name — the State indicates “Recreation Commission,” Marbletown is still using “Youth Commission” but our Town Board wanted the name to be more inclusive.
b) As procedure for requesting info to be added to the agenda, Deb Martin stressed that those open issues should be sent to her ahead of time
c) Chair Deb Martin said she was happy to participate to the presentation of the 2021 “Mary Lee Friend of Youth Award” to Patrick Davis on March 7, 2022 at the Accord Fire House.
Ashley Sweeney presented her (written) DIRECTOR’S REPORT; among the highlights:
• Casino Trip — already postponed once before, took place on February 18th, despite the low enrollment (caused maybe because the trip was on a Friday instead of a Saturday?).
• Valentine’s Day Cards — which were sent out to everyone on the mailing list, got a huge response from the community; the Recreation Department received at least 10 “thank you” calls. This will be continued year after year to let people know the Department is thinking of them.
• 2021 “Mary Lee Friend of Youth Award” — presented to Patrick Davis on March 7th, at the Accord Fire House, for his volunteer work (at Easter, Halloween, Christmas time and other activities and events). Chair Deb Martin represented the Recreation Commission; Ashley Sweeney and Bethany Dennin attended; Ashley had a little speech, presented Pat Davis with the award, a cake, took a photo and sent it to Blue Stone Press (it was published in the March 18, 2022 issue, on page 17).
• Youth Paint Classes — 2 classes took place on March 10th, 2022, divided by age groups: Grades K-4th (12 participants) and Grades 5+ (10 participants) painted a sunflower and created amazing paintings. Thanks to Bethany Dennin for being again an amazing instructor. Thanks also to Sheila Brown and to Manuela Michailescu for helping out and taking photos.
The Department schedules now classes for adults/seniors on March 24th (2 sessions, at 1 pm and 6 pm).
NEW BUSINESS — UPCOMING EVENTS
• St. Patrick’s Day luncheon — to be held on the following day, Thursday, March 17th; people will be able to take their meals “to go” or to stay at the Commuity Center; all is very well organized, distribution starts at 11:00 am and can last till 2 pm. Any help on that day is great. Commission members to offer — after the adjournment of the meeting — hands-on help today for tomorrow’s luncheon.
• Easter Egg Hunt — the traditional Egg Hunt in the Town’s Park to be held on April 9th, starting at Noon, for 4 different age groups. Help is needed ahead of time (that’s why the next meeting is scheduled for April 6th, before the event) and also to put eggs out. Somebody needed to be the Easter Bunny — Deb Martin volunteered.
• Pictures with the Easter Bunny — at the Community Center, on April 13th & 14th, during the Spring break. They are free, the Recreation Department provides the Bunny and the backdrop and people can take as many pictures as they want. People must call the Recreation Dept. to schedule an appointment. This was very popular last year!
• Earth Day — aiming for the weekends of April 23rd—24th and April 30th—May 1st, with a pizza party (organized by ECC) probably on May 1st. To be finalized.
OPEN ISSUES / DISCUSSIONS — was the next point on the agenda:
— Pam suggested to have paintings created by kids exibited at the Community Center
— Deb proposed to organize a local art show for certain days
— Deb mentioned the interest Cindy Lampman (daughter of Viola Lampman, the “featured quilter” from Heritage Day 2021) has in joining the Commission
— Manuela mentioned the potential addition of the word “Youth” to the Recreation Commission name — Deb said this point it’s going to be on the agenda for next month.
NEW BUSINESS
— St. Patrick’s Day preparation — jobs to be assigned; hands-on help offered after meeting’s adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 10:10 am — Jessica Knapp made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Sandy Chipman and approved unanimously.
Next meeting takes place on April 6, 2022, 9:30 am, at the Community Center (in order to be able to offer hands-on help for the Easter Egg Hunt bags preparation).
Submitted by
Manuela Michailescu
Secretary