MINUTES
SENIOR & YOUTH RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
March 29, 2023
Present: Deborah Martin — Chair, Pam Stocking —Vice Chair, Marjorie Bogert, Jessica Knapp (9:55 am), Manuela Michailescu, Recreation Dept. Director Ashley Sweeney and Assistant Director Bethany Dennin.
Absent: Sandy Chipman, 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 of 7 members present at that time, 5 a bit later).
The minutes of the Feruary 15, 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:
• St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon — on March 17th was fantastic! The Department received many compliments and several generous donations. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped out on the day of the event. There were probably 150 eat-ins and more than 40 deliveries for shut-ins. Special thanks to Deb Martin for her wonderful singing during the luncheon.
• Easter Egg Hunt — Saturday, April 1st, at 12 noon. Helpers please come around 10 am. Today help is needed to count eggs.
• Easter Bunny Photos — take place on Monday, April 3rd. There are still appointments available.
• Basketball — had a couple of hiccups recently. One parent had to be removed for the remainder of the season for violating the code of conduct. We are trying to make improvements to the program for a smoother season next year.
• Earth Day — to be advertised pretty soon; clean up on Saturday, April 15th and Saturday, April 22nd (with Pizza party for volunteers on that day, organized by ECC, probably at 2 pm). Bags for garbage collection will be available after April 10th.
• Embroidery Class — On going at the Harold Lipton Community Center until Line Dancing returns.
CHAIR PRESENTATION — CURRENT NEWS/UPDATES
• St. Patrick’s Luncheon — Deb Martin stressed that the luncheon was fabulous. She also discussed the possibility of creating less garbage (from packaging, plastic utensils, etc.). Other members shared the concern and proposed potential solutions.
— Members mentioned the excellent soda bread offered at the luncheon — the best ever! Bravo and thanks to Bethany!
• Donation Jar — Deb suggested that the Donation Jar be used for the Easter Bunny photos event and other activities. All Commission members agreed and proposed the same — feeling that there is a lot of appreciation for what the Recreation Department is doing for the community and people may express it by making donations.
NEW BUSINESS — UPCOMING EVENTS (from the Director’s Report)
• Summer Program — registration will start on April 17th. Paperwork will be on the town’s website the prior week (April 10th).
• Paint Classes — Bethany is planning to have 3 classes in April, 2 for adults (one in the evening and one during the day) and 1 for youth, as follows:
— Friday, April 14th — 6 pm — adults
— Tuesday, April 18th — 6 pm — youth
— Wednesday, April 26th — 10 am — adults
They will be advertised very soon; they fill up almost immediately.
OPEN ISSUES / DISCUSSIONS — was the last point on the agenda:
• Minutes — Deb praised Manuela for the Commission’s minutes, their “visual” quality and in terms of reporting about the meetings. Other members joined her and Manuela thanked all of them indicating how important the minutes are for the town’s records. The Recreation Department’s activity is outstanding, should be known and remain recorded.
• St. Patrick’s Luncheon
— Manuela stressed that Ashley and Bethany organized another amazing event and always make improvements (the new way of forming the “getting food” line away from the desserts and drinks tables was excellent).
— Bethany said that getting volunteers for AFTER the event would be very helpful.
• Piano Repair — is moving forward.
• The new town Cannabis Law — Manuela summarized the main issues for members who didn’t attend the first Public Hearing (on February 23rd, which remains open) and indicated that changes to the proposed law can still be made (in terms of distance from youth/children places, hours of operation, etc.); issue to be further discussed at the next Commission meeting.
• Events after April:
— Spring Fling Luncheon — Friday, May 19th at the Community Center.
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 am — after hands-on help in counting hundreds of eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt.
Pam Stocking made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Marge Bogert and approved unanimously.
Next meeting takes place on April 19, 2023, 9:30 am, at the Community Center.
Submitted by
Manuela Michailescu
Secretary