MINUTES
SENIOR & YOUTH RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
May 15, 2024
Present: Marjorie Bogert, Manuela Michailescu, Deborah Martin/Chair (late, 9:57 am), Jessica Knapp (late, 10:15 am), Recreation Dept. Director Ashley Sweeney, Assistant Director Bethany Dennin, Town Board Liaison to the Recreation Dept./SYR Commission Charlotte Smiseth.
Absent: Pam Stocking.
The meeting started at 10:00 am. Chair Deb Martin called the meeting to order after establishing that we have a quorum (3 out of 5 current members of the Commission present at that time, 4 later on).
The Minutes of the April 24, 2024 meeting were reviewed and amended — Jessica Knapp made a motion to approve them as amended; motion was seconded by Marjorie Bogert and minutes were unanimously approved as amended.
Ashley Sweeney presented the (written) DIRECTOR’S REPORT; among the highlights:
• Incubating Eggs — project with the After School Program, offered by Bethany Dennin and Matt Dennin Jr.; 10 of the 20 eggs hatched; the chicks live happily at the Dennin Farm; a fascinating experience for all those coming to the Community Center.
• Casino trip — On Friday, April 26th, a Community trip to Resorts World Casino in Monticello was organized. 24 people attended.
• Spring Fling — May 10th, 11 am — 1 pm. About 70 people attended.
All five Commission members helped, also Melissa Guimaraes and her two daughters Cleo and Farrah.
New Town Supervisor Erin Enouen stopped by, was introduced by Ashley Sweeney and talked to townspeople.
NEW BUSINESS — UPCOMING EVENTS (from the Director’s Report)
• Estate Planning Class — this Friday, May 17th, at the Community Center at 1 pm. It will be instructed by Judith Nolfo, Principal Court Attorney, Ulster County Surrogate Court. You must call the Ulster County Office for the Aging (845-340-3456) to register.
• Memorial Day — on May 27th; line up at 12:30 pm at the Town Hall, Parade steps off at 1 pm. All invited to ride the Recreation Department/SYR Commission float.
There will be a ceremony at the Veterans Park before the Parade, time to be announced (this portion of the Memorial Day was usually organized by the Town Supervisor — Ashley and Charlotte would help new Town Supervisor Erin Enouen to plan for this).
• After School Program — last day is on June 14th; department is in the process of planning the annual “End of Year” celebration for that.
• Defensive Driving Class — to be scheduled for some time in June. If able to book one, information to be provided at a later date.
CHAIR’S REPORT
Chair Deb Martin asked about ways to help the Recreation Department in the coming months.
OPEN ISSUES / DISCUSSIONS — was the last point on the agenda:
— Ashley indicated that a way to help the Rec Dept. would be to suggest persons with special skills who can come on Mondays and Fridays (when there are no trips) during the Summer Program weeks (3 in July, 3 in August).
— dates for future meetings were picked (June 12th, NO July meeting and August 28th).
ADJOURNMENT
Marjorie Bogert made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Jessica Knapp and approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 10:28 am in thanks to: Bethany Dennin and Matt Dennin Jr. (Eggs Incubation), all SYR Commission members (Spring Fling), Melissa Guimaraes and her two daughters Cleo and Farrah (Spring Fling).
Next meeting takes place on June 12th, 2024, 9:30 am, at the Community Center.
Submitted by
Manuela Michailescu
Secretary