MINUTES
SENIOR & YOUTH RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
November 16, 2022
Present: Deborah Martin — Chair, Pam Stocking —Vice Chair, Sandy Chipman, Jessica Knapp (at 10:10 am), Manuela Michailescu, Recreation Dept. Director Ashley Sweeney and Assistant Director Bethany Dennin. Also Marjorie Bogert, invited as potential new Commission member.
Absent: Cynthia Lampman
The meeting started at 9:35 am.
Chair Deb Martin presented the Agenda of the meeting and called the meeting to order after establishing that a quorum existed (4 of 6 members present at that time).
The minutes of the October 19, 2022 meeting were reviewed; Pam Stocking made a motion to approve the minutes, Sandy Chipman seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Ashley Sweeney presented her (written) DIRECTOR’S REPORT; among the highlights:
• Youth Halloween Party — was on Friday, October 28th from 5 pm—7 pm. Thanks to Jessica Knapp for being DJ. About 40 kids attended with their parents. Every kid was given a goody bag.
• Virtual Halloween Costume Contest — there were 3 winners:
— Best Costume: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
— Scariest Costume: The Shining Twins
— Cutest Costume: Sky from Paw Patrol
Photos can be viewed on the Recreation Department Facebook page. Thanks to all who participated.
• Coat Drive — the Department is collecting coats, gloves, hats and snow gear until Friday, November 18th. They will go to the Rondout Valley Middle School PTSA Coat Drive that is happening on November 21st. Last year they weren’t able to have such a drive, that’s why we had one at the Community Center.
• Thanksgiving luncheon — this Friday, November 18th, 11:00 am —1:00 pm, indoor event.
Hoping that Commission members can wrap silverware and portion out cranberry sauce at the end of the meeting.
CHAIR PRESENTATION — CURRENT NEWS/UPDATES
• Veterans Day — was celebrated, as each year, on November 11th, at 11:00 am (despite not being announced in the Blue Stone Press). Organized by Supervisor Mike Baden and the Town Board, it was well attended and included as speakers Mary Mendola (Board member of the Hudson Valley Center for Veteran Reintegration in Kingston), Troy Dunn and Stewart McKenzie. In her speech Mary Mendola emphasized the Hudson Valley Center’s mission to raise public awareness of veteran homelessness and suicide. Deb Martin’s spontaneous patriotic singing ended the ceremony…
Manuela sent photos and the (above) caption to Blue Stone Press, which published 4 of the photos in the November 18, 2022 (on page 6; on page 14th of the same issue Deb Martin’s Letter to the Editor regarding the Fiber Arts Show, thanking all participants, was published).
Ways to improve the Commission’s participation to next year’s Veterans Day ceremony were discussed (especially by Deb Martin, Marge Bogert, who had wonderful suggestions). To be discussed at the October 2023 meeting.
NEW BUSINESS — UPCOMING EVENTS (from the Director’s Report)
• Adult Wreath-Making Class — as last year; on Wednesday, November 30th at 1:00 pm. Call the Recreation Department to sign up.
• Youth Holiday Party — December 9th, 5:00 pm—7:00 pm. Layout will be slightly different this year, with Santa most likely not being in the hallway.
• Senior Brunch — December 16 th, 10:00 am—12:00 pm. Can anyone who wants to help arrive at 8:30 am?
OPEN ISSUES / DISCUSSIONS — was the last point on the agenda:
• Nomination for the “Susan Matson Distinguished Youth Award” — Brody Baker (9th grade, recommended by Ashley Sweeney and Bethany Dennin as an outstanding personality, with great work ethic and sense of responsibility, always respectful and fun to be around; Brody volunteered his entire summer this year to help the Recreation Department with their summer program, was loved by kids and never stopped smiling despite the program’s lots of hours and hard work).
• Nomination for the “Mary Lee Youth Award” — Gary Palmer (nominated by Kate Gundberg/Town Clerk and Town Historian, President of the Friends of Historic Rochester, as a huge supporter and advocate to the Recreation Department’s programs and community events by making donations, sponsoring children, being a bus driver, hosting free nights and family events at the Accord Speedway).
Both nominations were made by Pam Stocking, seconded by Manuela Michailescu and approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 10:43 am, after all those present offered “hands-on” help for the Thanksgiving luncheon — Jessica Knapp made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Sandy Chipman and approved unanimously.
Next meeting takes place on December 14th, 2022, 9:30 am, at the Community Center.
Submitted by
Manuela Michailescu
Secretary