MINUTES
SENIOR & YOUTH RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
October 19, 2022
Present: Deborah Martin — Chair, Pam Stocking —Vice Chair, Sandy Chipman, Jessica Knapp, Manuela Michailescu, Recreation Dept. Director Ashley Sweeney and Assistant Director Bethany Dennin.
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 (5 of 6 members present).
The minutes of the September 21, 2022 meeting were reviewed; Sandy Chipman made a motion to approve the minutes, Pam Stocking seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Ashley Sweeney presented her (written) DIRECTOR’S REPORT; among the highlights:
• Heritage Day on October 1st was a big success (despite the colder, uncertain weather). The Rec Department’s Pie Contest and Auction did extremely well this year. Thank you to Rita Harkins, Pam Stocking and Brenda Hof for helping with the booth. Also, thank you to Vinny Nigro for MC-ing the Pie auction.
Thanks to Deborah Martin for organizing the Fiber Arts Show; as this Show was not mentioned in the Blue Stone Press write-up about Heritage Day, Deb is encouraged to write a “letter to the editor” thanking all who helped make it happen and eventually using some of the beautiful pictures Manuela took (Fiber Arts Show issue discussed more under the Chair’s Report). Thanks to Manuela for the 13 albums created from photos taken that day (posted on the Town’s Recreation Dept. Facebook page, they would be printed too).
• After School Program — has begun and is going very well. The Department is still trying to get more kids enrolled, having high hopes.
• Basketball Registration — has begun as well, and clinic begins on Monday night, October 24th. They have lots of people, 10 teams only for juniors! It will run for 6 weeks. The League should begin at the end of November.
• Youth Halloween Party — Friday, October 28th from 5 pm—7 pm. Jessica, who will be DJ, to arrive at 4-4:30 pm and to bring lights.
• Virtual Halloween Costume Contest — Ashley decided to run it again this year, being fun. Participants can send photos to “recreation@townofrochester.ny.gov” by October 28th. Winners — in 3 categories: best/most creative, scariest and cutest — will be chosen by a panel of judges on October 31st. Each winner will receive a prize.
• Thanksgiving luncheon (Friday, November 18th, 11:00 am —1:00 pm) — it’s going to be an indoor event (not doing to-go meals except for people who are shut ins; Jessica will probably make the deliveries; Pam to arrive at 9:00 am).
CHAIR PRESENTATION — CURRENT NEWS/UPDATES
• Fiber Arts Show was organized at the Community Center on October 1st as part of the Heritage Day.
Deb Martin talked about the show and what was learned from this experience; it was a good concept but it involves lots of work and has to be a separate event; more people attended the Quilt Show last year because there was more activity in the Community Center’s parking lot (face painting, etc. as opposed to the Antique Car Show this year); there were too many activities for people to participate to during the day (Manuela agreed); maybe the location to be changed in the future (a tent on Main Street? or something outside? or in different places?) — Bethany explained that they are trying to “brand” Heritage Day and the Community Center as part of it and the process takes few years (branding similar to the Garlic Festival or the Pickle Festival)…
Deb stressed that more people come and participate when kids are involved. Maybe just an “arts” (or “arts and crafts”) show to be organized in the future, using paintings created during painting classes?
NEW BUSINESS — UPCOMING EVENTS
• Medicare Consultations — at the Community Center, October 21st, November 7th and December 1st. People interested must make an appointment (by calling the Ulster County Office for the aging, 845-340-3456, to set up an appointment).
• Coat Drive — considered for November if there is a period of time when the Community Center will be available; Commission members to be kept informed.
• Wreath Workshop — as last year, slated for November 30th.
• Christmas/Holiday parties — planned for December 9th/Youth and December 16th/Senior Brunch.
OPEN ISSUES / DISCUSSIONS — was the last point on the agenda:
• Nomination for the “Susan Matson Distinguished Youth Award” —Brody Baker (9th grade, nominated by Ashley/Bethany). If no other nominations are made, Commission members to vote on this nomination in November.
• Jessica and Manuela talked about the need to have a spot to take photos of the Halloween costumes; Ashley would also take photos during the Halloween party and include them in the virtual costume contest.
• Jessica proposed cut-outs from brown paper bags (with battery-operated lights?) for the Halloween or Christmas parties…
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 am — Sandy Chipman made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Jessica Knapp and approved unanimously.
Next meeting takes place on November 16th, 2022, 9:30 am, at the Community Center.
Submitted by
Manuela Michailescu
Secretary