MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2003
DARTMOUTH TOWN HALL, ROOM 315, 7:00 P.M.
Present: Lorraine Gagne, Valerie Alves, Gale Schultz, Bonnie Escobar, Alyson Bellora, Jay Swanson, Kevin Lee, Youth Advocate and Justine Clarke, Clerk
Vacation: Debra Brejcha and Tony Martin
AGENDA
Welcome newly appointed Commissioner Mr. John Coleman Swanson (his friends call him Jay.)
Approval of Monthly Minutes Meeting dated June 25, 2003
Old Business:
- Update on Dartmouthyouth.com
- Report from Kevin and Valerie about final copy of the letter to support the “Alvin Glaser Memorial Family Assistance Fund.
- Report from Kevin regarding the status of the Fund Administrator Guidelines draft.
- Report from Kevin regarding the status of the guidelines for application to the Glaser Memorial Fund.
Discuss the option of pledging a certain amount to be paid quarterly by donators.
Old business from the floor.
Youth Advocate’s Report:
New Business:
1. Appointment with Mr. Normand Ouellette, representing the Saint Jean the Baptist service organization, who will present a donation to the Dartmouth Youth Commission Gift Account. (Please note: At the request of our guest, a Chronicle reporter will be present for a story and picture. Mr. Gagne, Executive Administrator, has also been invited at Mr. Ouellette’s request for the photo op.)
2. Discuss article that appeared in The Chronicle regarding Dartmouth Girl Power!
3. Review budget account.
Minutes
Gale Schultz called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
Kevin welcomed newest member, Jay Swanson, to the Youth Commission. Introductions were made.
Kevin reported that Alison Nastanski has left the Commission at the end of her term. If her scheduling in the future allows her more time, she may decide to apply for reappointment to the Youth Commission.
Approval of June 25, 2003 Minutes: Valerie Alves made a motion to accept the minutes of June 25, 2003. Alyson Bellora seconded the motion. Voted unanimously.
Kevin stated that the Youth Commission should appoint a Chairperson. Jay asked Kevin what the responsibilities are of the Chairperson. Kevin stated the following:
The Chairperson oversees the meetings. He or she is the official representative of the Youth Commission. The Chairperson should also be available to attend budget hearings.
After a brief discussion Ms. Schultz and Ms. Gagne volunteered. Ms. Schultz will be the Chairperson and Ms. Gagne will be the Vice-Chairperson.
Ms. Schultz reported that the nine member Youth Commission has one vacancy. It was noted that even with one vacancy, the Commission needs 5 members present for a quorum.
Old Business:
DartmouthYouth.com
Kevin reported that he continues to receive emails from people visiting the Web site. One email was from a unanimous former client who reported that their family was in crisis and needed help. Since this person chooses not to reveal her name, Kevin directed her to some valuable resources and therapists listed on the Web site. He also receives emails from teens that like to stay in touch during the summer.
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Kevin is in the process of switching over the Web site from Dreamweaver to FrontPage.
Ms. Schultz stated that she has been visiting the children’s pages on the Web site. She has been reviewing the children’s games and links to see if they are still up-to-date and age appropriate.
Kevin informed newer Commissioners that reviewing all links on our Web site was done when the site was first launched. In the coming months Kevin indicated that he hoped Commissioners would be willing to re-check all the links again.
Report from Kevin and Valerie about final copy of the draft letter to support the “Alvin Glaser Memorial Family Assistance Fund.”
· There is no final copy at this time.
Report from Kevin regarding the status of the “Fund Administrator Guidelines draft.”
· Kevin stated that the changes that were discussed at the June 25, 2003 meeting have been made to the draft.
Report from Kevin regarding the status of the “Guidelines for Application to the Glaser memorial Fund.”
· Kevin reported that the changes that were discussed at the June 25, 2003 meeting have been made to the draft.
Discuss the option of pledging a certain amount to be paid quarterly by donators.
· This will be discussed at the next scheduled meeting when Tony Martin can offer his suggestions.
Report from Kevin on Dartmouth Girl Power:
· Kevin reported that he and Kimberly Hebert, DMS Prevention Specialist, and Joanne Jaber, a senior intern at UMass Dartmouth, have been working together to get this program started. The program will be for girls in grades six, seven and eight. Twelve girls will be registered for the first fall session. Dartmouth Girl Power will run from October through the end of December. A second group will begin near the end of January with 12 new girls..
Kevin stated that his wife has graciously agreed to create graphics and various forms for the new group.
The Chronicle recently ran an article on the new “Dartmouth Girl Power” group. As a result of the article, Kevin received approximately 15 calls from parents (and several girls) who are interested in having their daughters attend.
Kevin will fill the 6th grade slots from his client lists and Ms. Hebert will fill the 7th and 8th grade slots.
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Kevin stated that he received a call from a reporter at The Standard Times who would also like to write an article about the new group.
· Kevin reported that he is involved in five support groups:
1. Banana Splits (grades 2 & 3)
2. Banana Splits (grades 4 & 5)
3. Teen Group
4. Dartmouth Girl Power
5. Caring Tree Support Group (For grieving families, sponsored by Hospice and the Dartmouth/Fairhaven Visiting Nurses Association.)
Kevin asked Commissioner their opinion on the pros and cons of charging an application fee for group members. Modest fees would help offset the cost of purchasing snacks and drinks, etc., which in the past has come from the Youth Commission’s regular budget and gift account. Kevin stated that frequently parents donate food and beverages.
Overall, the Commissioners did not favor this idea. They expressed concern that some of these children’s families are experiencing financial struggles and we don’t want to deter them by charging a fee. Kevin thanked the Commissioners for their input and stated that he also felt the same way but thought that the idea should at least be considered.
Valerie Alves stated that Heidi Gotlib from the DMS parent group might be willing to make a donation to help defray food, drink and supply costs. Valerie will contact Heidi and ask if the DMS parent group would be willing to make a donation.
Kevin stated that our expense budget is $1500.00. Last year it was $1800.00.
Old Business from the floor:
There was no old business at this time.
Youth Advocate’s Report:
· Kevin reported that this has been a challenging late spring and summer for him due to Betty Ann’s illness. He has taken a total of three weeks sick leave, three weeks vacation and 3 personal days. He is looking forward to school beginning, reconnecting with clients and getting back to a routine workweek.
· Kevin told Commissioners that he recently informed Mr. Michael Gagne, Executive Administrator, that the transmission on his town vehicle is starting to fail.
· Gale asked Kevin how it worked for him last school year with the location of the new high school. Kevin stated that it worked out fine. Last year Kevin worked his schedule to be at the high school most days from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM to meet with clients. He also visits the lunchroom as teens ate whenever possible.
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As in the past, when the High School was next door to Town Hall, he felt it was important to be visible during lunchtime so that teens could approach him as needed. Kevin stated that he intends to follow the same format again this year.
Kevin stated that Principal Dimery has a small office reserved for him at the high school.
· Ms. Schultz asked Kevin what his involvement is with Middle School children. Kevin stated that he usually sees elementary and middle aged clients after school.
New Business:
Appointment with Mr. Normand Ouellette:
· Kevin stated that Mr. Ouellette would not be presenting a check to the Dartmouth Youth Commission Gift Account this evening. The Chronicle was unable to provide a photographer this evening. Also, Mr. Gagne, who was asked to be present for the donation, was unable to attend the meeting.
· Alyson Bellora asked for a few minutes of the Commissioners’ time to discuss a personal issue. She stated that her 8 year old son, Garrett, has cystic fibrosis and needs a double lung transplant. Her family will be reaching out to the community for financial support. Alyson stated that a committee has been formed; “Friends of Garrett” and Kevin graciously volunteered to be the Chairman.
Kevin stated that there are many talented and skillful people on the committee. There will be a Web site formed by the committee called FriendsofGarrett.com.
Kevin mentioned that on October 29th, a wine and cheese benefit to raise funds for Garrett’s expenses that are not covered by insurance, etc., will be held at the Hawthorne Country Club from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Tickets are $25.00.
Kevin stated that although this is not Youth Commission business, he felt that it should be brought to the Commissioners attention as a point of information. Kevin would like permission from the Commission to use the Youth Advocate’s telephone number for this worthy cause.
Valerie Alves made a motion to allow the Youth Advocate’s phone number to be listed as the primary number to receive phone calls pertaining to “Friends of Garrett.” Jay Swanson seconded the motion. Voted unanimously.
Review Budget Accounts:
· Ms. Gagne made a motion to accept the budget accounts for July 2003 and August 2003. Jay Swanson seconded the motion. Voted unanimously.
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The next meeting of the Dartmouth Youth Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2003 in Room 314 of the Dartmouth Town Hall at 7:00 p.m.
Ms. Gagne made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Swanson seconded the motion. Voted unanimously at 8:45 p.m.
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