Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes
January 8, 2013
Starbard Building
Members Present:
Erin O’Neil Bradbury, Melissa Staiti, Robin Grady
Nancy Owens
Members Absent:
Lisa Post
Others Present:
Denise Morano, Recreation Director
Dee Anne Grebinar, Recording Secretary
Erin called the Recreation Committee meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
MINUTES: A motion was made by Melissa and seconded by Nancy to accept the minutes of the November 13, 2012 meeting.
The minutes of the November 13, 2012 were approved unanimously.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Programs:
Adult Programs
The Committee was given the current list of adult classes and Denise went over the registration numbers for these Session 3 classes. Classes include Hatha Yoga on Tuesday and Thursday mornings with a total of 24 participants, Zumba has 17 participants, Zumba with Pilates has 11 enrolled, 3CPYo 5 enrolled, Yoga for Every “Body” 6 participants, Flip it for Fat Loss 4 participants. Our newest class YoTo (Yoga with Toning) has 11 registered participants. Denise anticipates an increase in the numbers by the time the classes actually start, because a lot of our repeat customers just show up without calling. Erin asked how we collect the fees from these people and Denise said Wendy always goes to the first night of the classes, so she will collect the checks, or some regulars will pay on-line or mail
in their checks. We don’t really have any issues with the collection of these fees. The Healing Power of Yoga meditation retreat held in December had 9 participants. Denise commented that December seems to be a good time to have this 3-hour retreat as people prepare for the hectic holiday season. The cross country skiing class started this past Saturday. There were no registrations for the 5-9 year old children, but 4 adults registered for the 10 and up class. They seemed to enjoy this activity and exercise. Nancy asked if the volleyball and basketball programs were still going on and how much they cost. Denise said yes and that the drop-in rate is $4.00/night or people can pay $30.00 for the 10-week session. Denise said it’s a popular program and very social, especially for the women.
Before/After School Programs
Denise went over the numbers for the Before & After School Programs. We currently care for 258 children each day.
Davis Hill – 52 AM and 52 PM (both sessions have waiting lists AM–11 & PM-6)
Mayo - 48 AM and 52 PM
Dawson – 25 AM and 29 PM
Denise commented that there has been some movement in and out of the programs recently, but the numbers remain about the same. We’ve been able to take some children off the waiting lists. We have found some children no longer need to be on the waiting list, because their parents have made other arrangements for their care this year. Robin asked what the student/staff ratio is at the programs. Denise said the state mandates a ratio of 13:1, but she usually staffs the program so the ratio is 10:1. Nancy asked who staffs the morning program and Denise said it’s usually an older group of mothers and grandmothers, and also some college students. The staff are a very reliable and dependable group. Denise commented on the school shooting tragedy in Connecticut, which has caused concern
with many parents. She has had discussions with the staff regarding emergency action plans and the use of using the side door into the program at one of the schools, because the front doors of the school would be locked. An issue at one of the schools during a holiday program when the principal called a “shelter in place” was found to be a medical issue and no threat. Denise feels everyone should be aware of their surroundings and not to overreact, because sometimes this heightened alertness can make the situation worse. We want the children to remain calm and to know that school is a safe haven for them.
Miscellaneous:
Denise extended thanks and appreciation to the committee members and their families for all their assistance with the very successful Santa program. This year donations totaled $97.32. Thank you cards and notes were sent to the Landmark, First Congregational Church and Santa. Erin asked about the extra popcorn and Denise said she was able to send it to the After School Program at Mayo for the children to enjoy.
Denise is preparing the Spring field assignments for the Holden youth sports leagues and expects to send out all assignments by the end of this week (January 11, 2013). She said she will need to wait and see when the fields can be released depending on the weather and ground conditions. April 1st would be the very earliest, but we’ll have to see how the rest of the winter goes. If the Mountview School project gets approved, Denise anticipates having problems with field availablity while construction is going on and until the new fields are developed. Nancy asked how many fields would be affected at Mountview and Denise said there is a full size soccer field, a Babe Ruth baseball field, a softball field and 2 under-10 soccer fields. She is hoping the tennis courts and basketball court
will not be affected.
Denise applied for “seasonal status” for the summer staff program. Forms are signed by the seasonal staff, stating that seasonal wages can’t be used to file an unemployment claim.
Melissa asked if Denise has had any contact regarding the dog park. Denise said no. She feels like they never located an area for it that would be acceptable and then they began to lose interest in the project. Melissa agreed that from what she sees on the web forum that the group is running out of options and they are basically giving up.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
The next Recreation Committee meeting will be held on February 12, 2013 @ 7:00 p.m. at the Starbard Building.
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