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YFS Minutes 04/04/2017
Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services Commission Meeting
                                            Minutes   April 4, 2017; 5:30 pm
322 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Members Present:
Sam Barnes, Chairman, Dept of Police Svcs. representative
Jennifer Welsh, Vice Chairman, At-Large Member (5:44)
Mary Kennedy, Public Health Nursing Board Representative
Sophie Alden, Student Representative
Philip Max Ledwith, Student Representative
Lisa Castro, School Representative
Christi Staples, PCI Housing Representative
Sharon Tiezzi, At-large member

Also Present:
Heather McNeil, Director Y&FS
Gerri Lewis, Clerk

Absent:
Jonathan Paradis, Secretary;  Parks and Recreation Representative
Kiwon-Paul Dionne Jee, Student Representative
Sarah Anderson, Student Representative


I.
Call to Order
Chairman Barnes called the meeting to order at 5:39 pm.  
II.
Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Barnes led the pledge of allegiance.

III.
Comments from the Public   None

IV.
Review and Approval of Minutes
A motion made by Ms. Kennedy  to approve the minutes of March 7, 2017, was seconded by  Ms. Tiezzi and was so VOTED unanimously.
V.


VI.
Chairman’s Comments  
Chairman Barnes welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming.  He then turned it over to Ms. McNeil.

Director’s Report
Ms. McNeil thanked everyone for coming.
  • Wellness Weeks OSMS/OSHS
Wellness days at OSMS and OSHS:  Wellness day is April 6th at the Middle School.  April 17th – 21st are wellness days at the high school.  Psychological, physical and financial discussions are covered at the Wellness Days.  The staff concentrated on relaxing techniques as well.  
  • Outside of agency painting/this summer
This summer the Youth & Family Services building is going to get painted and repaired.  There will be new shutters and new colors!  
  • Cardboard Community 4/28/17  
Mr. Ledwith is heading up the “Cardboard Community” Senior Project. This is about teen homeless issues.  Date is April 28th on the Town Green.  Christy Staples will be helping with publicity for this project.  
  • Rotary presentation 4/5/17
Ms. McNeil and Ms. Mill will accompany Mr. Ledwith to make a presentation to the Rotary Club of Old Saybrook on April 5th on “Cardboard Community.”  Mr. Ledwith will be presenting a power point presentation on the topic and also talk about sponsorships.
Ms. McNeil talked about HCHY being a separate advisory board.  Our HCHY activities will continue by restarting our reaching out to community members to support our multi-generational activities.

VII.
Old Business –  Ms. McNeil talked about the search survey.  A group will go before the Board of Education on May 23rd.

Ms. McNeil noted that she submitted an Early Education Childhood Grant.  The funds will support YAC.  

Ms. McNeil reported that Jody and Wendy will do Summer Stock Theater.

Mr. Ledwith noted the declining attendance at YAC.  Ms. McNeil suggested that it may be due to sports; time of year.

VIII.
New Business

Ms. McNeil noted the following:
  • adult classes:
Healing Essential Oils;
Grandparents group; (getting requests);
    Ms. Castro suggested bilingual classes.  Ms. McNeil noted that they will be looking      at a bilingual intern next Fall.  Ms. Staples noted that there is funding available.

  • End of year awards -  May 11th Under classmen;
  • Senior awards – June 1st;

IX.
Other Business – None

X.
Adjournment – A motion to adjourn at 6:06 p.m. by  Ms. Tiezzi, seconded by Ms. Castro was so VOTED unanimously.

Submitted: Gerri Lewis, Clerk