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YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF September 2, 2008
Members present:
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R. Allen, S. Barnes (arrived during Director’s Report), S. Cummins, P. Viggiano, J. Welsh
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Also present:
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Recording Secretary Linda McCall, Director Larry Freundlich and Guest Speaker Kathy Ferrantelli
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Excused/absent:
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L. Brown, M. Gesick, I. Rosser, and B. Ruth
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I.
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Call to Order: Vice Chairman Welsh called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m. Will proceed with Guest Speaker and Director’s Report until there is a quorum to entertain motion on minutes.
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II.
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Comments from the Public: none
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IV.
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Vice Chairman’s Comments: Introduced new Student Representative Samantha Cummins. Introductions all around.
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V.
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Guest Speaker – Kathy Ferrantelli, YFS Counselor/Early Childhood Specialist, reported on progress by the revitalized Early Childhood Council, which will be meeting monthly and distributing quarterly newsletters. Ferrantelli will be providing the hands-on coordination for the Council.
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VI.
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Director’s Report: Written report distributed, along with packets to be used during remainder of the meeting. There followed discussion about Freshman Retreat and suggestions for fundraising for future classes. In response to question from Chairman, Director reported that Linda Brown has indicated she will be forwarding a letter of resignation as the Commission’s School System Representative. Once received, the School System will be asked to submit nominations to the Commission.
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III.
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Review of Minutes of June 3, 2008: Reviewed the minutes. P. Viggiano made motion to accept the minutes as typed; seconded by R. Allen. Vote taken; the minutes were unanimously approved.
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VII.
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Local Prevention Council Business: Healthy Communities Healthy Youth Business: * Report to the Community Feedback – Discussion of Report’s inclusion in the center of the July Saybrook Events. * HCHY Planning Retreat: Updates/Goals – L. McCall reported three
broad goals established at the Retreat: 1) outreach to parents 2) expansion of Board to include additional sectors with candidates identified and 3) engage youth in the Speaker’s Bureau and develop speaking engagements. * Initiatives Update – Anti-Defamation League Program – Director reported 2 training dates scheduled for October 7th and 15th and the full-day program on October 29th (high school). Director invited Commission members to participate, either as a facilitator of a group or by attending assembly. After the high school program those trained high
school students will facilitate a subsequent program at the middle school. – Freshman Retreat – Director reported freshmen would complete an evaluation of the Retreat during English classes in the coming week. A photo DVD will be presented to the class during the freshman assembly. - Family Day – Director reported this year’s festivities are Sunday, September 28th on the Town Green from noon to 3:30 p.m. McCall asked for nominations for Asset Builder Awards, which would be presented during Family Day.
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VIII.
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Old Business: 1. Drug & Alcohol Counselor Position – Director reported the position has been shifted to the school system, which has agreed to provide a partial match of $12,000 against our allocation of $16,000 from this year’s DFC grant. They will split the hours of the Drug and Alcohol Counselor between the High School and Middle School. Total number of hours is not yet known and is contingent on salary or contracted hourly rate. 2. Youth Coordinator Position – Director reported position has been posted internally and advertised externally. Anticipate that interviews will be scheduled the afternoon of September 16th in coordination with Selectmen’s Office. Three applicants so far.
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IX.
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New Business: 1. Old Saybrook Community Collaborative – Commission reviewed article in the Harbor News “Advancing a Social Agenda” and Director reported a meeting was held today with First Selectman, Chairman Barnes, Director and Social Services Coordinator to discuss proposal. Commission brainstormed approaches to implementing the idea. 2. Annual Report – Distributed copies for review. 3. YFS Foundation – Heat Initiative – Director reported the Foundation Board would be meeting the next day and has been expanded with the addition of Lisa Carruthers, Ed Lyons, Jenn Welsh and Charlie Sohl as new members; Director and attorney Mike Cronin will also continue on the Foundation Board. He referred to proposal in tonight’s packet from local group “HEAT” which will be discussed during the Foundation meeting.
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X.
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Other Business: none There being no further business to discuss, R. Allen made a motion to adjourn. P. Viggiano seconded the motion and the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted,
Linda B. McCall
Administrative Assistant
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