Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services
Commission Meeting
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
5:15 P.M.
Pasbeshauke Pavilion at Saybrook Point Park
155 College Street Extension, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
I. Call to Order: Secretary Ray Allen called the meeting to order at 5:21 P.M.
II. Pledge to Allegiance
Roll Call
Attendant Members:
Samuel B. Barnes, Chairman Ray Allen, Secretary JT Giegerich, Students
Diane Aldi-DePaola, OSPHNB Rep Juliana Jacoboski, Students Dorothy Shearer, Member At-Large
Catherine Kane, School System Peggy Viggiano, Member At-Large
Members absent: Jennifer R. Welsh, Vice-Chair
Also present: Heather McNeil, Director and Sharon Tiezzi, Recording Clerk
III. Comments from the Public – No public in attendance
IV. Approval of Minutes of the September 11, 2012 regular meeting
A motion made by Dorothy Shearer to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 11, 2012. Motion seconded by Peggy Viggiano. Ayes 6, Nays 0, Abstentions 0. Motion was carried unanimously.
V. Chairman’s Comments –No report
VI. Commission Member Reports – No reports
VII. Director’s Report
Director’s Report for YFS Commission 10/2/2012
Heather reported that Family Day went very well. She thanked Ray for manning the grill. They believe that approximately 800 people attended and had a great time.
On October 4th they are having a YMCA Collaborative Project called Saybrook Sports & Splash from 1 pm to 4 pm. There is no cost to OS community members. Families can come in and use the facilities. There will some scheduled activities in the gym; free swim time in the pool; and all activities will be supervised by YMCA staff, plus some of Y&F staff and ASSET Team members.
Social Services update – Elaine came over from the First Selectman’s office for the first time. She is definitely an asset to Sue and to SS in general. They are working on finding work space for her that will work for her and Sue. She’ll be there 8 – 10 hours a week.
Sue also has a high school senior, Kelsey Christiansen, assigned as her Senior internship.
The first of the four “Courage to Speak-Courageous Parenting 101® will be this Wednesday evening, October 3rd at 6:30 pm at the Middle School. The second one is October 17th, third October 24th and the last one November 7th. Ginger Katz, CEO/Founder of the “Courage to Speak® Foundation” did a presentation on September 19th. Only 12 people attended, plus four of Y & F staff. This turnout was disappointing, but it was also Parents Night at Goodwin. This being a September roll out, it had to be planned in early summer and the conflict in scheduling was unavoidable.
Chelsea Graham will be heading off the Drop-In Center at the high school. It will begin October 10th for five hours a week. Tuesdays and Weds. will be 11:45-12:30pm and Fridays will be 2:15 to 4 pm.
The Collaborative Services Team resumes meeting at Central office from 9:45 to 11am on the first Wed. of every month. The mtg is comprised of YFS staff, and school counselors, and other support staff. It is a process supported by the school system and allows for greater service coverage and early intervention.
This past Thursday, Y & F hosted a community mental health providers breakfast attended by approx. 35 providers. Dr. Richard Stillson from DHMAS, which is River Valley Services, and Corey Gardner from Joshua Center Old Saybrook both spoke to the group about the referral process and service coverage.
Security camera was installed today at the Y & F office; to monitor all people entering and leaving the building. There is also a panic button in case of an emergency.
Heather handed out a flyer provided by “CITF”, Connecticut Inhalant Task Force, which is presenting a free training opportunity for schools and communities to learn about inhalant abuse. The program in called “Inhalants: Nothing to Sniff At” on Thursday November 1, 2012 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford, CT. These will be handed out at Courageous Parenting.
Participants will learn:
- Inhalants 101 – who, what, where and why?;
- Assessment & referral overview for treatment;
- Special considerations needed for prevention education and
- Resources and tools that will be needed.
VIII. Old Business – The Foundation –
Continuation of discussion around ‘Donor Intent’ related to contributions prior to name change and also through Essex Community Investment program of 2011-12. Jen Welsh stated through contact after mtg she will have another conversation with Foundation liaison, M. Auger.
IX. New Business – The Commission received a letter from the Chairman of the Town Charter Revision Committee indicating that the preliminary public hearing will be held October 10, 2012 7 pm in the Middle School auditorium. Chairman Sam asked members to read the Charter regarding the Commission and that someone attend the meeting.
October 20, 2012 there is a H.E.A.T. fundraiser at Fireman’s Field
November 5, 2012 Tim Duffy of the SEARCH Institute will speak on Asset Development in the schools during the day and then for the community in the evening.
X. Other Business - Next meeting November 13, 2012 at Pasbeshauke Pavilion 5:15p.m.
XI. Adjournment - Motion made by Peggy Viggiano to adjourn at 6:05 p.m.; seconded by Diane Aldi-DePaola. Ayes 8, Nays 0, Abstentions 0. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Tiezzi, Recording Clerk
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