Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services
Commission Meeting
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
5:15 P.M.
Youth and Family Services Offices, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
I. Call to Order: Chairman Sam Barnes called the meeting to order at 5:24 P.M.
II. Pledge to Allegiance
Roll Call
Attendant Members:
Samuel B. Barnes, Chairman
Ray Allen, Secretary
Peggy Viggiano, Member At-Large JT Giegerich, Students
Diane Aldi-DePaola, OSPHNB Rep Juliana Jacoboski, Students
Catherine Kane, School System
Members absent: Jennifer R. Welsh, Vice Chair, Dorothy Shearer, Member At-Large
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 November 13, 2012 regular meeting
A motion made by Diane Aldi-DePaola to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 2, 2012. Motion seconded by Catherine Kane.
Ayes 6, Nays 0, Abstentions 1. Motion was carried.
V. Chairman’s Comments – Chairman Sam reported he had a letter from Middle School Principal Mike Rafferty thanking Director Heather McNeil and her staff for the outstanding counseling and support services that are provided daily to the students at the Middle School. Chairman Sam reminded members that he sent an email about the Chamber of Commerce award that will be presented to Director Heather McNeil at the next Chamber meeting.
VI. Commission Member Reports – No reports
VII. Director’s Report
- The Director indicated that the award she will be receiving is a group effort and that she receives great support from her staff. Since becoming a member of the Chamber the department has been able to become more involved with the kids in the business community; especially the Main Street Association.
- The Social Services events have been very busy. The CT Food Bank truck will be making deliveries every third Thursday of the month; December there will be two: the 20th and the 27th. The people that have come to the programs that Sue Consoli has been scheduling here in Old Saybrook, has proven that the social services needs have been rising. So Director Heather McNeil and Susan Consoli have been doing a lot of outreach to get more assistance. December 20th will be a huge Social Services day. There is a need for volunteers and they have asked the high school for mostly strong young men to assist unloading the truck the first thing in the morning.
- The last of the Courageous Parenting class was held. The next one will be held in January.
- Director Heather McNeil signed the Local Prevention Counsel Grant (LPC) today.
- Youth and Family Services has been working with the Old Saybrook public school system. The superintendent has asked Director Heather McNeil to come talk about a recent death in the community and how it impacted the adults and students. They have put together a group of about 25 including Chief Spera. They would first like to figure out how they would offer to the community how to process these events; then how to prevent the future events. Melinda Tyler MFT, YFS clinician,has put together a brochure so people will have access to resources without having to read a lot of stuff. You open it and 1-2-3. Chief Spera and H. McNeil will design a resource website.
- The Police department held their Turkey Drive and Youth and Family did the distribution.
- Christmas turkeys and gift pick-up this year will be at the back of the Firehouse.
- “Christmas for Kids” fundraiser will be this Monday night at Otter Cove Restaurant. Tickets are $75.00. The monies raised will be divided between O.S. Youth and Family, Essex Social Services and Child & Family.
- If anyone wishes to Adopt-A-Family, email Heather for a list or call Y & F and ask for Wendy.
- Some school groups, from St Johns and Goodwin, are coming down to Y & F this year with supplies for wrapping and to see and learn some of the community volunteering process.
VIII. Old Business – Regarding the Foundation, they met with First Selectman Carl and he suggested meeting with Attorney Cronin, who was very helpful in providing information very quickly. Director H. McNeil will follow up in writing to Ed Lyons tomorrow.
IX. New Business – Member Diane Aldi-DePaola reported that another Dental Clinic will be held December 27 at St. Johns for the Old Saybrook school children. This will be during the school break so they are hoping that there will be a good turn out.
Student Rep. JT reported that several of the high school clubs are adopting families for Christmas.
X. Other Business - Next meeting January 8, 2013 at Youth & Family Services office at 5:15p.m
XI. Adjournment - Motion made by Ray Allen to adjourn at 5:55 p.m.; seconded by Diane Aldi-DePaola. Ayes 7, Nays 0, Abstentions 0. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Tiezzi, Recording Clerk
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