 |
Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services Commission Meeting
Minutes October 4, 2016; 5:30 pm
322 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Members Present:
Jennifer Welsh, Vice Chairman, At-Large Member (in at 5:45)
Christi Staples, PCI Housing Representative
Sharon Tiezzi, At-large member
Lisa Castro, School Representative (in at 5:55)
Kiwon-Paul Dionne Jee, Student Representative
Philip Max Ledwith, Student Representative
Sarah Anderson, Student Representative
Sophie Alden, Student Representative
Also Present:
Heather McNeil, Director Y&FS
Gerri Lewis,
Absent:
Sam Barnes, Chairman, Dept of Police Svcs representative
Jonathan Paradis, Secretary; Parks and Recreation Representative
Catherine Kane, School District (resigned)
Mary Kennedy, Public Health Nursing Board Representative
Guests:
Joe DiNonno, Intern, MFT, Capella
I. |
Call to Order Ms. McNeil called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm. She welcomed everyone and asked all to introduce themselves around the table.
|
II. |
Pledge of Allegiance Ms. McNeil led the pledge of allegiance. |
III. |
Welcome New Members Ms. McNeil welcomed Sharon Tiezzi to the board. Ms. McNeil also welcomed Christi Staples from PCI Housing district. Ms. McNeil noted the reappointment of Ms. Staples to the board through 2020.
Ms. McNeil introduced Joe DiNonno, one of four interns. He will be helping cover lunch bunch. He also worked with students at the Middle School with Invention Convention. She noted that Mr. DiNonno will be with Y&FS for a 12 month period.
Ms. McNeil reported that Catherine Cane had to resign due to her work load and introduced her replacement, Lisa Castro.
Comments from the Public – None
|
IV. |
Review and Approval of Minutes A motion made by Ms. Anderson to approve the minutes of June 7, 2016, was seconded by Ms. Alden and was so VOTED unanimously. |
V. |
Chairman’s Comments - None |
VII.
|
Director’s Report Ms. McNeil thanked all for coming to the first meeting of the 2016-2017 year. She reported on the following:
- Freshman Retreat: Ms. McNeil reported that the retreat at Camp Hazen was very successful. There were approximately 116 Freshman and 18 Seniors. Teachers stayed overnight as well. Philip Max noted that there were all positive changes. Ms. McNeil noted that the senior mentors are on the Youth Action Council and communicated well with the freshman.
- Open House: Ms. McNeil reported that the open house was well attended on September 19th. There were about 45 people in attendance. Selectman Fortuna presented Y&FS with a citation and State House Representative Devin Carney presented Y&FS with a proclamation from the State of Connecticut.
- School groups (Open Space, Drop-In, Lunch bunches): The lunch bunch will be at the Middle School; drop-in at the high school;
- Clinical Networking Breakfast: The breakfast will take place on September 20th at the Pavilion. Ms. McNeil noted that she will put together a brochure for the program.
- Parent Resource Programs (Ginger Katz, CP101, Alicia Farrell, Spectrum Group: Ms. McNeil noted that this program, The Courage to Speak-Courageous Parenting 101, will be October 5th at 7:00 p.m. at the OSMS Media Center/Library; On October 17th Session I/October 18th Session II; October 25th Session III; This is a free 3-session substance abuse education and prevention program. Ms. McNeil will moderate and additional certified Y&FS staff will help. Alicia Farrell will speak on E-Cigarettes. Ms. McNeil passed out posters with all of this information. Kiwon asked if Dr. Farrell would be coming back as he received valuable feedback from her session.
Eagle Scout Project: Ms. McNeil noted that in the past the garden in front was one of the projects; many items were donated. The Eagle Scout this year is Billy Sheehan of Troop 51. |
VII. |
Old Business – Ms. McNeil reported on Family Day. She noted that the Rotary Club of Old Saybrook cooked hot dogs. She mentioned that attendance was down, but that was probably due to sporting events that kept students and parents away. She noted that next year Y&FS is planning to partner with Park & Rec. |
VIII. |
New Business – Ms. McNeil noted that the month of October will be the Y&FS Diaper and wipes drive. |
IX. |
Other Business – This is the third year for YAC. They meet twice per month and meals are sponsored by the Public Health Nursing Board. On October 28, 2016, YAC will have a Pasta Dinner at the Masonic Lodge, (next to Library) from 5:00 – 8:00; $10/pp.
It was noted that Thursday nights will be “E3” Educate, Empower & Encourage. Students will train their peers so that they can go out into the community and share ideas. Meetings will take place at Y&FS building and dinner will be served. In November, “Sticker Shock.”
Jr. YAC will meet November 10th, 2016 at the Y&FS building. Ms. Castro asked about the advertising and noted that there is an Activities Fair at the Middle School on October 11th and she would pass out the flyers.
|
X. |
Adjournment – A motion to adjourn at 6:16 p.m. by Ms. Tiezzi seconded by Ms. Welsh and was so VOTED unanimously.
Submitted: Gerri Lewis, Clerk
|
| |
