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Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services Commission Meeting
Minutes OCTOBER 3, 2017; 5:45 pm
322 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Members Present:
Jennifer Welsh, Interim Chairman
Chief Michael Spera, Interim Vice Chairman
Jonathan Paradis, Secretary; Parks and Recreation Representative
Lisa Castro, School Counselor, Representative
Mary Ann Iadarola, Public Health Nursing Board Representative
Peter McNeil, Student Representative
Sophie Alden, Student Representative
Sharon Tiezzi, At-large member
Michael Rafferty, HCHY Rep.
Gretchen Bushnell, HCHY Rep.
Also Present:
Heather McNeil, LMFT; LADC; Director Y&FS
Gerri Lewis, Clerk
Absent:
Christi Staples, PCI Housing Representative
Sarah Anderson, Student Representative
Guests:
None
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Call to Order Ms. Welsh called the meeting to order at 5:47 pm. She welcomed attendees.
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II. |
Pledge of Allegiance Ms. Welsh led the pledge of allegiance. |
III. |
Comments from the Public – At this time, Ms. McNeil introduced and welcomed Ms. Iadarola, the Public Health Nursing Board representative. She asked Ms. Iadarola to tell the board a little about herself. Ms. McNeil thanked the PHNB for the grant.
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IV. |
Review and Approval of Minutes The minutes of September 12, 2017 were tabled. |
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V.
VI.
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Chairman’s Comments - None
Director’s Report Ms. McNeil thanked all for coming. She reported on the following:
- Return to building: Ms. McNeil reported that Dan Moran, our Facilities Director did a wonderful job coordinating all of the work on the building. She also thanked Chief Spera for facilitating the “temporary digs” at the town hall and Larry Bonin for doing the driveway.
- Introduce intern(s): Ms. McNeil passed out a brochure that they created of interns’ pictures and a brief bio of each.
- SEARCH survey Fall 2017: It was voted that the survey would be given to students in grades 9 – 12. It was voted YES to passive consent. Mr. Rafferty noted that it is a huge disadvantage not to have gr. 7-8 surveyed. The resistance was very vocal from three or four parents. The survey will be administered the week before Thanksgiving.
- Local Prevention Council: There will be a meeting after this meeting. Ms. McNeil noted that they will be talking about opiates/opioids. Chief Spera noted that there still needs to be a conversation about drugs and alcohol. Mr. Rafferty thanked Chief Spera for his interest and support. Ms. McNeil asked Chief Spera re NARCAN Events and has it been successfully used in OS. Chief Spera noted that there were 10 cases last year.
- Youth Action Council: Ms. McNeil took students to Leading with Kindness at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. They reported there were students from different grades and schools attending also. 11th gr. Student Peter McNeil and 12th grader Sophie Alden spoke about the E3 Governors Prevention Partnership. In response to questions from Commission, they reported the E3 discussions within YAC meetings help them learn more about resistance skills and how to develop healthy peer relationships without using drugs or alcohol. Ms. McNeil noted that YAC meetings involve the students in discussions and scenarios that encourage healthy decision making. Chief Spera noted that the diversity and size of the group is phenomenal. Mr. Rafferty commented on the Clinical Networking Breakfast at the Pavilion. Ms. Welsh noted that advocacy should be a regular agenda item.
Ms. McNeil passed out the spaghetti dinner flyers.
- After School Clubs – Enrollment. Grades 4-8. Ms. Castro noted that she will connect with councilors and try to find volunteers for the after school clubs. There are 92 students enrolled in first session.
Ms. McNeil discussed Operation Lighthouse. OL is the town-wide initiative to raise funds for victims of the Hurricanes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. She gave some suggestions for fundraisers. Mr. Rafferty noted that Commission members need to support the budget process.
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VII. |
Old Business – None |
VIII. |
New Business – Chief Spera reported that Detective Sam Barnes was retiring from the OSPD after serving for 20 years.
Chief Spera made a motion to recognize Detective Sam Barnes for his service to Y&FS, seconded by Ms. Tiezzi and was so VOTED unanimously.
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IX. |
Other Business - None
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X. |
Adjournment – A motion to adjourn at 6:38 p.m. by Ms. Tiezzi seconded by Ms. Alden and was so VOTED unanimously.
Submitted: Gerri Lewis, Clerk
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