Torrington Cultural Affairs Committee
Minutes
8/11/11
Call to order 5:05 PM
Present- Osvaldo Rosado, Chief Michael Maniago, Mayor Ryan Bingham, A. Bates Lyons, Stephen Nocera, Jim Elliot, Bill Battle
Old business-
Osvaldo updated the group on his work with the welcome packet idea. General Welcome Packet discussions ensued. Jim Elliot brought information and contacts for Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Chief Maniago brought information for the Police Department and Emergency Services, Stephen Nocera handed out contact information for the City Hall and City services. There was discussion about looking at what other communities have as far as Welcome Packets. Osvaldo talked about Oliver Wolcott producing the Welcome Packet, and suggested that they were going back to school soon and it would be a perfect time.
Osvaldo read an email with suggestions on what the group could be doing. It included suggestions about kids activities, awareness of drugs and alchohol, and local transportation. There was general discussion on what the City already offered as far as DARE, PAL, Charlotte Hungerford Programs. Chief Maniago and Jim Elliot were going to team up and see if there was opportunity to expand some of the existing programming to be more accessible. Mayor Bingham is going to get information about Bus Routes from NW CT Transit District.
New Business
Bates Lyons suggested getting a list of Churches, their phone numbers and service schedules to put into the Welcome Packet. Osvaldo decided to take the lead on getting that information. Mr. Lyons further suggested that we use this Welcome Packet and team up with what the Board of Education is doing with their Welcome Packet for newborns in Torrington. Mr. Lyons also talked about the need to outreach into local churches where people feel more comfortable listening to important subjects like parental involvement in their childrens education, as well as learning information from local law enforcement.
Bill Battle opined about parental involvement, had issues with Board of Education meetings not involving parents enough. Mr. Lyons suggested that they use other means of communication, that a Board of Education meeting might not be as efficient as phone calls to Administration, emails, and one on one problem solving.
Next Meeting is September 8th, 5PM at Council Chambers, City Hall
Meeting Adjourned at 5:45 PM
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