Cultural Affairs Committee
1-12-12
5:00PM
Auditorium
Attendance: Maria Gonzalez, Ruth Gonzalez, Delois Lindsay, Sander Stotland, Joanne Creedon, Ryan Bingham, Osvaldo Rosado, Tim Waldron, Rose Ponte, Michael Maniago
Osvaldo Rosado opened the meeting at 5:05pm. Mayor Bingham made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, seconded by Sander Stotland.
Joanne Creedon reported that she was successful in finding a student to join the committee and she was looking for another to join as well. Joanne handed out a data packet on the diverseness of our schools to the group. She continued on that the schools do hold presentations by the Guidance Department but that they are not very well attended, it was discussed how to better publicize these events through social media or more handouts in schools. Additionally it was brought about that perhaps the presentations could be made in a second language as well.
Tim Waldron reported that he had sought information from the Chamber of Commerce regarding minority oriented business incentives and programs but that did not have anything, he will seek out these programs from the state level.
The topic of an event to be held in the Fall focusing on international foods/cultures was discussed, Rose Ponte reported that the Arts Culture Torrington commission is interested in working with the Committee in planning this event, she will be the liaison between the two groups. The event is tentatively planned for the end of September.
Sander Stotland reported that the Torrington Titans would be a part of the Winterfest to be held on February 4th.
The new business to be discussed at this meeting included talk of creating a Facebook page for the Committee, Tim would look into this and start putting something together.
Sander Stotland reported that there was interest in getting into an anti-bullying campaign, he said he has been on the website www.beastar.org which deals with this issue. Chief Maniago and Joanne Creedon said they would be interested in being involved in pursuing this endeavor.
Sander Stotland discussed that the Torrington Titans are interested in doing a reading program with local school and the players.
Chief Maniago said he would begin to compile the demographics of the arrests in the city and have them available for the committee.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:00pm on a motion by Joanne Creedon and seconded by Ruth Gonzalez.
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