Cultural Affairs Committee
2-27-12 ~ 5:00PM
Auditorium
Attendance: Osvaldo Rosado, Sander Stotland, A. Bates Lyons, Chief Michael Maniago, Ruth Gonzalez, Maria Conzalez, DeLois Lindsay, Bill Battle, Rose Ponte, Tim Waldron, Brian Mattiello, Joanne Creedon, Zamir DeJesus
The meeting was called to order at 5:00pm. Rose Ponte made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, seconded by Tim Waldron.
Joanne Creedon reported that the PTO was holding a presentation on the responsibilities of the Guidance Department on March 1st, additionally, a presentation entitled Education vs. Incarceration is to be held on March 1st from 4-6pm at THS. Joanne introduced THS student Zamir DeJesus who would be joining the committee as a liaison from the High School.
Tim Waldron reported on the various business incentive programs for minorities that existed and that it may be helpful to compile a list of these to make it easy to hand out to interested individuals. Rose Ponte added that the State Department of Economic and Community Development had recently started an express business program to make it easier for those interested in opening or expanding their business.
Chief Maniago address the Hartford Courant article regarding traffic stops and ticketing of minority groups. He reported that this is something they take seriously and they feel that the TPD follows all procedures when making stops and issuing tickets.
Bill Battle reported that he has reached out to Sallie Mae in order to hold more financial aid presentations for parents.
Rose Ponte reported that the International Expo was moving forward in partnership with the Arts Culture Torrington Committee, she is seeking members of the Cultural Affairs to join a sub-committee to plan this event.
Brian Mattiello reported that Charlotte Hungerford Hospital was in the process of compiling their Diversity Action Plan.
Sander Stotland of the Torrington Titans announced that they will be holding an anti-bullying event in partnership with the WWE program Be A Star. The event will be held on July 18th at 11am. He added that they are in the process of working with State Representative Michelle Cook to put together a reading program.
A motion was made to adjourn by DeLois Lindsay, seconded by Sander Stotland. The meeting was adjourned at 5:57pm.
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