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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20090114 - Youth Commission - Meeting Minutes HOPKINTON YOUTH COMMISSION Minutes – January 14, 2009 Present : Sue Hadley, Nadine Stewart, Kim Harvey, Kim Hesse, Ken Johnson, Linda Katz, Suzan Culver, Ron Foisy, Cheryl Perreault, Margie Wiggin, Cody Johnson , Colin Engstrom Students visitors : Laura Babcock, Devin McAvoy, Kate Martire, Thiago Mendes, Gretchen Sileo, John Davis Nadine Stewart called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM at the 1st Congregational Church. Minutes of the November meeting were approved. The group sincerely thanked Linda Katz for her hard work on the upcoming Martin Luther King Day event. Ron reported on the “In Control” program. A pilot was held on Dec 22. Financial support was provided by Phipps and Commerce Insurance. There is a good article in paper today. It was agreed Ron, Sue Hadley, and Kim Harvey would work with the business community for future sponsorship. Sue will help develop a partnership with SADD whose goal this year is to address risky driving. The Commission agreed to promote this program. Ken Johnson and Phil Powers reported on the work on the skate park. This has been a great cooperative effort between YC, Parks and Rec, Police Dept, High school, Middle school, and teens. Brian is working on securing a BOSE system for a raffle and permits are being pursued. Issues with revolving cash acct seem to be resolved (? Ron is going to pursue this with Town Accountant) Police Union has donated $500. In spring there will be a ribbon cutting tying in the Fredette family ( Hank started the skate park). Sue Hadley reported for beFree. Networking coffees continue in January and February. Area coalitions are working on new materials for a “social marketing” campaign. Concern was raised over our ability to contribute funds. Grants fund will expire this month. Jane and Sue have agreed to stay on one day a week as volunteers. A youth concert will be held this Saturday – concern was raised over Youth Comm. Paying a user fee for the space – Nadine will pursue. It was agreed to try and keep fee at door low but youth indicated they would pay more. Phil Powers reported on a grant to the Police Dept to enforce laws around underage drinking. Question was asked on enforcement as opposed to prevention/intervention. This grant was for enforcement. There was discussion on continued search for grant money for a YC/beFree staff position – Dorothy Maruska continues to work on this. The list circulated by Brian Eberlin did not appear to present any opportunities. Suzan Culver reported on the upcoming speaker on the teenage brain (Feb 3, 1st Congregational Church). The church will pay speaker, It Takes a Village will try to provide water bottles. Sue Hadley will get the flier to other towns. Cheryl will work on an e-flier to parents thru the schools. Colin Engstrom reported for the Youth Commission Club. They are currently working on MLK Day projects including lunch for the seniors at the sr. center . Kim Hesse reported that the Early Release Day Program sub-committee is meeting to work on expanding offerings for grades 6-9. Next Early Rel day will be March 4. Teens present were asked to participate. Nadine suggested out reach to John Barclay at the Y and Michele Paine. Colin will try to bring some teens to end of January meeting. Linda reported on the upcoming Martin Luther King Day of Giving. The Commission warmly thanked her for her work. New Chairmen will be needed for next year – Anne and Linda will stay involved. Sen Spilka and Rep Dyekma will attend. Nadine said acting Fire Chief Ken Clark will also attend. Assistance may be needed at 12 to clean up. Concern over snow was raised – Nadine will follow up with school building and grounds to be sure school is open and plowed. Off-site events will also happen at Sr Center and Library. Linda reviewed the many activities taking place. Phil will be sure the policemen are aware of lunch at Fire station. Linda discussed “constant contact” software her husband will assist YC with. beFREE is now using this software to keep in touch with their network. Kim Hesse agreed to work on this. All Youth Commission members and sub-committees should forward her contact names – they can be kept in sub-groups. It was agreed to again not participate in the high school Wellness Fair this year. Cody Johnson briefly discussed her role as link between high school and middle school. She is working with the Middle School Student Council. New Business: Ron brought up the idea of better utilizing the Boston Marathon to engage youth. Note : this year is the 20th anniversary of Dana Farber; Brian Herr, BOS Chairman has run all 20. Next year will mark the 250th anniversary of marathoning. Margie will contact Tim Kilduff about ways to engage youth. NEXT MEETING Feb 11 – 1st Congregational church March 11 – 1st congregational church April 8 – Town Hall basement May 13 – Town Hall basement