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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-01-24Dryden Recreation & Youth Commission Meeting Minutes January 24, 2018 Commission members present: Stephanie Mulinos, Dave Peck, Claudia Haferkamp-Wise, Paula Klaben, Mike Thompson, Chris Sidle, Deanna Madigan, Others present: Town Board Members Kathy Servoss and Alice Green, Recreation Assistant Marty Conger, TCYSD Liaison Kris Bennett Appoint 2018 Chair - Deanna Madigan motioned to elect David Peck as the 2018 DRYC Chair. Paula Klaben seconded the motion. All members present voted aye. Motion passed. Appoint Rail Trail Liaison - Stephanie Mulinos motioned to appoint Chris Sidle to serve as the liaison to the Rail Trail committee. Deanna Madigan seconded the motion. All members present voted aye. Motion passed. Town Board Update - Alice Green is heading the search committee for a new Recreation Supervisor and is looking to the DRYC to participate. The position has been posted and there was general discussion regarding how the search will proceed (who will participate, what questions will be asked, etc). Kris and Stephanie have documents from past searches and will share them with Alice. Recreation Department - This was Marty Conger's first DRYC meeting. She provided an update on what has been going on in the Rec. Dept., including what she has been working on. Winter programming is in full swing and going well. There was discussion regarding the Summer Camp program - the Town is prepared to take on the Village of Dryden program, but it was agreed that combining it with the Freeville program (managing 2 sites) would be too much to take on this year given the staffing situation. It was suggested/requested that the Rec. Dept. website be updated to remove Jack and Rex and add Marty. Review of 2017 goals - Only one of the 2017 goals was met - Facilitation of the completion of the Fit Trail. Recreation Department staffing consumed time that had not been planned. There was discussion about the DRYC Communication plan and the need to make sure that residents know what the commission does and how it works to create value for the Town. It was suggested to do an event similar to the county's 40 Caring Adults. Fit Trail -This project has been fully funded and materials have been ordered. 2018 Goals/Working Calendar - The following program providers/groups were scheduled to attend DRYC meetings as follows: • February- Victoria - OURS/YOURS • June -Shelley- CCE* • May -Recreation Partnership • October - Dave - RYS Dave will follow up with Shelley regarding the CCE and program attendance. It is possible that additional meeting attendance may be scheduled. Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm Success Story of the Month— Martina! Martina is part of the Dryden Lunch Bunch program. Martina has proven to be a person of true character. On one day in particular an autistic participant was having a very difficult morning. Martina showed great compassion and hung out with this person until the end of the period. This was a new and admirable side to Martina's personality hat we hadn't seen yet. Monday Makers Monday Makers is all about making new friends, trying new things and em- powerment. This is program driven by the ideas of its participants. So far this fall we have been working on group games, cooking over an open fire and planning for the remainder of the semester. Monday Makers has continued to change and grow throughout with the se- mester. Our group has morphed a bit as several students have dropped out to join Activities - Leadership, Healthy sports or have become too busy. Our new Choices participants are quickly being welcomed as we continue to explore Dryden and Participants -8 ( 4 Girls/ 4 boys) play group Dates—Monday's 9/25-12/18 games. On Monday November 20th we had a special tour of the Dryden Fire Department. One of our partic- ipants helped arrange this tour. Her brother is a captain with the DFD. Community Helpers Community Helpers gets Dryden youth involved in service learning pro- jects that help better their community. This fall we finished up the demolition of the counter tops of the pavilion . This was a fun and satisfying project that got everyone involved by learning to use tools such as saws, pry bars, post hole dig- gers and hammers. We plan on continuing with the reconstruction of the counters this win- ter. This will involve much Activities - Teamwork, Mastery, Healthy Choices more attention to detail with Participants -9 ( 4 Girls, 5 Boys) ADA -8 our end result being a solid, level and useful space. Dates – Tuesdays 9/19-10/31 •N •PO4 • rl Activities -Mastery, Nature Connec- tion, Confidence Participants -10 ( 7 Girls/ 3 Boys) ADA -10 Dates: Thursdays 10/5-12/21 Lunch Bunch Primitive Pursuits provides an amazing oppor- tunity for Dryden youth to learn vital nature awareness and primitive living skills that were once common to the human experience. The group continues to gain experience with chal- lenges and games that encourage connection and profi- ciency. We have built our survival camp into something respectable adding a reflector wall, burned out containers and crafts. We have also been working on animal awareness and hiding so that we can become proficient observers of wildlife. Lunch Bunch is available to students who are passing their subjects, are up to date with their homework and are respectful in class. During the academic lab portion of students lunch period a certain number of Lunch Bunch passes are available. Lunch Bunch provides a well needed physical outlet for stu- dents. Most days activities and games are chosen by vote. This space provides an excellent space for students to express them- selves, have fun and learn to work out rules and details in a civi- lized manner. Photography Photography was made up of three components. Since every camera is different, we spent our first meeting learning the ca- pabilities of each one. We travelled to the Park Preserve for our second meeting to take photos and then finally we sat with some computers to try our hand at basic editing using GIMP. Nature Crafts Activities - Mastery, Creativity Participants -9 (1 boys/ 8 girls) Dates: Tuesdays 12/5-12/19 Activities - Healthy Choices, Positive Social Setting Participants-70ish between 6 20 min. groups- Activities roups- Activities - Marketable Skills, Creativity Participants -7 ( 4 boys/ 3 girls) Dates: Nov. 1, 8, 15 Page 2 DRYDEN YOUTH PROGRAMS Wolf Mountain Field 'Trip On October 30th a van load of Dryden students headed off to Wolf Mountain Nature Center for a wonderful afternoon. Our guide, Will, was a passionate expert on wild canines and spoke with devo- tion about the animals at the sanctuary. It was clear that the cen- ter's mission was to inform, educate and hope for the public to rec- ognize the value of wild dogs in our world. Everyone loved the visit. The wolves, coyotes and foxes were close up for viewing. Will saved feeding for the time of our visit so we were able to experience the animals up close. RYS in the Classroom— Activities - Environmental Awareness, Empathy Participants -7 ( 5 Girls/2 Boys) Date: October 30th On Friday November 3rd approximately 30 of Eric Reiswe- bers Dryden High School Science students were treated to a half day wilderness survival intensive. Students learned about priorities, shelter building, water purification, fire building and more. Activities - Critical Thinking, Team- work Participants—Approximately 30 Date: Friday, November 3rd Iron Chef Session s 1 & 2 Iron Chef provides a fun and exciting cooking expe- rience where teams work together to create well plat- ed dishes. Teams success to based on teamwork, cre- ativity, use of ingredients as well as clean up. This season Janelle Vvoung, an Iron Chef veteran, helped judge the competition. Activities - Healthy Habits, Teamwork Participants -24 (14 Girls/ 10 Boys) Dates: 11/29-12/20 DECEMBER 13TH, 2017 This was a hands on experience that helped lay the foundation of critical wilderness skills as well as tie in important sus- tainability concepts that the classes have been exploring. Page 3 Upcoming -Programs WINTER 2o18 Find info at: hltpd/ccelompkin&org/4,h-vouth/rural-youth services/rvs-program-slies/dryden4reevilIeI :DavO'Hal! ein; Yo,ith Prbgtala M .... -015 Will Ithaca;14Y' 14856``' (607) rM2-2292 ext, 223 Vibrout Commonities ulith Building Strong 41,[F ve Vibrout Commonities ulith AA�Mmm . 3$t a OJ MF 0 ........ .. .. L AMC �%Ap, This semester, the Thursday Mentors -in -Training program has inspired an increased sense of leadership and camaraderie in its members. In the past, 13 -year-old Lakota has sometimes struggled to maintain positive relationships with his peers. Since becoming a mentor -in -training, Lakota has taken to his new role with great success. Lakota has been overheard managing conflicts between younger program participants in a helpful way, suggesting that they ask an adult for guidance. He facilitated a conversation between his brother and a neighbor with whom he had previously had conflicts, suggesting that they have "no hard feelings" moving forward. Lakota told his brother and their other peer to leave conflict out of 4H. During the van ride home, Lakota asked a group of noisy peers to quiet down so the driver could focus on getting everyone home safely, completely unprompted. It is clear that Lakota feels a sense of pride and responsibility attached to his role as a mentor -in -training, as well he should. Cornell University mentors who have worked with Lakota in the past have commented on his more mature and helpful presence this semester. Lakota's new leadership role in 4H seems to inspire him to follow 4H safety guidelines, interact positively with mentors and fellow mentees, and model conflict resolution tactics for his younger peers. We are excited to see what leadership roles Lakota takes on next! At Mentor Mondays, mentors and mentees spend the first part of program engaging in one-on-one activities, such as reading, crafting, or homework help. After snack, mentor-mentee pairs come together to participate in activities with the larger group. These activities have included fun and active games such as monkey ball, "What Time is it, Mr. Fox?" and nature walks on the trails surrounding 4H Acres. One week, the group divided their time among three science stations, where mentor-mentee pairs did penny -shining experiments, learned how a candle flame can be extinguished using only a mason jar, and made autumn wreaths with leaves collected outside. Mentor Mondays is all about building positive, healthy relationships, whether with a trusted adult or a peer. As a group, Monday mentees have been doing an excellent job at program and have really enjoyed bonding with their mentors. While conflicts inevitably arise between peers, mentees have been practicing self-regulation techniques such as taking space, trying a new activity, or finding an adult during a conflict. OUNIOM MUM M REPORT: DfARR 2011 1 ,...:, = I Tech Tuesdays are all about STEM! Program participants designed a personal rocket with a team of mentors and use science kits to construct a real-life working version of their design. Fall Tech Tuesdays are a great introduction to the Spring Tech Tuesdays program, which will transport program participants to Cornell campus every week to engage in a diversity of STEM -related activities with on -campus partners such as the Lab of Ornithology, Cornell ChemE Car, the Fuentes Observatory, and others! The mentees who attend Tech Tuesdays seem engaged and interested in the project, but recruitment and regular attendance continue to be a challenge for this group. Several youth who are natural Jeaders have decided not to return to program this year, which may be a contributing factor to a lack of interest from other teens in the parks. My strategy for next semester is to focus recruitment specifically on teens; I plan to meet with school staff to identify students who may be interested and do a door-to-door campaign throughout the parks with the help of mentors. At Tf iursday Litercicjr, l?rogr�rri participants chid ttielr rne`nt6ts.usuaily begin , ,^progra r viritl� cis:active game; which,hefpsyr�uth ne se pent-up energy and ,clear their:minds, for the restof program: Tide rest:of'c ur"rlmq loge*or is, ; ::dedicatedo reading; writing and learning)":Mentees r�iay,selecfi.ci baok:of their " ,choice from 4H"s library and,work with their I_ Im, erif6 � f6read if=-'w'm11'e'mentees g4,t,saexcitbd about their choice ho they,`,fd <�.:fihe book") tome fo finish? Mentees.havi also engaged in funv+iritiiig eXercises, such: as writ"irtg`gnd 'shar'ing >,ari;autobi ra<. p.h Y ,,Most mentees really enioj reading ono.;6 i 6newith their.rrierifb s..F6r those high-ene ,gy.youth who are not as interested in these activities:.lfbas,been ::::.- . ;helpful to redirect fo,a 'qulet activity such as Le os, F�elp preparing, snack.With -a wide range of interests, ThursdayUteracy mentees have -bee ' finding skit)-lauildJI_g pciivities that„keep tllein sr gaged” ndleamingl: OURSIYOURS PROGRAM REPORT: DECEMBER 2011 2 As the semester winds down, we are sad to know that regular weekly OURS/YOURS programming will come to a close when the Cornell students go on break. However, we are looking forward to a winter jam-packed with fun activities! Here are a few programs we are looking forward to this winter: IN fRIDAI WILDERNESS EXPLORATIONS: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011 Many of our mentees have expressed a keen interest in hiking, survival skills, and nature. During this program, we will start with a nature hike through the 4H Acres trails, learning about animal tracking and identification. We will spend time learning and practicing shelter -building, and will end with a bonfire! SEW fUN: JANUARY 2011 Since the beginning of program, mentees can't stop talking about Sew Fun! This program is a favorite among the youth, who are proud of their creations and eager to share their sewing skills with the group. One of our mentees, Nikki, proudly showed me the pillow she created in last year's program. Shyanne reported that she is eager to work with the sewing machines at program; she sews at home "all the time" by hand, as she doesn't have a sewing machine. These returning participants are ready to share their knowledge and skills with newer program attendees. WINTER OLYMPICS: FEBRUARY 2011 CCE Program Managers from Dryden, Enfield, and Danby are planning to bring youth together for a day of fun, fitness, and friendly competition! Youth will be divided into teams and compete in winter -themed activities such as snow sculpture, sledding, and others to be determined. This will be a great opportunity to practice social skills and sportsmanship with peers, especially because it will include a bigger group of youth to engage with. OURS190M PROGRAM REPORT: KUMBfR 2017 4 IT4.0 .. Updates for Dryden Recreation & Youth Commission, December, 2017 YearsofCreating From Kris Bennett, Tompkins County Youth Services Department ring Communities TOMPKINS COUt'TY Y(Hri'H hFAVIUS TATAWMEXT • The county budget passed and includes a 2% increase to municipalities so they can provide COLA increases to programs and agencies. Total county funding approved for 2018 for Dryden is $32,603, an increase of $639. State funding for 2018 is still being projected at the same level as last year. I attended a meetings on Nov. 8 of the group discussing Dryden community space/center and sharing information about available services and opportunities. Stephanie was also there. We learned about Ask Pearl, a free phone app that lists local community events in the greater Ithaca area. It could easily include more Dryden area information and seems worth talking about to answer the need raised by the DRYC about how to share information with area residents. The group also discussed hosting a few "pop up" events such as a middle school social night with karaoke and/or games. More to follow, next meeting is on 12/18. I attended the full-day Collective Impact summit on Nov. 29. 1 met John Weaver, director of quality assurance and program improvement at William George Agency (GJR). GJR is interested in collaborating more with the community. I asked whether GJR has any space that could be used by the community for programs, recreation, events. He said yes! They have a gym, a pool, meeting rooms, fields. Since T. Dryden sometimes has challenges finding space for recreation, I suggest checking to see if this resource might help. John's contact info is 844-6382, weaver@girmail.com. He can connect the inquiry to the appropriate person at GJR. Dryden Recreation & Youth Commission Monthly Meeting D.ece�fa�-�1..3,_.20�at 7:00 PM /'C�'4o Dryden Town Hall 1. Welcome & Instructions 2. Action Items a. October Minutes b. 2018 Commission Chair/Vice Chair 3. Reports a. Town Board Update b. Recreation Department c. TCYSD Report d. CCE Report e. RYC, OURS & YE Reports f. Other committee reports 4. Discussion Items a. Old Business i. Fit Trail ii. DRYC Website/member recruitment b. New Business i. Goal review/annual report 2017 Goals 1. Facilitate the completion of the Fit Trail Project 2. Recreation Reserve allocation plan recommendation. 3. DRYC Communication Plan 5 min. 15 min. 15 min. 45 mins. Members Stephanie Muhnos (2018) Claudia Haferkamp-Wise (2017) Paula Klaben (2017) Dave Peck (2017) Deanna Madigan (2018) Diane Pamel (2018) 3 vacancy (2018) Kris Bennett, TCYSD Rep. Bryan Ford, School Rep. Da n La m b & Kathy Servoss, Town Board Reps..