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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-07Dryden Youth Commission Minutes, April 7, 2009 Present: Justin DiMatt.eo, Cynthia Waterman, Tom Fuchs, InShik Lee, JoEllen Bailey; Kris Bennett, Melissa Bianconi, Linda,Schoffel, David Hall, Jeri Handy, Julie Newman Tom called the meeting to order at 6:35. Introductions were made. Minutes from Feb. were approved unanimously. Report from CCE's Rural Youth Services and OURS Programs: General program updates annual report Dave — See report & list of spring program offerings. Primitive Pursuits starting a new cycle, expecting more kids to sign up. A 3 -day Adirondack trip is planned next week as part of the large; countywide PP program, 8 Dryden kids will attend (out of a total of 1.4 kids & 3 adults). HOPE program has done boundary work at Lime Hollow; next will work at SPCA. Teen challenge groups offer a lunchroom alternative at school. Winter Hiking went well but didn't use snowshoes as much as hoped; tailors program to kids' interests. Cooking & Eating had some new kids step into leadership roles, they moved outdoors at the end of the program. New offerings include letterboxing, new games, cooking, animal programs. Summer will include new Jr. Fire Academy, Adam (fire dept.) has done lots of planning, hoping for 25 kids to sign up, ages 11 -14 (negotiable). Jen — has been running shorter programs to get to know the kids. Some girls signed up for everything (but this raises issues of new kids entering a program that includes a core.of continuing kids)! Board Game Bonanza — kids critiqued games; designing own game for others to play. Girls Group#encourages a sense of connection & good communication, shows women as role models. 4 attended the Sister2Sister event. Get Fit program got kids moving & included healthy snacks. Julie — OURS currently has ~50 Cornell. volunteers working with kids and acting as mentors and role models. A core group of volunteers has continued which has been good for the participants. Monday Mentorilg had a Howland grant for supplies and a lending library. 2 youth, ages 7 & 12, who had moved out of the district have re- joined with positive results (especially for the 1;2 year old who's become involved in the juvenile justice system). Teen Leadership Council is involved with United Way's Youth and Philanthropy FOCUS project, learning about grant making and identifying needs in their community. They will have $3000 to award. Friday Fun program includes activity choices of nutritional cooking, arts & crafts or fitness. They are doing grant writing and community building•to raise money to build benches, install playground equipment and do green space cleanup at Hanshaw Village. Also did some gender. specific programming. OURS is using a rewards program to encourage positive behavior of youth; includes self - assessment and evaluation of participants. Discipline is working better, the program has• stable, organized and dynamic mentors and has Julie to coordinate and keep structure in place. Linda — Apologized for not having a budget report, there are still bookkeeping office issues. She hopes they'll be resolved soon. She distributed Duck Race forms, this is a significant fundraiser for CCE. She walked DYC members through the annual reports, pointing out especially the large number of youth who participated in multiple programs and the success story written by each program manager. CCE's input on needs assessment (youth needs strengths trends issues) • Increase in kids transitioning, moving to /from schools, less stability • Kids are physically out of shape, more sedentary, less time outside • Kids waiting around after school without function, waiting for parents to pick them up; also latchkey kids home alone after school. • Some kids are emotionally detached, not able to reflect, show compassion or emotional intelligence. Circle of Courage program is helpful. • Most kids are function well when in the program, are at ease with program managers and meet expectations. • Kids need opportunities for creativity,_ basic structures for discovery, freedom, leadership. Kids step up when given opportunities for leadership �. Boys need time for physical activity (teen challenges help) • Not enough outdoor play spaces, especially in mobile home parks. Some older kids bully younger ones in outdoor play areas. • Having older kids who can model good behavior with younger ones i a big help. Boys especially need appropriate (not aggressive) male role models. Girls need role models demonstrating self - confidence, capability, independence. Some girls need others to define who they are and are clingy. Increase in sexual activity at younger ages. OURS has helped adults in mobile home parks get to know one another; this has helped build more community and trust. Needs assessment — next steps Cynthia reported on her conversation with the Southworth Library staff. They love having die youth jobs (funded by DYC) and think they are very successful. Having teens working in the library brings other young people into the library, they hope this will encourage a library culture. The library offers youth programs, advertise for ages 12 -18; primarily younger kids who want to be in a "teen" program participate. Justin has arranged for MSIHS social worker Kate 13enas to attend the May 12 meeting. Kris will email her the meeting agenda when it's ready. Justin is also trying to get a copy of a DCSD powerpoint shared recently with the board that he thought might be of interest. JoEllen heard back from Margaret Ryan that someone from Dryden Police Dept. will attend the June 9 meeting. Kris suggested adding the OURS FOCUS group to the June 9 agenda, their project included a needs assessment. All agreed, Kris will ask Julie. Kris will also ask Julie to be sure to invite DYC members to the FOCUS project's completion celebratory event. Recreation updates 50 -70 attended Friday Fun Nights at TC3. Father /daughter Valentine dance in Varna was very successful, ~50 couples attended. Hosted 2 big sports tournaments (basketball, wrestling). Spring sports registration is underway: boys & girls lacrosse, track & field. Summer Music in the Park planning is underway for both V. Dryden and Ellis hollow locations. Red Cross babysitting classes have maxed out, some have problem with the fee. Dryden Rec. staff are now taking charge of the Recreation Master Plan, will be making some changes and hope a revised draft will be ready by May. Will share a copy with DYC. Applied to Dryden FOCUS project for funds to support improvements at Montgomery Park, skate park (trash barrels, benches), Wall St.. park (seating). Water Wizards program may not be able to happen because of transportation issues. Melissa hopes the Rec. Dept. can get a van eventually. Kris will share info with Melissa on local foundations that may be able to help. DYC Amival Report Kris shared a draft annual report, compiled from the funded programs' reports and other relevant info. A few revisions were requested; Kris will make them and email the revised document for all to review. DYC members liked the photos Kris added to the cover and the overall document. Other Kris shared info about the upcoming countywide Finding Your Voice youth empowerment conference to be held May 9 at the Clarion in Ithaca. There will be many workshop offerings. The conference is limited to 125 youth, grades 9 -12. Cost is $10. Conference brochure and registration form are available at www tomgkins- co.orglyouth State budget is finally passed; there will be cuts but smaller than anticipated earlier. q • Next meeting Tues. May 12, 6:30 PM at Dryden Town Hal I. I your lJdrydnyc /agndmins/2009 1ayril minute$ Dryden Youth C,'ommission Minutes, Mays J.2,2009 Present; Tom Fuchs, Steph Ulle McConnell, Justin DiMatteo, Cynthia Watemian, Kim Schenck. JoEllen Bailey, In hik Lee, Linda Schoffel (O If ), Kris Bennett ( S), Kate Benas (Dryden Middle/High Schools social worker and homeless liaison for the district) After introductions, minutes frona April were approved as written_ _Youth needs assessment — report On trend s_from school perspective Kate Benas presented last night to the BOB, on services provided by social workers. Issues/needs Poverty! 41 "/a of youth in district line in poverty. Poverty contributes to drug use, physical abuse, lack of''access to counseling, medical, eye and dental care, and parental depression, `T'ransportation — Town is 1 10 square inIIes, Flo late buses run, making it difficult for kids . Without transportation to participate in after school activities_ The McLean program was developed to serve the needs of kids without transportation but have little info on demographics of who is served and outcomes, Lack ofllome supervision and/or kids who don't want to go home after school; stay at school as late as possible bleed additional after schooI. pivgralnmIng — could contribute to helping motive kids, help co3inect their education with their future -- Teen center With services (menial health, Advocacy Center, DS S, Learning Web, surmier lobs, etc.) Dryden currently brings sortie agency staff' into the schools but it would be better at a center with transportation to shuttle kids from school Mental health — would 11 k a DS sate Iite office M Dryden Need for adult mentors Drugs - Fconomic hardship exposes kids to drugs, lack of supervi lion provide opportunity to access drugs from home cabinets Job loss — in some fainilies. the economy has caused both parents to lose jobs. Laek of transportation for adults means difficult connecting with services that are based 131 Ithaca. Homelessness and housing insecurity, Fan7ilies do not know that they can keep their children in Dryden schools even if they lose their housing in Dryden. High number of students with Iearning disabilities needing hands -on activities and learning; not enough space in schools for these learning options_ Kids can't go to BOCES until I ILIL grade_ Assets Lots of smart kids who would help with starting a teen center. Would like to start /see someone else launch a peer mentoring program, (Currently D14S doe, 110t requIre conimunIty Service In order to graduate; adding this requirement could further engage kids in their community for both mentoring and a teen center.} Linda Schoffel described briefly a peer mentoringprogram in'Irumansburg and offered to talk more with Kate about this. The Tburg program receives some support from Rotary, Changes in CCE's Dryden youth Services' staffing expected Linda distributed program reports. She notified DYC that Jeri Handy is reluctantly resigning her ,5 1�TE position in Dryden and will work full time with the Ithaca Youth Bureau and the Youth Council. She will finish her Dryden programs June 10 and use 2.5 weeks of vacation, ending June 26. Julie Ne-vvman (OURS coordinator, currently working 20 hrs/wk) is interested in increasing to 30 -35 hrs /wk and could take on many of Jen's hours. Linda would be happy with this. Julie and the OURS program volunteers are interested in expanding to Little Creek MEP which has �35 kids of the right age. This population would be served one day /week in separate programming from the current OURS program. Discussion followed about whether using increased hours for more OURS programming at Little Creek, rather than general RYS programming, is what DYC wants. DYC agreed that expanding Julie's hours makes sense but does not want to lose the programming Jen has been providing. if Julie works 35 hrs/week. she could otfcr 1 after school and 2 in- school programs /week (in addition to maintaining current OURS hours). Being in school would increase the likelihood that she could interest OURS participants to enroll in RYS programs. She would probably have access to the van, funded by the Town, to help with transportation. In addition, she will offer 2 programs this summer, possibly one at Little Creek to connect with this population. Linda will keep Kris informed about how this evolves. Kris reported rni the recent OURS program end -of -year event that went very well. Youth participants in this year's United Way FOCUS project came from OURS teen leadership council. They made 4 grants, totaling $3000, to Dryden projects. They will come to June DYC meeting to share insights from the process. DYC Annual Report distribution Kris passed out copies of the completed annual report; it is already on DYC website. Stephanie will share with V. Freeville trustees, JOEllen with V. Dryden trustees, Tom & Cynthia with T. Dryden board, Justin with Dryden school board. Other Kris spoke with Meghan Cerveny from the Youth Horticulture Apprentice Program; they are busy trying to recruit 2 Dryden youth for the paid summer jobs, having some difficulty finding youth. Kris suggested she connect with Dave Hall, Jen Handy or Linda. Will keep in touch. V. Dryden camp is looking for a new director. Kris has provided help to Deb Marrotte on a job description, advertising and possible places/ways to recruit. Brooktondale camp will have the same director as last year. Budget — Kris distributed revised 2009 budget showing a decrease in expected state funding. Actual figures are still not available. 2010 will be tough, some 2009 fiuiding is one -time only and additional state and county cuts are expected. Plan for June 9 meeting, JoFllen has confirmation that a rep. from Dryden Police will attend (not sure whether it will be Chief Ryan). She will confirm. Julie Newman will also attend with a couple OURS FOCUS participants. Meeting adjourned at 7:55 PN41 youLWdrydnydsgixlmins'2009 nwy mimucs • Dryden Youth Commission ® Minutes, June 9, 2009 Present: DYC members Tom Fuchs, JoEllen Bailey, InShik Lee, Stephanie McConnell, Justin DiMatteo; CCE OURS program participants Shyanne Hoff, Alissa Patte, Jeremy Zimmer, parent Sharon Patte, OURS leader Julie NeNwnan; Dryden Police Chief Margaret Ryan; county liaison Kris Bennett Tom called the meeting to order at 6:35. Introductions were made. Minutes from May were approved. Youth Needs Assessment — OURS FOCUS Participants Middle schoolers from the OURS teen leadership council participated in this year's United Way FOCUS 6 week program, learning about grants and awarding $3000 to 4 local organizations. Alissa told about the grants to Etna Baptist Church for repair of its steeple and to Dryden Community Cafe for a handicap accessible ramp and stage. Jeremy talked about the grant to Dryden Ree. Dept. for new benches, tables, fencing, etc. at Ackley field & basketball hoops at Nlontgomery Park. Shyanne described the grant to Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service to train 2 Dryden residents. Julie plans a fieldtrip for FOCUS participants to see all funded projects later in the year and will follow up with Rotary which had said it would recruit FOCUS participants to help with building the cafe ramp. The young people said there were 2 other applications that were not funded, babysitting classes and parenting ed. classes. Jeremy said "I felt powerful" for his role in this project. Alissa said "i like being alive" to explain the importance of the suicide prevention training. The young people next talked about needs facing Dryden youth. Primary is a need for a place for kids ® to hang out after school. There is a need for space both in school and in the community, preferably several community spaces spread throughout Dryden. Kids need access to outdoor space so they aren't "in dark rooms playing video games." They described their involvement with a community beautification project at Hanshaw Village. OURS had received a small grant and worked with the landlord to recruit many residents — youth and adults — to help with a community build day. There are now swings, playground equipment, picnic tables and plans for more! Many volunteers created a real sense of ownership. DYC members commended the youth and Julie for their good work and thanked them for coming. Julie distributed program manager reports (Dave, Jen & hers) and briefly reviewed her report. She is recruiting kids for summer programming and planning one lunchtime and one after school program for the fall. Youth Needs Assessment —Law Enforcement Perspective Chief Margaret Ryan referred to the 2006 needs assessmeni and said it is still relevant, the issues still exist. Looking not just at T. Dryden but at Tompkins County, there has been an increase in juvenile arrests with more juvenile delinquents than ever before, showing that crimes are more serious and require more court time (less diversion from court). Highest number of juvenile cases in 14 years at the County Attorney's office, increases in violence levels and in mental health issues for juveniles. She reported seeing problem behaviors in younger children than in the past and reported that the Probation Dept. now has probation officers as a regular presence in elementary schools. This is helping to get needed interventions earlier. These county increases reflect national trends. Additionally, she reported that across NY, there is a 31% Ofailure rate for high school graduation. Chief Ryan said she is not sure that state diversion efforts have produced the results that were hoped for — lower violence, crime, recidivism. Other problem behaviors she noted are youth use of alcohol (including by elementary aged students), violent behaviors including assault, weapons possession and sex crimes at a young age, misuse of technology (cyber bullying, sexting in which youth email intimate. photos). Dryden Police Dept. sees some children and families repeatedly_ Poverty and differences in income levels create problems too; she cited the example of a girl who had stolen multiple cell phones since she didn't have one of her own and wanted one like all her friends, There are some geographic "hot spots`' which are often lower income areas where there is higher call volument For police assistance_ Slie said trends 111 Dryden appear to be similar to national trends- Ch Ryan referred to several programs happeni ng in other places that have doe unnented unproved outcomes for young people, What these programs have in common is concentrated, early intervention with farnI1 -1es — working on parenting skills and family interactions lead to better youth outcomes including high school graduation rags; less crime. She said it is i nnportant to start young and include the familyL These interventions are cost effective {as compared with higher costs for youth who have dropped out, n t, are involved the criminal justice system, etc.} She would like to see atlentiion focused on family events to engage the Dryden population. She also stated the need for safe, hang -out places for younng people, DYC members thanked Chief Ryan Cor her presentation and lier ongoing concern for youth in Dryden. Needs Assessment Write Un DYC wants to include the surnmary of this year's need assessment with its request for funding proposals which will be sent out in July. Stephanie agreed to compile zone page summary from meeting nsinutcs K ris will entail her. Aer draft will be shared electronically with alt DYC members for review. Stephanie raised the issue of wheth or, in light of Chief Ryan's comments. DYC should reconsider whether to serve younger children with its programming. Kris gave a brief overview of the Primary School program, i:unded through her Dept. that serves young children and their famiI Ies in Dryden. We also ire i~',lected on Linda's overview to a older kid/younger kid mentoring program that could be offered in Dryden by CCE. Budget update Tied to the above, Kris distributed revised 2009 income sheets_ Due to less NAY state aid than anticipated, DYC needs to reduce its current year allocations by $1214. Kris had spoken with Linda Schoffel about anticipated saving ,s by Julie working fewer h��urs than Jen; this will save approximately $1000, in addition, the Youth Horticulture Apprentice Program has not been successful in fi lling one of its slots. InShik moved, Stephanie seconded a proposal to reduce Youth IIorticulture by 1 000 and Dryden Youth Services by $214, Motion passed unanimous. Iris will notify all parties. Looking ahead to 2.010, county cuts are anticipated and DYC will likely have 4500046000 less than this year. 1) YC members discussed asking the To *-n of Dryden board to provide more than their required matching funds to mitigate the cuts, especially in light of the needs described to DYC over the last few months, Annual Reports 3oElIen shared the D YC annual report with V. Dryden trustees curd the new mayor; Stephanie did the same with V. Free vilie trustees. Done had questions. Tom is scheduled for June 10 with T. Dryden board; Justin is scheduled with Dryden School board on June 22 . Soliciting 201{} ) rogram fundiny, agnlicutions Kris distributed oopies of last vear's paperwork for review, In light of the anticipated budget reductions, DYC members agreed to not solicit applications trout new program providers, They will invite re- applications from current and recently funded programs only. DYC Minutes Page 2 June 9, 2009 Monitoring Kris distributed monitoring sheets. All reviewed the program they agreed to monitor. And of course, any DYC member can visit any funded program. Other Kris reported that V. Dryden camp has a new director, a Dryden special ed. teacher. She will email DYC members the director's name. DYC members set Aug. 12, 6:30 PM for its next meeting. Representatives from funded summer programs will be asked to attend - V. Dryden youth jobs (JoEllen will arrange), V. Freeville youth jobs (Stephanie will arrange),13rooktondale Summer Camp & Youth Horticulture Apprentice Program (Kris will arrange.) The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM, youUi ldr}-dnyc /ngiximins/20041june minuias DYC Minutes Page 3 June 9, 2009 Dryden Youth Commission Mims #cs, August 1, 009 Present; Tom Fuchs C +nthia Waterman, t } V�late ephanie 117corunell, Jo�'�llen Bailey, Iris BcnneCk; ucsts: Meghan Ceraeny (CCE's Youth Horticulture Apprentice Program); Mick Dunlop and Michelle Ciaschi (Brooktondale Camp) Torn welcomed a11, introductions were made_ Departs liom D Y funded programs: Youth Horticulture Apprentige Program Meghan shared photos from this summer's project at the Ithaca Children's Garden at Cass Park, Ithaca. DYC funds a summer job for one T. Dryden youth employee. (who attends LA 5 his photo was featured in the July article in the Ithaca Journal). Other youth employees are funded through other sources. This summer's projects included: building 2 deer -proof gates into the vegetable garden, shade structures, a pergola and benches; constructing a lame bird's nest and bird garden ('with a gaunt li7o n the Cornell Ornithology Lab); mulching (on Ithaca Commons), weeding, planting; making wind C.iiUnes and clay pot people; rebuilding the swings, Meghn ui tries to balance hard work with fun. She brings in resource people including CC.E's master composters, experts on nutrition, 1Iami entrepreneurship, landscape design and they did oft =site visits to expand gardening knowledge though lack of transportation Ili-nits their ability to get off site. YHAP also worked with the Urban 4H youth participants. Mouth are all hard workers who are enjoying their work experience. 'Phis summer they piloted a farm druid to sell some of their produce but it was not well attended. Other produce is used by garden visitors and program participants. Me&ai would Iike to expand the program in the future so work can also take place in the spring and fall; this could involve either pmd positions or volunteers_ This summer the Chi I drer's Garden hosted a community celebration for Gala's (the stone turtle) birthday. The Children's Garden also needs signage_ Brookto�ndale Summ am er Camp Nick. Dunlop is in Iris 3`� year as camp director; Michelle (an IC D teacher's aide) is in her first as assistant director. DC funds slots for T. Dryden youth to attend the camp; this year 4 Dryden youth attended and one more is interested in being a CIT. Total campers, ages 4 -13 (including CIT`s) � 57. Camp costs 30lweek; many parents overpay in order to support camp for others who cannot afford the full fee. Camp runs from 9 -noon and is loosely structured, youth have options to participate in planned activities (crabs, sports, painting) but, like an after- school program, choose what they do. The oarnp also has theme days (carnival, Olympics). Responding to parent requests, the camp is extending 2 more weeks this year, Many campers come up through the ranks and the camp tries to accommodate theirs as CIT's which has created a large number of C Ws. The camp received a $10DO grant this year to support. the, CIT's who will receive a small stipend at the end of the surnmer. Nick reported that the Ithaca Journal W111 visit later this week to do a feature article. The camp is exploring expanding to a full -day for next year (Kris reminded Tick that this was tried a couple years ago without success; lie has no records about this,) _ Stephanie offered some advice based on FreeviIIe's expansion several years ago. Nick has some frustration wi kin poor communication with the Brooktondale Community CounClI Board; he has lithe in formation about the bud aet or other organIzational matters. Nick requested a new czopy of the youth evaluation Comp; Kris gave him one copy and will email it to Michelle (nnichclleciasclii (a,yalloo,com� V. FreeviI I CaM Stephanie McConnell serves as administra #ive coordinator for the camp. Lacey Hulslarrder is serving her second year as camp director. DYC helps fund youth jobs for 4 Jr, counselors, 4 sr, counselors and 1 CIT at the camp, The camp offers fu 11 day or reduced day (9"' 3) options; cost is $75 /wmk with seine scholarships available, Camp will run i'or 7 weeks this suramer_ Enrollment is down from last year, causing hours to be cut For some J r, counselors. It's a challenge to know how many staff to hire to meet Health Dept. ratios without knowirng what enrollment will be! Most counselors returned this year and 2 of last year's 3 CIT's were hired as junior counselors. The camp policy is to rehire if the counselor had a good evaluation. The camp offers structured activities and the campers choose what they want to do. Each week has a theme; parents receive a weekly newsletter. Fridays are for field trips. Staff • received training and orientation before camp started. V. Dryden Youth Jobs Kris reported for Deb Marrotte, V. Dryden Clerk who was unable to attend. Kris had met with Deb last week and visited both work sites: DYC finds 2 youth jobs at the summer camp and l at the Dept. of Public Works. Erin Hansen, a Dryden teacher, is in her first year as camp director. Camp operates full clay, serving 55 total campers this summer with 6 stair. To reduce costs this year, the camp eliminated Friday field trips but has brought in many outside presenters, takes walking trips to the library and invested in books the youth will enjoy for years to come. Erin sends home a weekly parent newsletter and has theme weeks. All staff were trained before the start of camp. The young man working at DPW just graduated from Did this summer for DPW. These include mowing, weeding, lay new sidewalks. He takes great pride in his work, is a well independently. His only other previous summer job Corps a few years ago. Men trasl hard was High School and does a variety of projects ► removal, painting fire hydrants, helping worker, enjoys working outside and works with DYC- funded Youth Conservation Monitoring Updates Kris shared copies of her monitoring reports. She visited V. Freeville Camp, V. Dryden Camp, youth worker at V. Dryden DPW, and Jr. Fire Academy (one of Dave Hall's summer programs. Kris' colleague Karen Coleman visited Brooktondale Camp. (The camp receives funding from Dryden and Caroline Youth Commissions so Kris and Karen monitor in alternate years.) DYC members had no additional monitoring reports to share. 2010 Budget. Discussion Kris shared a draft budget reflecting anticipated cuts from both the state and S county. If the Town reduces its contribution, total cuts will exceed $4600. DYC members agreed to ask that the Town keep its 2010 contribution the same as in 2009; Tom will draft a letter to Mary Ann Sumner; Stephanie will request a meeting to discuss. The budget request will be due in early Sept.; this needs to happen right away. A brief discussion about possible fundraising followed; Stephanie said that the Freeville church hosts chicken barbecues and donates some of the proceeds to organizations that help with the event. No decision was made to pursue any fundraising options. Needs Assessment Shari g Thanks to Stephanie for her work in drafting the summary. V. Dryden and Freeville mayors have received copies of the assessment and it is also posted on the ToI&III's DYC webpage. Who else should receive a copy? All who contributed/participated, Dryden principals (who should be encouraged to share it with faculty and staff); .Dryden county legislators. One edit to title was suggested before it is shared with others. June Minutes were approved unanimously with no edits. Other Kris met with new V. Dryden Bandy Sterling recently to share background about DYC and how V. Dryden intersects with funded programs, youth served and seats on DYC. Next iyieetin will take place Tues. Sept. 8 when DYC members will review requests for 2010 funding from programs. Kris mailed paperwork to solicit applications in July. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM. • youtit drydnydagaiminsi2Ol)9laug minutes Dryden Youth Commission ,Minutes, September 8, 2009 Present; Tom Fuchs, In hik Lee, Justin DiMatteo, Cynthia Waterman, Stephanie McConnell, Kris 'Bennett Tom called the meeting to order at 6140. Minutes from Avgust were approved unanimously, Recreation Updates alone; Melissa is taking a class on Tuesdays this semester and cannot attend. She may send a written. report for sharing to Future meetings, Budget Updates Tom, Stephanie and Kris met recently with Mary Ann Sumner to discuss the Commission's budget. In addition to anticipated county and state cuts, the county administrator recently eliminated all youth municipal jobs money; for Dryden iii 2009 this was $5677. If the Town reduces its match by this amount and the other budget cuts are factored in, significant cut's to youth programming kill be necessary. The group discussed hove best to handle this if tihe Town keeps its support at the same level as 2009 this would mitigate the impact of the cuts. Mary Ann thought this may be possible; she requested that when the D C irneets to do budget allocations that it prepare scenarios. mim mum required match by Town, Town match at same level as 2009, Town match increasing to cover cuts. The members thanked her for her support_ Mary Ann also suggested that DY may want to come to apeoining Town budget sessions to clarify the cuts and request_ She will notify Tom of dates. Iris has no other news about possible budget cuts. Discussion of 2010 Funding Requests and Decisions on AIIocations Kris asked whethcr there were any questions on the funding proposals_ She clarified R S's youth employment — number of kids employed and in what: settings. DYC members asked that CCE provide more regular details about this component of their program; iris will pass on this request_ iris clarified a couple of other items in the Jr IYS budget also. To meet the request of Mary Ann Sumner the DYE; prepared 3 funding requests. Scenario 1 — preferred option; In this scenario, the Town of Dryden would increase its match to allow Program 2010 request €allocation Scenario I Free viIIe *Youth ,Yobs $63000 WHO . Dryden Youth Jobs $53000 S500 Brooktondale Day Cana $1, 00 $1,500 Cornell Coop. L t_ R S $563004 $563004 Camel Coo . Ext. OURS S 12,937 $12,937 Municipal Jobs thru CE $3,277 53,277 Mouth Horticulture A r_ 0 10 TOTAL $84,7183 1 $84,71 8 Program 12010 reg chest allocation scenario 2 I7 r t. to fealty rund all requests, Total T. Dryden Funding = 548.148; total DYC; funding available = $84,71$. Stephanie moved, In-hik seconded this proposal, Approved unanimously. Freeville Youth Jobs $69000 $5,400 V. Dryden Youth Jobs $5,000 $4,500 Brooktondale Dar Camp. $1,500 $750 Cornell Coop. Ext. RYS $562004 $55,204 Cornell Coop. Ext. OURS $ 12,937 $ 12,937 Municipal Jobs thru CCE $3,277 $2031 Youth Horticulture Appr. 0 0 TOTAL $84,718 $8022 Approved unanimously. Scenario 2 — In the event that T. Dryden rejects scenario 1, the DYC requests that the Town holds its funding for 2010 at the same level as in 2009. Total Town funding = $44;252; total DYC funding available= $80,822. Stephanie moved, Cynthia seconded this proposal. Scenario 3 — In the event that T. Dryden rejects both scenarios I and 2, the DYC requests that the Town rovide its re uired Program 2010 request allocation scenario 3 Freeville Youth Jobs $600 $3,000 V. Dryden Youth lobs $5,000 $2,500 Brooktondale Dar Camp $1,500 $500 Cornell Coop. Ext. RYS $56,004 $54,203 Cornell Coop. Ext. OURS $12,937 $123937 Municipal Jobs thru CCE $3,277 0 Youth Horticulture Appr, 0 0 TOTAL $84,718 $73,140 Projected Revenue Town of Drvden 2010 scenario 1 2010 scenario 2 2010 scenario 3 CYS 'County Youth Services $ 334264 $ 33 264 $ 33,264 CYS one tirne hording to cover NYS cuts) - S - $ - NYS Youth Services $ 3306 $ 31306 S 31306 County Youtlt Em lovment ,�9JP $ - $ - $ - Town match $ 48,148 $ 44,252 $ 36,570 Totals S 844718 S 849822 S 73140 NYS Rec. `OT art of the DYC budget. $ 2,806 $ 2;806 S 2,806 FCYS (one time funding to cover YS cuts} (.1► $ - $ - V q minimum match of $36,570; total DYC funding available = $73,140. This option will necessitate serious cutbacks to programs. Proposal moved by InShik, seconded by Stephanie. Approved unanimously. Itcvenue changes for 2010 1) 5.4% cut in CYS funds 2) No county one -time money to cover state cuts (covered in 2009 by CYS) 3) Protecting state fiends to be the same as 2009 4) County administrator is eliminating county youth employment funding. Kris will prepare the request to the Town and send copies to all DYC members. Other There is a public hearing on the County budget on Sept. 21 at Tompkins County Public Library. This is an opportunity for interested DYC members and others to speak about the budget, including cuts to municipal jobs. Plan for Oct. 20 Meeting, The members present agreed to move the meeting time to 5:30 PM. Kris will make sure there is space at Town Hall for the meeting and will invite CCE to attend for a program update. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM. Dryden Youth Commission Minutes, October 20, 2009 Present: Stephanie McConnell, Justin DiMatteo, Tom Fuchs, JoE.Ilen Bailey, Kris Bennett, Linda Schoffel, Dave Hall, Julie Newman Toni called the meeting to order at 5:30. Minutes .from Sept. were approved. Town of Dryden News Tom spoke with Mary Ann Sumner recently and was told the town board is "inclined" to provide the same level of funding for 2010 as it did in 2009. Though the budget is not yet final, this is good news! Updates from CCE — Dave Hall (see program report handed out at the meeting). Programs are going well, most are over -full with waiting lists. Primitives has lots of new kids. Letter boxing project was lots of fun! Enrollment is growing in teen challenge groups. Did a joint project, Challenge This, with Julie. Has a college student intern working with the program this semester. Dave will be presenting a double session workshop on Primitives at the national 4H conference in Rochester later this month. 4 Dryden youth and l Enfield youth will also attend. Julie (see program report handed out at the meeting) is doing outdoor cooking as her RYS after school program (hand crank ice cream soup cooked in a pumpkin by heating stones). Also doing teen challenge groups during the school day on B days. OURS currently has 50 volunteers working with youth participants; many returned and that's been great. Are using more team- oriented behavior management strategies to deal with challenging behaviors. Received 2 small grants: LEAP (Tues. teen leadership — envirorunental focus) and DYOF (Around the world cultural awareness). SO far there's little overlap between OURS ]rids and RYS kids, even including in- school teen challenges. Linda— RYS budget (see handout from meeting) is in good shape. Received more revenue than anticipated in the form of fees/donations, Also provided a youth employment summary. OURS budget (see handout) still requires more fundraising and grants to cover all expenses; CCF has money in reserve if needed. Linda is working with Mary Ann for continued Town support for the van that is used by OURS (and RYS); possible sharing with Town in 2010. Stephanie suggested approaching the villages of Dryden and Freeville to ask for support for the program. Also suggested asking the trailer park landlords for support. Recreation Updates Kris shared a handout with updates from Melissa. Other 'Perms of 3 current members expire Dec. 31 — Justin, Tom, Kim. Justin will ask to be reappointed. Tom is thinking about it. We need to see what Kim wants to do. Stephanie (now a V. Freeville appointee) now lives in V. Dryden; could fill either seat depending on where we find a willing volunteer. When asked by Kris, all members present said they would be happy to receive meeting materials electronically rather than by snail mail. Kris will poll the others. Next meeting will take place Nov. 17, 6:30 PM. ® youthidrydnvc/nondmins/2009 /oct minutes Dryden Youth Commission Minutes, November 17, 2009 Present: Tom Fuchs, Justin DiMatteo, Stephanie McConnell, Cynthia Waterman, JoEllen Bailey, Kris Bennett, Mary Ann Sumner (for part of meeting) Tom called the meeting to order at 6:30. Minutes from October were approved unanimously. Budget update Mary Ann informed the DYC that the Town agreed to maintain its funding level for 2010 at the same level as 2009. Kris reported that no additional cuts are anticipated in the County budget which is being approved this evening. State funding changes are hard to predict due to the budget stalemate in Albany. Kris will send funding award letters to programs soon. Membership updates Justin has asked V. Freeville to reappoint him. Tom is not asking for reappointment when his tern ends 1213 I; this will leave a vacancy for a Town rep. Kim is not asking for reappointment by V. Dryden; Stephanie is interested in being appointed to this seat (she has recently moved to V. Dryden). This would leave 1 year of V. Freeville seat available; Jean Simmons (previous DYC member) recently expressed interest in serving again. Stephanie does not want to resign her Freeville seat until she knows that V. Dryden would appoint her. Stephanie will contact Jean and V. Dryden; Kris will contact V. Dryden mayor Randy Sterling. DYC members agreed to post notice of Town vacancy at community cafe, T. Dryden K V. Freeville newsletters. Kris will email notice used in the past. Performance review for RYS program managers Dave Hall and Julie Newman Stephanie recently made a monitoring visit to the OURS program on a Monday; all were engaged with their tutors. The monitoring report was shared with DYC members. Tom had written performance reviews for both Dave and Julie and sent them to Linda; Kris will send Stephanie's write up to Linda too. Cynthia shared that her daughter Estelle, a freshman at Syracuse ESF (Forestry) has started a Primitive Pursuits club at college; they already have an advisor and club status with 30 students participating. Estelle gained many skills through participating in PP in Dryden. Dryden School District K -12 Youth NeedsfYouth Development Task Force Justin is serving as part of this new group and will act as liaison to DYC. The Board of Ed. is doing a big youth development push; this task group includes middle and high school teachers, principals, social workers, Melissa (Rec. Dept.), Dave Hall (CCE RYS), BOCES staff Amy Cullen. Their charge is by June to adapt a working model of youth development for the Dryden Community and, using that model, review opportunities, support systems and gaps for Dryden youth. (See handout.) The group meets monthly. At their first meeting they had an overview to the risk and protective framework and focused on what is offered in the schools. Justin also shared data from the Youth Development Survey and will share the DYC needs assessment and other suggestions from DYC members. The task force's ideas include surveying students about what they're involved in. Tom suggested "Leisurescope" for this. Updates from Kris Kris arranged for updates to DYC website; Kris shared a copy of the new T. Dryden newsletter; she contacted Patty about including an article about DYC in a future issue; Patty agreed this would be a good idea. DYC members brainstormed some suggestions for the article; they want to include a "thank you" to the Town for its continued support; info re. T. Dryden vacancy on DYC, links to DYC annual report and info about Dave and Julie's program offerings in addition to a general overview of DYC. Recreation updates Kris shared updates provided by Melissa on recreation offerings. Other Stephanie will draft a "laurel" for the Ithaca Journal to thank 'Town for its continued funding. Next Meeting will be Dec. 15 at Town Hall. We will nominate officers for 2010, do membership updates, develop a ® working calendar and do a year -end review. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM youtlJdrydrrye+aeiximinsr2009 /nuv minutes Dryden Youth Commission Meeting December 15. 2009 * esent: Tom Fuchs, JoEllen Bailey, Justin DiMatteo, Kris Bennett; Mary Ann Sumner stopped in for a short heck -in Tom called the meeting to order at 6:35. Since there was no quorum, no official business could be conducted. Minutes were reviewed and appeared acceptable. Will hold for approval until Jan. Membership update Stephanie has requested appointment by V. Dryden; Kris will follow up for an update. Stephanie followed up with Jean Simmons re. the V. Freeville seat; Jean is not sure she is interested after all. DYC members will try to recruit a Town and V. Freeville rep; Kris will re -send PR materials used in the past. Kris will also contact V. Freeville mayor and will email a notice for inclusion in the next T. Dryden newsletter. She will also send to Ithaca Journal and to Cathy Wakeman who writes the Dryden column for the Ithaca Journal. Nominate officers for 2010 Justin is willing to serve as chair, JoEllen as vice- chair. Official nomination could not occur due to lack of quorum. Will hold for approval until Jan. 2010 working, calendar Those present reviewed a draft calendar and topics; the DYC agreed to meet 10 times during the year, adjusted the meeting schedule in a few months to avoid school vacations, holidays and to accommodate the Town's budget schedule. The calendar will be reviewed and accepted at the Jan. meeting. Dryden School District Youth Development Task Force Update Justin shared the DYC's needs assessment P vith the group; the task .force appreciated the helpful information. The group has also looked at reports /data ram the fall, 2008 student survey; with all this into available, the group has scrapped the idea to do an additional survey. They had discussion with the school board president to brainstorm ideas about creating a Dryden model or rubric for youth development, paying attention to what is unique about Dryden. Dave Hall presented an overview of the Circle of Courage model as one idea. Two high schools students are part of the task force and will be collecting info from other students on what they feel is not available or accessible to them. The group is giving attention to all youth, including those with higher needs (transportation issues, poverty, no current participation in activities, etc.) Recreation updates Winter sports are underway. Other State budget is once again causing uncertainty. There may be mid -year cuts (state fiscal year goes until March 31.) Stephanie drat ed a Laurel for the Ithaca Journal thanking the Town for its support; she told Kris she'd forward it to other DYC members before submitting to the paper. Year -end review Tom noted the DYC's special appreciation of the support of the 'Town for its 2010 programs. Stable Town funding has lessened the impact of cuts in state and county funding. Kris noted that the "Town is also continuing support for the OURS pro €wain van in 20101 All thanked Tom for his service and leadership of the Commission and wished him well as he moves his focus to other things. 0The next meeting will be on January 19, 6:30 PM at Town Hall, Meeting a4iourned at 7:25. vouttuldrydnyeluynimins2009?dec minifies