HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-12-02DRYC
December 2, 2015
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Dryden Recreation and Youth Commission
December 2, 2015
Members present: Stephanie Mulinos (Chair), Tom Fuchs, David Bravo-Cullen, Diane
Pamel, Kathy Servoss
Town Hall Staff: Jennifer Jones, Recreation Director
Youth Services Coordinator: Kris Bennett
Guests: Dave Hall, Youth Program Manager
Review and approval of minutes from October 2015:
K. Servoss moved to approve the minutes, T. Fuchs seconded the motion which was
unanimously approved.
Program Reports:
D. Hall
- 6th graders get a full 20 minute recess during which he is able to work with them.
- With the 7th and 8th graders Dave is being used as “a carrot” – if the students are in
the honors academic lab then they can spend time with Dave. It doesn’t make sense to
do it this way as it eliminates some of the students toward whom Dave’s programs are
directed. He has already talked to the principal and assistant principal; he was willing
to try the program but this is not working.
The program has created two problems for Dave:
1. He is not meeting with some of the students that need the assistance
2. He is not able to make contact with the students during the lunch hour to
remind them that they are supposed to be with him in the afternoon.
S. Mulinos asked to be kept in the loop with the situation since the DRYC funds
Dave’s programs. The students in the honors academic lab are not the ones that need
the support. The students that are not making honors are forced to stay in their
assigned lab (the academic labs are a 20 minute part of the lunch period in which
students catch up on their homework - study halls).
Dave has recently published a book called “Winter and the Wilderness” via Cornell
University Press.
Recreation Department:
See Attached
Nikki Nease:
See Attached
Tompkins County Youth Services: Kris Bennett: The county budget has passed so
Dryden will be receiving a larger amount than last year.
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Town Board: Joe Solomon
- The Pinckney Road, Hoag-Harvey, parcel is under contract and the purchase is
in the works. The county has thrown in $6,500 toward the purchase.
- It appears the rest of the money will come from a fund balance
- J. Jones indicated that she is unhappy that the money will probably come from
the Rec reserves which were put aside for a Town park. She has talked to the
Town Planning Director but has not received any clear information.
- Another member of the Commission stated he heard from the Town Planning
Director that an offer was submitted, accepted and a closing date was set for
December. Mr. Solomon said he did not know that much.
- In response to questions as to the original purpose of the Rec Reserve fund, Mr.
Solomon pointed out that just because the original purpose was for a
recreational park, that money can be used for a variety of purposes. If it is not
going to be used for recreational purposes, the money cannot be allocated
without a vote.
- S. Mulinos pointed out that there is a rec group on Dryden that is interested in
a recreational center, it would be nice to know what is going on. The lack of
information available is frustrating. Mr. Solomon said he would generate more
information and share it with S. Mulinos.
Community Space Committee report: S. Mulinos
She is concerned that the Committee is not meeting often enough to actually
accomplish their goals in a reasonable amount of time.
See attached for more information.
Action Items:
Common Grant Program: J. Jones
- Costs between $500-600/year
- She doesn’t think it is worth using anymore.
- They are no longer using the program for the Youth Services Funding
applications
- Community Grants are down to $6,000 which means we are only getting about
6 applications.
- The Commission consensus was that the program is not financially reasonable
as it stands. If the Program is willing to reduce the cost, maybe make the cost
dependent on the number of applications, then J. Jones may keep it but
otherwise she is going to cancel the Town’s subscription.
Annual Report:
J. Jones distributed a copy of last year’s report. Do we like the format, the size, the
color and most important the data that was included?
- The vibrancy is good
- Expand on the programming – the Rec department has added a lot of programs
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- Less texts, more data highlights
- Format is great
- Font size can be reduced some – it is probably a 12 point now and could go as
low as 10 point.
- Some of the programs need a short description: OURS, YOURS, Rural Youth
Services, etc.
- Bulleted points rather than paragraphs
- Provide more space for the rec department programs and reduce some of the
Rural Youth Services information
- D. Pamel pointed out that some of the language can be adjusted – ie, if the title
indicates 17 youth participated then that number/ information doesn’t need to
be repeated in the description of the program.
- K. Bennett and J. Jones are going to work together to determine the vital
information – not the goals so much as the result.
- T. Fuchs is interested in how many hours the youth are receiving and how
many participants there are.
- The Dryden Lake Festival is not affiliated with the Town – it is a separate entity
with it’s own board of directors
- S. Mulinos would like to see the DRYCs goals listed in the Report and she
reminded the Commission that the report is the DRYCs Report – not the
recreation department’s.
2016 Chair and Vice-Chair
- Kathy Servoss has offered to serve as chair
- Tom Fuchs moved to nominate Kathy Servoss to serve as the Chair of the
Dryden Recreation and Youth Commission. Diane Pamel seconded the motion
and Kathy Servoss was unanimously nominated.
- Vice-Chair – Diane Pamel moved to nominate Stephanie Mulinos as the Vice-
Chair of the Dryden Recreation and Youth Commission. Tom Fuchs seconded
the motion and Stephanie Mulinos was unanimously nominated.
Budget:
- $93,490 was the amount requested by the Recreation Department for Youth
Service. $93,258 is the amount allocated in the official 2016 budget.
D. Pamel offered the following recommendation:
$93,258 was allocated by the Town of Dryden for Youth Services as provided by Cornell
Cooperative Extension. The Commission hereby approves that allocation and supports
the distribution of the funds.
K. Servoss seconded the motion which was unanimously approved
T. Fuchs offered the following recommendation:
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The Dryden Recreation and Youth Commission hereby recommends the Town Board
reappoint Stephanie Mulinos, Diane Pamel and Judy Sinicropi to the DRYC for additional
3 year terms.
D. Pamel seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
Program Monitoring: Free Music Friday at the Dryden Café
K. Servoss stated that there were not a lot of attendees but more came in through the
night. The band was a jazz-folky 3 person group. It was a very welcoming atmosphere.
She thinks it was well worth the grant money.
When asked, no one knew who the grant money came from – that needs to be a
requirement for future grant allocations.
Open Discussion:
D. Pamel stated that at some point she would like to discuss the focus and
implementation of the Youth Employment Program. Perhaps that can be added to the
retreat agenda for January 9th from 9AM to noon.
- The broad agenda includes a review of the goals from 2015, set goals for 2016, and a
marketing plan.
- attendees are asked to bring a dish to pass.
A member of the Commission has heard discussion pertaining to potential cuts to the
Recreation Department under the new Town Board. The potential cuts will be further
discussed.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Erin A. Bieber
Deputy Town Clerk
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Dryden OURS Program + Dryden Youth Employment Report – NOVEMBER 2015:
Program Manager: Nikki Nease
HIGHLIGHTS:
If you haven’t already, please mark your calendars for Saturday, December 5th,
11:00am – 5pm @ Green Star; The Space: Please visit OURS and YOURS, along with
many other fabulous non-profits in Tompkins for the ITHACA ALTERNATIVE GIFT
FAIR! Please also send good energy and keep fingers crossed as we patiently await the
results of potential Grant Projects funded by the DYOF, Cornell’s Community
Partnership Board, and The City Federation of Women’s Organizations to support us
in 2016!
OURS & YOURS Programs, Fall Semester 2015:
Monday Mentoring, 22 Mentor-Mentee Pairs, Aged 7-11 Years, 86.4% Attendance
from 9/28 – 11/16:
Mentor-Mentee matches are well-established for the year. Engineering Fraternity,
Theta Tau, leads interactive STEM Presentations weekly. Pairs engage in
individualized projects such as 4H Junk Drawer Robotics Kits, Nutrition/Cooking,
Experimenting with basic building/construction techniques, Art Projects, Short Story
Writing, Etc. We are formulating a plan to establish a system for effectively sharing
program successes and challenges with both Dryden School Staff, and OURS families.
Tuesday Leadership Council, 11 Mentor-Mentee Pairs, Aged 12-17 Years, 89.6%
Attendance from 9/29 – 11/17:
Mentor-Mentee matches are well-established for the year. As per the Grant Project
outlined in our Robinson Appel Humanitarian Award; weekly, interactive STEM
Presentations have included: Local Mechanic with hand-made Apple Cider Press –we
pressed apples donated by Little Tree Orchards; Cornell Architecture-student on
Urban Planning w/ inclusive mapping activity; Guiding Eyes presents with the seeing
eye dog she is currently training; Cornell Campus guided tour + guided tour of the
Architecture School’s Wood Shop; The Physics and Material’s Science of FRICTION
FIRE with lessons and experimentation with skills; Interactive 4H Animal Science w/
multiple presentations including live sheep, zoological pat hogens, Dairy Farming and
Ag. Business, and Sheep-shearing/wool-dyeing /darning.
Thursday Word-Buffs, 11 Mentor-Mentee Pairs, Aged 7-9 Years, 86.4%
Attendance from 10/1 – 11/19:
Mentor-Mentee matches are well-established for the year. Pairs spend 15 minutes
reading aloud together books from the OURS Lending library which is stacking up
with many new books funded by the Friends of the TCLP, Cornell’s SAFC, and the
Scholastic Book Club’s FACE program; followed by three interactive stations built
around weekly themes such as Under the See, Autumn, Pirates, Veteran’s Day, and
Thanksgiving – Each activity necessitates reading and celebrates literacy.
Mentors-In-Training, 10 Participants, Aged 12 – 17 Years, 75.7% Attendance
from 10/8 – 11/19:
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Cornell’s Building Communities Organization of Architecture Undergrads spent 7
weeks with the OURS MITS designing and constructing two fabulous benches made of
refurbished materials from Ithaca Reuse. Benches were completed 11/19 and
students reported a strong sense of empowerment with the new-skills under their
belts! Benches will live in our Garden at 4H Acres that MITs have also added perennial
edibles to this season.
Double-Digit Fridays, 11 Mentor-Mentee Pairs, Aged 10 & 11 Years, 83.3%
Attendance from 10/2 – 11/13:
Mentor-Mentee matches are well-established for the year. OURS & YOURS explores
their community through exciting weekly adventures including Little Tree Orchards,
Newark Valley Corn Maze, Bike-Riding at Stewart Park, Mask- Making w/ the Drug &
Alcohol Council of Tompkins County, Scavenger Hunt of the Cornell Campus Arts
Quad/Climbing the Clock Tower to view the Chimes Concert, & Swimming at TC3.
More Programs to partner w/ The Council are coming up!
Dryden Youth Employment Program, 2 Current Participants, 1 Pending:
Job Sites include the OURS Program Assistant, the Southworth Library, and CTB
(Pending). As is always our ultimate goal: We can celebrate success as our Southworth
Library Paige is set to continue her employment experience into 2016 and beyond! It is
also expected that our “pending” Youth Employee will continue working at CTB after
his 80-hour allotment through DYE. A December event in collaboration with Ithaca
Youth Works is in the final-planning stages and a flyer is soon to be dispersed!
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Executive Summary on Community Space in the Town of Dryden
Dryden Recreational Needs Assessment- 2006
“Many recreational facilities are desired by residents. From a community
center, to sports facilities, to trails, to skate parks and social gathering place…”
Many recreational facilities are desired by residents.
National standards indicate that more parks and open space are needed to sustain the population of the
Town of Dryden. Citizens have many ideas and suggestions in terms of what they would like to see the
Town of Dryden offer, from more trails, to athletic sports facilities, to community centers, to skate parks
and social gathering places.
RECOMMENDATION: Continue to pursue opportunities to increase public areas and facilities. Plans for a
skate park and ice skating in Montgomery Park have already garnered much community support, and
agreements to extend the current trail system have recently been reached. Portions of land purchased
for a new town hall should be developed into badly needed sports fields while others could be
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preserved as wetlands and living classrooms. Long-range visions of a community center could bring a
sense of unity and community as a social gathering place for all types of recreation programs.
“Use of town parks is relatively low. Less than half the respondents had used the
three major parks for recreational purposes in the past.”
Usage of town parks is relatively low.
While approximately half the respondents had used the Dryden Lake Park and/or Trail in the past for
recreational purposes, only 42% reported ever using Montgomery Park and just a third had used other
parks or open spaces in the Town of Dryden. Rate of visitation to the three parks was quite low, with
most residents visiting the areas just a few times a year. By contrast, two-thirds of the sample had
visited other parks and open spaces outside the Town of Dryden.
RECOMMENDATION: Open spaces and trails abound in the Town of Dryden, but citizens need to know
where they are and how they can be accessed for recreation. More and better signage would increase
the visibility of these opportunities. Parks and open spaces have multiple uses, and if managed
creatively and effectively, can attract many types of users. Managing the type, level, location, and time
of various uses can lead to complementary relationships instead of competitive ones (e.g., Dryden Lake
Trail draws walkers/bicyclers in the spring, summer, and fall, and cross-country skiers in the winter to
create year-round opportunities). The Recreation Department should continue to explore alternative
programs and special events that will draw people to the parks. For instance, Dairy Days and Music in
the Park have revitalized summer use of Montgomery Park; possibilities for ice skating, a skate park, etc.
could potentially draw even more residents to that park on a regular basis.
Town of Dryden Recreation Master Plan- 2011
“Older adult survey respondents would like the town to develop a centralized
community center, a multipurpose trail that connects Dryden and Freeville, an
ice rink, and tennis courts.”
“Younger adult survey respondents would like the Town to develop a sports
facility, a community pool, skate park, and a youth center.”
Town of Dryden Comprehensive Plan- 2005
“While they are recognized as a valuable community recreational resource, the
availability for non-school use of the Dryden Central School facilities is subordinated to
their primary mission of supporting the physical education and athletic programs of the
school district. For this reason they are not counted as part of the inventory of
recreational facilities available to Town residents.”
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“As the town continues to grow in population, the town and villages should work
together to develop additional public park and recreation facilities to provide additional
opportunities for residents.”
2014 Dryden Youth Needs Assessment Dryden Recreation & Youth Commission
“While 74% of students felt there is a good availability of after school activities, 72%
believe there is not enough availability of parks or recreation space.”
“…51% of youth surveyed would like more things to do, better parks and a recreation
center in town.”
“Suggested Changes in Dryden:
Addition of a safe community recreation center for youth to hang out, including
sporting facilities (i.e. skate park, extreme sports facilities) and a place for youth
to socialize outside of school.
Improved coordination between existing programs; organizations could work
toward a common goal or theme (i.e. obesity, physical health, social skills).
Creation of a Comprehensive Community Calendar (needs volunteer
coordinators).
More youth employment, youth leadership and volunteer opportunities.
Increased number of unorganized/impromptu activities.
A more cohesive and united effort between community organizations.
Increased opportunities for youth through school/town collaboration.
Increased availability and access to school resources.
Availability of mental health services in Dryden for parents and youth.”
“Recommendations: The following recommendations are made by the DRYC:
1. Town funding to move forward with the plan for developing a park and community
center on the property adjacent to Town Hall or another location.”
Dryden Community Café Conversation Harvest- 3-25-15
How can communities become more supportive of children and families?
“Have a community center where there are activities so all can connect (kids and adults)
and have fun for free.”
“Parks are good gathering places for young children, but not always for teens, so have a
community center for teens.”
“We need a community center, but creating one is difficult because of lack of money,
transportation, etc.”
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“Activities for all ages…parenting, cooking classes, ongoing support group for parents
with special needs kids.”
“Community centers, with transportation to help with participation (like OURS program)”
“Come together to create a sense of community”
“Hold "Community Fairs". This could help people new to our community and let them
know what's available for children and families.”
“Have more places for teens and pre-teens to go that provide meals that are low cost.”
Dryden Community Café Conversation Harvest- 6-11-15
Describe your dream for all children in this community.
“A safe place in the community with adult supervision where kids of all ages can hang
out and be kids…a place where all ages are welcomed; a center should be
flexible/accommodate all ages.”
What would it take, and what can we do, to create a place welcoming to all kids
and families in this community?
“Community Center needs: a kitchen, daycare, meeting and mentor space, free place
space, childcare/daycare area, outdoor play area, playing field, space for daytime
classes, chess club, cooking classes, parenting classes, community theatre,
intergenerational activities, homework club, mentor program, drop in play/tot spot for
young children.”
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December 2015
Recreation Director Report
Community Grants:
o Two organizations have submitted all the required documentation for their grant
award. However, six have not. I sent out a friendly reminder email with documents
and deadlines on October 6th and again on November 30th to prompt organizations to
submit documents by the deadline.
Fall Programs:
o Fall programming was busy this year with around 400 participants aging from four
to seventy-five years old. The department has started a new assessment process to
evaluate programming. The first phase is surveying parents at the end of each
season. We are currently collecting data from fall and have already learned valuable
information about our strengths and weaknesses. We are also implementing addition
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training for volunteer coaches and referees to provide higher quality programming
moving forward.
o Youth Football- Another successful year with over 100 youth.
o Youth Cheerleading- Over 50 participants with the senior team
winning first place at the league cheerleading c ompetition.
o Youth Soccer- This was our departments second year running the
Sertoma program. This year numbers were down to 130 from last
year’s 180 participants ages 5-13.
o Youth Karate- A repeat program run by Senpai Maza at the VFW.
This fall session saw had an increase of participants, even
including a father who wanted to do the program with his son.
o Senior Fit: A new program to the department for community
members 55 and up. The program focuses on coordination,
balance, strength, and endurance. Session one had 15
participants. Session two will begin again in January.
o Youth Cross Country- Dryden once again hosted a race in the
youth XC race series. This year we had over 70 runners ages 5-
13 from Dryden, Groton, Ithaca, and Elmira.
Winter Programming:
o The Dryden Recreation Winter 2015-16 Community Program Guide
is out to the Dryden community. This guide promotes programs
from November through March including youth programs, adult programs,
community events, and more from local organizations.
o The department will be hosting a new event in December- Open Gym/ Parents Night
Out.
o An adult fitness program will also be starting in January on Tuesdays for ages
eighteen through senior.
o We will be hosting a multi-team youth basketball scrimmage between ten different
schools. This event will bring addition revenue into the department and bring many
families traveling from out of town to the Dryden community.
Profession Development:
o Recreation Director was recently certified as a Worksite Wellness Coordinator and
attended the annual NYS AHPERD Conference in November.
o Recreation Coordinator Andrew Pierce has recently become a NYS certified coach and
attended the annual SUNY Cortland Recreation Conference in November.
o Recreation Assistant will be graduating in December with his second degree from
TC3 in recreation & criminal justice.
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