Mansfield YSB Advisory Board

Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

12 noon @ YSB Conf. Rm. B

Attendees:               Ethel Mantzaris, Eileen Griffin, Candace Morell; Frank Perrotti

Staff:                          Kevin Grunwald, Pat Michalak, Karen L.Taylor

Regrets:                    Michael Collins, Jerry Marchon

I. Call to Order

 Ethel Mantzaris, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:03

II. Approval of Minutes – MOTION by Frank Perrotti with correct spelling of his name, seconded by Eileen Griffin.  VOTE: Unanimous in favor of approving minutes with correct spelling of Frank Perrotti’s last name.

III. Update:  Kevin Grunwald, Director of Social Services

A. Kevin informed the Board about the Underage Drinking Grant that had begun in October of 2006 and is the Strategic Plan stage.  Youth Services will need to hire a part-time coordinator to handle this grant.  Frank asked if any of the interviewees were qualified to write grants.  Ethel advised they weren’t asked.  Eileen shared that there are plenty of one-day workshops that cover that if needed.

Pat Michalak, Youth Service Coordinator

A.  Pat handed out H.I.F.I. Grief Group Brochure to Board members and     advised the group would be starting on February 25^th.

January Youth Services Activities - Handout

• Established an after school group with UConn student volunteers to assist middle school students.
• Responded to the needs of the family of five young children following the tragic loss of their father on New Year’s Eve.  Four UConn student mentors and myself are meeting weekly with each of the children. 
• Arranged for Hospice to provide information and support to the Goodwin Staff
• Completed 2 day computer training in Microsoft Word and Outlook
• Met with the supervisors of the Mansfield school bus drivers to address their concerns
• Expected starting date for the Grief Group is February 25, 2007
• Grief Group Brochure completed and distributed to schools
• Cope groups continue to serve a growing population of students in all of our elementary schools.

• Intergenerational bingo at Juniper Hill has new UConn student volunteers who plan to continue with this activity.  It was wonderful to have this additional enthusiasm supporting both our middle school students and seniors.  We are now reaching out to more seniors through Senior Center invitations.
• Grandparents group is planning for their next meeting in February.
• Homework group continues to be a very popular and successful program. It meets every Tuesday evening and is supported by l5 UConn tutors.  

I. Old Business: NECASA Director, Mission Statement

A.  Question was raised regarding Bob Brex, NECASA Director from the previous meeting.  Kevin informed the Board that Bob Brex attending the March meeting to do a informational presentation as tentative and perhaps could be tabled until the Mission Statement had been finalized.  The Board agreed to reschedule.

B.  Kevin facilitated brainstorming of ideas on the mission statement, targeted age group, local organizations and agency involvement,  and noted them on easel to be condensed and mailed out to all board members, as was suggested,  prior to the next meeting for further review.

V.        New Business:

· Eileen inquired as to the services offered to walk-ins. 

· Frank inquired about the transition process for students entering EOSmith High School. 

· Candace informed the Board that the Middle School has begun connecting with students who are transitioning and following up with EOSmith staff. 

VI.  Other:

A. Suggestion was made that Board members continue with the Mission Statement at the March meeting.

B. Board members present decided to have the student members attend the April meeting.

C.  The proclamation was read and presented to Janit Romayko by Ethel and Board members wished her well in her retirement.

Meeting adjourned at 1:10PM by Ethel Mantzaris, Chair.

Respectfully submitted by:

Karen L. Taylor

Secretary