Mansfield YSB Advisory Board
Approved - Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
12 noon @ YSB Conf. Rm. B
Attendees: Ethel Mantzaris, Frank Perrotti, Eileen Griffin
Staff: Kevin Grunwald, Pat Michalak, Kathy McNamara, Karen Taylor
Absent: Jerry Marchon, Heather Spottiswoode, Candace Morell, Amber Hoyt, Sheila Riffle
I. Call to Order
Ethel Mantzaris, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:03PM
III. Presentations:
Presenter – Ken Caputo of Villari’s Martial Arts School was introduced by Pat Michalak informing the Board that he has worked closely with Mansfield’s YSB and youth from the community. Ken has also worked closely with the YSB staff in the LEAP and JUMP programs, and the Homework/Mentoring Group.
Ken then gave the Board members background information on past, present and future programs that he has introduced and coordinates, the impact that they have on those who participate and his personal dedication to youth and the issues that face them in our society today.
A discussion ensued and Frank Perrotti suggested that Ken and Chuck Leavens get together and collaborate on supporting our youth. Also, Eileen Griffin questioned Ken about the research that was being done as to why boys are falling behind, and he provided some information on what he is familiar with.
Presenter- Ruth Freeman, Program Coordinator for the iParentNetwork (formerly Stop Underage Drinking) which is a grant funded program focusing on underage drinking. She informed the Board that their focus at this time is to provide parents with the tools necessary to educate and provide them with the information that is available to them in order to safeguard their children. Ruth informed the Board that the iParentNetwork is creating an interactive website for parental use in obtaining the skills they need, ask questions which are answered by professionals and interact with other parents in the community.
IV. Reports –
Kevin Grunwald, Director:
· K. Grunwald distributed copies of the Quarterly Report
· He advised the Board about a recent budget meeting, and projected shortfalls for the coming year and thereafter. He will keep the Board informed about this topic.
Pat Michalak – YSB Coordinator Update:
Pat Michalak distributed copies of her report for October:
Youth Services Update October 2008
· Contacted by South East School to assist with crisis intervention and to provide support to the staff following the sudden death of a young father. Participated in class discussions with the second grade students who were the child’s classmates.
· Reached out to the young mother, two children and extended family of deceased father.
· Attended funeral services for middle school student whose grandfather passed away. This grandfather was part of our Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group.
· Mary Lee Geary’s kindergarten class from Goodwin school and students from our Big Friend’s Program participated in our intergenerational program totaling over 70 participants.
· Katherine Paulhus received our Friends of Youth Award at the CYSA ceremony dinner for her outstanding contribution to our JOY program.
· YSB staff is now meeting monthly with each of the elementary school psychologists to collaborate regarding children and families at risk.
V. Old Business – Challenge, Brief discussion
VI. New Business: iParentNetwork
VII. Other: None
The next meeting will be on December 9, 2008
Meeting adjourned at 12:50PM.
Respectfully submitted by:
Karen L. Taylor
Secretary