Mansfield YSB Advisory Board

Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

12 noon @ YSB

 

In attendance were: Ethel Mantzaris, Chairperson/Resident; Frank Perrotti; Assistant Chairperson/Resident; Michael Collins; Resident, Kevin Grunwald, Director, Department of Social Services Dept;  Pat Michalak, YSB Counselor;  Janit Romayko, YSB Coordinator; Jake Hovanic, Grade 7, home schooled (Called in wanting to attend)

 

Regrets:  Jerry Marchon, Officer Mansfield Police Department; Chris Murphy,  Rachel Leclerc, Candace Morrell, Tom Miller; Eileen Griffin, Altrusa Network; Shawnee Mason, Grade 8, Mansfield Middle School;  Brittany Cushman, Grade 7, Mansfield Middle School; Addie Johnson, Grade 7, Mansfield Middle School

 

Agenda  items included:

 

1.      Update:

 

a.    Recent Death:  A former youth Advisory Board/PAWS Peer Outreach participant/member died on July 31, 2006 as a result of Autoerotic Asphyxiation.  The more common internet term is the “choking game”.  The family of the youth was forthcoming about the details of the death and in the best interest of  others wishes that this death be mentioned.  They hope that this death will not be replicated.  While children/youth cannot be protected from the internet, parents can be thoroughly informed.  An appropriate response to the death in the interests of prevention was deemed suitable by the Advisory Board.  JR will contact the police and school administrators.  The police had contact with ???????? workshop presentations and the school through MMSA have been talking about hosting an internet safety type program for parents .

b.    Mike Collin is in favor of offering access to information in an appropriate manner.  No information and/or incorrect knowledge has ramifications which can be deadly and MC would be in favor of us sponsoring an information session for parents, rather than dismissing the subject completely.  To him that would be irresponsible.

c.    Day camp at Rectory School:  Swim-A-Thon raised $1300, down $500 from $1800 in 2005.  But the feedback from the 11 youth given camperships was the most favorable ever.  Campers were given lunch in the air conditioned dining room, tennis, golf and horse back riding lessons.  The 11, 12+13’s were taken tubing, mountain biking and to the beach.  Everyone had positive feedback this year.  The YSB hosted a pizza party for the counselors at the end of cap and the campers wrote the director, Helen thank you notes.

d.    Tom Miller:  Thanked us for his gift and wrote back that he is coaching Miracle Little League for handicapped boys.  He sends his regards.

 

2.      Plans for 2006-7:  It seems that the students like the offsite visits in order to compare the YSB’s to other YSB’s and to other agencies.  The popular sites were:  Right Turn, DCF, other YSB’s and MMS to watch the DVD.  All of the students wish to serve again and Addie Johnson would like to be appointed.  We will meet again in October with the students and plan out the schedule with them.  The best day next month will be Tuesday, October 10, as it is a vacation day for students.  We will meet at noon and have pizza.

 

3.      Other:

 

a.      COVE:  Children’s Grief Committee has been meeting this summer.  Group will be hearing from the COVE director about the 8 week COVE Urban/Community model.  COVE charges $5,000 for use of the model along with the marketing, training, public relations and follow-up.

b.      Janit Romayko, YSB Coordinator since the inception in 1974 will be leaving November 1, 2006.   Frank Perrotti praised the YSB model, the programs, the services, the staff and the board for its oversight.  The also volunteered for the interviewing panel for YSB Director, YSB Coordinator.  The position will be retained.

 

 

 

Meeting adjourned 1: 00 pm

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Janit Romayko

Secretary

 

 

JR/klt

 

NEXT MEETING:  Tuesday, October 10, 2006 – 12N @YSB