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Minutes 08-22-02MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2002 AT 7:00 P.M. Present Steve Waldman, Chairman Sherri Claude, Board Liaison Mary Morera, Vice Chair Hattie Miller Joyce O'Hara Shanna St. John Lori Wilkinson Phyllis Stern, Alternate Willie Pearl Wilson, Alternate Absent Welton Sanders I. Call to Order Vice Chair Morera called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. I1. Moment of Silent Prayer/Pledge of Allegiance A moment of silent prayer was observed followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Ms. St. John. II1. Approval of Minutes of July 25, 2002 Motion Ms. Stern moved to approve the minutes. Motion seconded by Vice Chair Morera and unanimously carried. IV. Approval of Agenda Chairperson Waldman requested to add "Youth Members of the Board" under Item G., "Other." Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children and Youth Boynton Beach, FL August 22, 2002 Motion Ms. O'Hara moved to approve the agenda. Motion seconded by Ms. Wilkinson and unanimously carried. V. Announcements/Presentations/Correspondence A. September 20 Concert: The Fabulons, 6-9 p.m., Ocean Avenue B. Guest Speaker: Garfield Hamilton Mr. Garfield Hamilton was invited to introduce a new tutorial program to the Board. Mr. Hamilton stated that he was a business owner in the City and attended Boynton Beach Public Schools, graduating from Santaluces High School. He is currently involved in a program entitled Committed Citizens Concerned About Our Children. The purpose of the program is to develop resources in the community to help children to achieve. The program has been in the City for approximately four years and is comprised of current and former educators, and other professionals. Their focus is on academic improvement. Mr. Hamilton distributed and reviewed a pamphlet describing what the Committed Citizens Concerned About Our Children is all about. The program is looking for ways to get the children to achieve and to get the community involved. They have a tutorial program that operates at the Ezell Hester Center. Mr. Hamilton would like to see the community become more proactive and their goals are to find out a way to make this happen. He noted it was very important to convey the value of education to the children while they are still in Middle School to prevent them from dropping out. They sponsor an Annual MLK Breakfast and provide a scholarship to a deserving student from Boynton Beach each year. Mr. Hamilton pointed out that 70% of African/American and Hispanic students are performing at the lowest level. Because of the change in school boundaries, the children will need more support. The three biggest concerns for these students are reading, math and algebra. Parents cannot depend on the schools alone to accelerate student performance because students are tracked and Iow performing students in elementary school will tend to remain a Iow performing student all the way through high school. Parents are concerned that their children would not past the FCAT and it is important that children receive assistance from parents at home as well. The goal of the Program is to develop and coordinate a great number of individual tutorial centers centered around neighborhood schools where students can receive help. Also, they would like to provide high quality resources to teach citizens how they can assist by providing basic tutorial services in a small group setting. They have been providing reading books and instructional material that 2 Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children and Youth Boynton Beach, FL August 22, 2002 are associated with the reading material in the local schools at the Ezell Hester Center. He pointed out that as students' performances improve so does their behavior. Chairman Waldman asked Mr. Hamilton to provide his phone number, and he provided his business number, which is 561-733-9366. Chairman Waldman asked Board members if they had any questions. Ms. O'Hara inquired what age bracket was being targeted and Mr. Hamilton stated they are targeting elementary and middle school students. Chairman Waldman asked who the tutors were, and Mr. Hamilton stated there have three teachers from Village Academy, volunteers from other schools and some parents. Chairman Waldman suggested that Mr. Hamilton contact the new Boynton Beach High School to see if there are any students that could help tutor. Ms. Stern also suggested that Mr. Hamilton look to the retirement communities for tutorial assistance. Mr. Hamilton said that they have not had an opportunity to look at the retirement communities. Chairman Waldman suggested that he contact RSVP and United Way that have large pools of volunteers. Ms. Stern inquired if there were flyers available, and Mr. Hamilton said that he would furnish some flyers entitled "We Need Your Help." V. Public Audience - Ms. Liz Jackson, the Marketing Manager for Boynton Beach Mall, was present as part of the Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Program. Ms. Jackson inquired if there was a waiting list for the children, and Mr. Hamilton felt at some point there would be, but not currently. Ms. Jackson offered to assist Mr. Hamilton and she provided her email address, which is Ijackson~simon.com. Ms. St. John explained about the Board's Youth Volunteer Bank and the upcoming Youth Expo scheduled for October. She thought that this would be a good opportunity for Mr. Hamilton's students to participate in and she pointed out that many of the Board's programs involve scholarships, parties and prizes. Mr. Hamilton was also invited to participate in the Board's Bowling Tournament. Chairman Waldman thanked Mr. Hamilton for presenting his program and requested that he continue to keep the Board informed of their progress. VI. Public Audience Ms. Jackson said that she would like to obtain more information on the Board's programs. Ms. Jackson said she was looking forward to the Youth Expo and offered to be of assistance. She also requested that she be furnished with a Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children and Youth Boynton Beach, FL August 22, 2002 listing and location of the tables so that she can refer people properly. Ms. Claude said that she would email Ms. Jackson updates on the Board's activities and other pertinent information. VII. Old Business A. Bowling Tournament - August 25, 2002 Chairman Waldman reported that the flyers were sent out, and Ms. Claude furnished copies of the flyers that she had been working on. Members discussed offering pre-registration for the tournament at a cost of $20 and anyone registering the day of the tournament would pay an additional $5. Chairman Waldman reported that of the $20 entry fee, the bowling alley receives $11 and the Board $9. There will be people to assist with the scoring. He would like to create a mailing list of the participants so that a record could be kept of the people who participated. Vice Chair Morera reported that she ordered the cake, which is a half sheet and can accommodate 40 people and will pick it up on the morning of the tournament. It was agreed that people could purchase their own sodas so that the concession stand could also make some money. Vice Chair Morera said that she would also purchase the necessary utensils and plates. There was a donation of nine trophies, and Chairman Waldman had new plates made up that he will attach to the trophies. There will be a trophy for each division. Chairman Waldman reported that he purchased three additional trophies for other categories. Ms. Claude prepared certificates also. Flyers were sent to the Commissioners. Ms. Wilkinson inquired if there was a ramp available for the handicapped. Chairman Waldman will check on this. Ms. Wilkinson said she could provide one if needed. The tournament is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. Ms. St. John inquired if there was a banner that could be put up, and Ms. Claude said that she has them in her office. Ms. Wilkinson will pick up a banner. B. Rolling Green Project Dedication - September 14, 2002 The date for the dedication has been scheduled for September 14th at 10:00 a.m. Ms. Claude presented a copy of the letter that was mailed out. Ms. Claude reported that she spoke with Chris Foster's mother who will ensure that Chris would be attending. Ms. St. John requested that representatives from the Audubon Society be invited. Ms. Claude will follow through on this. 4 Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children and Youth Boynton Beach, FL August 22, 2002 Ms. St. John said that it would be necessary to have tables and chairs set up and that a ribbon and scissors would be needed for the ribbon cutting. She also suggested that refreshments be served. Ms. St. John stated that in the past she prepared a written script and will provide it to Chairman Waldman. Ms. St. John suggested that a photographer be present to take pictures. Ms. Claude was requested to arrange for one tent with 20 to 25 chairs. She will also provide the ribbon and scissors. Ms. Claude will also prepare a flyer for the event. Ms. Morera will take care of the refreshments and will bring her digital camera. Ms. St. John requested that a thank you letter be sent to Steve Huggins and Ms. Claude will follow through on this. C. Youth Expo Update (October 26 & 27, 2002-Theme "Youth United") Ms. Claude distributed a copy of the flyer. She would also have posters of the flyer printed that would be much larger and could be posted throughout the City. Ms. Claude will be sending out contestant forms to all children in the after-school programs and the Youth Volunteer Bank, as well as letters to all local schools to insure participation on a school-wide basis. Ms. Wilkinson pointed out that it would be necessary to complete a form that is required by the School District in order to disseminate information in the schools. Ms. Wilkinson offered to take care of this, and Ms. Claude will email the flyer to her. It was requested that flyers be sent to Lake Worth Christian School, St. Joseph's School and the City churches. Ms. Miller will place some flyers in her Church and Ms. Claude will mail 50 flyers to Ms. Miller. Ms. Wilson also requested that flyers be sent to her for placement in her church. Ms. O'Hara inquired what the role of the Board Members would be. Chairman Waldman explained that the Board's informational table would need members to man the table. Members also act as liaisons to provide assistance. Board members may also have to act as judges of the various contests. Ms. Claude requested that suggestions for judges be furnished to her so that she can line up judges. It was recommended that there be three judges for each contest. Ms. St. John suggested contacting the Palm Beach Post that had provided judges in the past. Chairman Waldman noted that there was a photography center in Delray Beach and he would ask them to place some flyers. Ms. Claude said that there will be a staff meeting at City Hall in the Mall on Tuesday, September 3 at 9:00 a.m. Ms. St. John will also attend. As soon as the number of tables that are needed is known, Ms. Claude will contact Joe Evans who is coordinating the tables. Chairman Waldman explained that the tables are free and are present to disseminate information related to Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children and Youth Boynton Beach, FL August 22, 2002 youth and other civic programs and activities. Ms. Claude requested that at the next meeting a list of items that the Board would like to offer at its table be provided. Ms. St. John would like to have some kind of giveaway item or an activity and suggested having an M.C. Ms. Claude will check on having someone present from Radio Disney and the cost involved, if any. Mr. Hamilton returned to the meeting with flyers for distribution. Chairman Waldman explained the Youth Expo to him and suggested that he have a table to disseminate information about his Tutorial Network. Ms. Claude suggested that Mr. Hamilton speak with Joe Evans at the Hester Center if he wished to have a table. Ms. St. John inquired if karate would be offered. Ms. Wilkinson recommended inviting East-West Karate to perform. D. Youth Volunteer Bank Ms. Claude said that she will be preparing a calendar that would be sent out monthly and would list two months of volunteer opportunities and ideas. She will report further on this at the next meeting. Ms. St. John suggested including a phone number in the mail out where people could call to list their volunteer opportunities as well. Ms. O'Hara reported that she just finished participating in the City Services Institute, and she had suggested to staff that a program of this type be offered to the youth in the City. They could earn volunteer hours while participating in the Institute. She said that staff was enthusiastic about the idea. She said that the City would be glad to set up a program for youth if there were enough young people that wanted to participate. E. Bob Borovy Award Nothing to report F. Guest Speakers Chairman Waldman suggested asking Larry Treff from the Boynton Beach Kiwanis, who works with youth to speak at the next meeting. Chairman Waldman will follow through on this. Ms. St. John suggested inviting Ms. Marlene Passell since the Children's Services Council Report has just been published. Ms. St. John will check on Ms. Passelrs availability. Chairman Waldman suggested asking Ms. Passel to speak at the September meeting and he will contact Mr. Treff for the October meeting. 6 Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children and Youth Boynton Beach, FL August 22, 2002 G. Other 1. Youth Members of the Board Chairman Waldman noted that there was an absence of youth participating on the Board and he felt this was a major loss. Ms. Claude stated that staff was hopeful that some of the participants in the M'IV Program might want to participate on the Board. Chairman Waldman pointed out that when students previously served on the Board they made great contributions. He would like the Board to do more outreach to get youth participation. He was thinking that some of the Board members should go to the schools and speak to the students. Ms. St. John suggested that Board members attend Student Council Meetings at the various City Schools. Chairman Waldman and Ms. Stern will follow through on this. VIII. New Business Ms. Stern reported on the progress of the tennis clinic that she suggested. Ms. Stern thought this would be a good opportunity to do something positive with the youth in the City and introduce them to tennis. She has already spoken to the Pro at Hunters Run who indicated that he would be glad to participate. Ms. Stern and Ms. Morera will coordinate this for sometime next year in either April or May. IX. X. Future Meeting Dates: Adjournment September 26, 2002 October 24, 2002 There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes) (September 17, 2002) 7