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Minutes 03-25-04MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEEING HELD IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, ON THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2004 AT 7:00 P.M. Present Steve Waldman, Chairman Mary Morera, Vice Chair Evelyn Geathers Hattie Miller Willie Pearl Wilson Phyllis Stern, Alternate Betsy Veaner, Alternate Julie Claude, Regular Voting Student Alyssa Ewing, Regular Non-Voting Student Sherri Claude, Board Liaison Absent Steve Miller Lori Wilkinson I. Call to Order Ms. Claude distributed the agenda. Chairman Waldman called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. I1. Pledge of Allegiance/Moment of Silent Prayer Ms. Hattie Miller led members in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, followed by a moment of silent reflection. III. Approval of Minutes of February 26, 2004 Ms. Claude noted that in Paragraph IX. Other, the wrong date was announced for the beautification project at Heritage Park. It should state March 13, 2004. Motion Vice Chair Morera moved to approve the minutes, as amended. Motion seconded by Ms. Miller and unanimously carried. IV. Approval of Agenda The agenda was accepted as presented. Chairman Waldman asked the new Board members, Betsy Veaner and Alyssa Ewing, to introduce themselves and to give a brief background about themselves. Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children and Youth Boynton Beach, Florida March 25, 2004 Chairman Waldman reminded those Board members that received notice that their terms will be expiring to complete the necessary paperwork and return it to the City. V. Announcements/Presentations/Correspondence A. Recreation and Parks Department Accreditation Ms. Claude announced that the Recreation and Parks Department has begun the process to apply for national accreditation. In January 2004 the Department submitted an application to move forward with the accreditation. Once the process is completed, it will mean that the Recreation and Parks Department is meeting national standards set by an independent body for recreation and park agencies in ten different areas, such as finance, planning, facility and land use management, etc. It will take two years to complete the process and currently the Department is doing a self-assessment that lists 156 standards that must be met. A planning team has been formed in the Department consisting of nine members led by Debbie Majors and Ms. Claude. The team will be meeting twice a month for the next two years. Ms. Claude explained that this is one of their biggest goals and them am only 36 agencies in the nation that am accredited, seven of which are in Florida. VI. Public Audience Chairman Waldman asked the Board members to introduce themselves for the benefit of everyone in the audience. He also asked the persons in the audience their reason for being present tonight and most responded that they came to observe the Board since they had heard that the Board was in need of members. Chairman Waldman encouraged people in the audience to feel free to express their opinions on any topics that the Board discusses. He noted that the Board was in need of student members because their opinions are important to the Board. VII. Old Business A. HeritageFest- Report Chairman Waldman reported that the HeritageFest is the City's former Black Awareness celebration. The name was changed to HeritageFest two years ago, but still focuses upon the African/American Community. The events included a parade, singing, book readings with authors, student contests, and various entertainment. Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children and Youth Boynton Beach, Florida March 25, 2004 This year the Board participated in the parade. Vice Chair Morera reported that Board member Steve Miller brought some youth with him that he works with at the Juvenile Center in West Palm Beach who displayed posters of prominent historians. Vice Chair Morera supplied his truck, which was decorated, and some of the children rode in the back of the truck. Everyone had a wonderful time. Vice Chair Morera felt that this should be something that the Board participates in every year. B. Adopt-A-Spot Program (January 24, May 1, August 7, November 6) Ms. Claude explained that this is a program administered by the Solid Waste Authority. The spot that this Board adopted is Rolling Green Park, which is a small green space, that is located behind the Rolling Green School. Two years ago the Board, along with the Park's Division, beautified this area. The spot has been cleaned once and must be cleaned four times a year. One of the reasons that the Board decided to participate in this program was to afford the youth an opportunity to earn hours for the youth volunteer bank. Anyone interested in participating should speak with Ms. Claude after the meeting. Ms. Claude also reported on a beautification program that was organized by supervisors in her Department to beautify Heritage Park and no young people showed up. Chairman Waldman felt it was important to find ways to get the young people to do volunteer work and he was open to suggestions and ideas. Chairman Waldman inquired about the condition of the plants that the Board planted a couple of years ago at the Rolling Green School. Ms. Claude stated that the Park's Manager pointed out that the plants were not suitable for that area and Chairman Waldman is interested in redoing it. Ms. Claude pointed out that they need to put in plants that do not require a great deal of maintenance. Ms. Veaner noted that gardening and landscaping are her hobby and she would be glad to work on this project and try to get support from the youth. Chairman Waldman recommended that Ms. Veaner speak with Ms. Claude to make the necessary arrangements. Ms. Claude inquired if the Board would like to make this their beautification project. There was a consensus among the members to move forward with the Rolling Green Park as the Board's beautification project. Vice Chair Morera inquired if the beautification project could be combined with the adopt-a-spot program. Ms. Claude felt that this was doable and recommended the May 1st date. Ms. Stern suggested checking with some nurseries to determine what the best plantings would be for this area. C. Youth Volunteer Bank (Banquet Date: May 22) Chairman Waldman announced that the banquet is set for May 22, 2004. Ms. Claude gave a brief history of the event. The program originated in 1997 as a Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children and Youth Boynton Beach, Florida March 25, 2004 means to recognize youth in the community for their volunteer work. The program has been expanded to include volunteer opportunities organized by this Board and the Recreation and Parks Department. There are 170 youth in their database that are kept informed of opportunities and events for volunteering. These volunteers are rewarded with a banquet that takes place every May. Submission of the volunteer hours is due April 1st. Ms. Claude noted that they received a $1,000 sponsorship from Publix Supermarkets again and have also received six in-kind prizes to date. Chairman Waldman stated that the banquet is held at the Civic Center. Ms. Veaner recommended that if the Board wanted to enlist more volunteers, they may want to consider sending out a mailing to the 170 youth in the database asking them what kinds of volunteer work they would like to do. She also recommended providing a list of ten different suggestions for volunteering. Ms. Claude pointed out that between 50 to 90 youth turn in hours every year and she has received inquiries from parents about what their children can do. Chairman Waldman recommended having something available at the banquet and Ms. Claude said that she would prepare a questionnaire. Vice Chair Morera inquired if Ms. Claude would like the Board to determine how the awards would given out. Ms. Claude felt that before this is discussed, she would like to receive the hours and suggested this be discussed at the April meeting. Ms. Claude noted that they are still in need of sponsors. D. Bob Borovy Award Chairman Waldman inquired if Ms. Claude sent the letter to the American Legion and she responded that it had gone out and a copy was sent to Chairman Waldman. Chairman Waldman explained that Bob Borovy was a former Vice Chair of this Board and contributed greatly to the community. As a result of his many contributions, the Board created an award in his name. The award is a cash award of $1,000 to a graduating senior who lives within the corporate limits of the City and who has made the greatest contribution to the community. The entrants are required to write an essay and are judged by a panel that includes previous award winners. Last year there were only six entries and the Board would like to see a lot more. The American Legion has given the Board money in the past for the award. Chairman Waldman pointed out that currently there is only $3,644 in the budget for this award and commonly awards are given to the runner up as well. Ms. Claude stated that it would depend upon how many applications are received if there would be a second place award. Chairman Waldman said that he would follow through with the American Legion. This award is also presented at the banquet. 4 Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children and Youth Boynton Beach, Florida March 25, 2004 Ms. Claude reported that she has not received any applications to date. She did speak with a teacher who was interested in having one of her students apply. She asked Ms. Claude for some background on Mr. Borovy. Ms. Claude inquired if any Board member knew how long Mr. Borovy lived in Boynton Beach or had any other biographical information they could furnish. Vice Chair Morera said that she would speak with Mr. Borovy's widow. Chairman Waldman inquired what the deadline was for applying for the award and Ms. Claude stated that it was originally April 2nd; however, Board members felt that the date needed to be extended. Ms. Claude recommended sometime during the middle of the month of April because time is needed for judging the entries and notifying the winners about the banquet. She pointed out that information was disseminated to the schools in January and she followed up with faxes and to seniors that participate in the volunteer bank. Chairman Waldman recommended extending the deadline to April 16th. Chairman Waldman also stated that he would visit the high schools in the area and drop off applications. Ms. Stern recommended going to South Technical as well. Ms. Veaner also suggested bringing some applications to the Survivor Charter School on Gateway Boulevard, which she offered to do. Ms. Stern also recommended contacting local nursing homes for the names of their young volunteers to inform them that this Board is offering an award to young people that are working within the community. Chairman Waldman also felt that hospitals should be contacted. Ms. Julie Claude said that she spoke with twenty seniors at Boynton Beach High School; however, only five actually lived within the City limits. She did furnish those students with information about the award. Vice Chair Morera said that she would contact the Vice Principal at South Technical and would furnish her with some applications. Ms. Claude will be sending a letter to last year's winner asking if they could act as a judge. Ms. Claude asked the Board who else they would like to have as judges. Chairman Waldman recommended asking Emily Borovy. Ms. Morera will contact her about this and about attending the banquet as well. Chairman Waldman also thought that other previous winners should be asked. Ms. Miller recommended asking former Chair Shanna St. John. Vice Chair Morera suggested asking former Board member, Charlie Fisher. Chairman Waldman will contact Ms. St. John. E. .Tennis Carnival (April 10th at Hunter's Run) Ms. Stern reported that she received a donation of soda and health bars from Winn-Dixie. The three pros that were at the event last year will be participating again. She pointed out that this was the same Saturday that the Davis Cup would 5 Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children and Youth Boynton Beach, Florida March 25, 2004 be at Delray Beach. She felt that this is a plus and makes the event much more exciting. She is still trying to get tennis rackets donated and there will be a trophy presented to the child that tries the hardest. Chairman Waldman will also try to get more tennis rackets for the participants. Ms. Stern pointed out that the pros would be furnishing tennis rackets for everyone. She is trying to get tennis rackets for the children to take home. There also will be a photographer to take pictures. She also requested that a list of the participants be furnished before the date of the event so that they could be furnished to the gatekeeper. Vice Chair Morera reported that to date there are 28 children participating. There are two spots remaining, but she was going to take some extra names in the event some children do not show up. Vice Chair Morera also reported that many of the participants are returning players. Most of the children are 10 and under. She will provide a list of the names. Vice Chair Morera asked if they should supply Gatorade and other snacks as well. Motion Ms. Veaner moved to purchase Gatorade and snacks. Motion seconded by Ms. Miller. A member of the audience inquired about the age of the participants and was informed that it was open to children ages 6 through 17. Vice Chair Morera recalled that last year each child was given a gift bag to bring home with them. Ms. Stern will check on this, but Chairman Waldman did not think that this was necessary. He recommended that the motion be amended to state spending up to $50.00. Ms. Veaner amended her motion to include spending up to $50.00. Ms. Miller seconded the amended motion. The motion unanimously carried. F. Youth Expo (October 30) Chairman Waldman announced that the Youth Expo is scheduled for Saturday, October 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Ms. Claude had nothing new to report because staff has not met since the last meeting. Ms. Claude did send a letter to Hunter's Run to determine if they wanted to sponsor the event, which they had always done in the past. Chairman Waldman said that he would like to attend the staff meeting. Ms. Claude will notify him when the next meeting is scheduled. Chairman Waldman explained that every other year this Board, along with the Recreation and Parks Department, hold an expo in the Boynton Beach Mall to celebrate what the children have done. There are all types of performances and Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children and Youth Boynton Beach, Florida March 25, 2004 entertainment, along with informational tables. Chairman Waldman inquired if a theme had been chosen and Ms. Claude stated that none has been selected. Chairman Waldman also pointed out that there are art and creative writing contests based upon the theme of the Expo. Vice Chair Morera noted that the contest winners receive savings bonds and their entries are displayed at the Mall. Chairman Waldman would like to discuss a theme at the next meeting. G. Teen Center Chairman Waldman gave a brief history of the Youth Council previously established in the City. The intent of the Youth Council was to involve the youth in government and participating in other volunteer services. Meetings were held at the Madsen Center every Monday. One of the things that they wanted to have in the City was a teen center and Chairman Waldman noted that Delray Beach has a very successful teen center that also has a skate park. He would like to have this become a priority of the Board and to come up with a plan to bring this to fruition. The Youth Council participated in many worthwhile events and visited nursing homes and held a Stop the Violence Dance. However, after most of the seniors graduated, the Youth Council ceased to exist. Ms. Stern suggested enlisting a group of Eagle Scouts and Cadets who could make the teen center their project. Chairman Waldman felt that before this could be done, however, they need to come up with a direction. Vice Chair Morera pointed out that it took over six years to get the Delray Beach Teen Center on line. Chairman Waldman felt that the biggest issue with a Teen Center is finding the right location. Ms. Claude will move this item to the top of the agenda. Chairman Waldman noted that a date needs to be selected for the Bowling Tournament. Ms. Claude said that if the Board decided on a date tonight, she would still have time to get the Tournament in the summer issue of FunFare Magazine. Ms. Stern recommended selecting a date after the July Board meeting. Members agreed to hold the Tournament on Sunday, July 25th. Chairman Waldman will check with the bowling alley to determine if the date is available. Ms. Claude requested that he call her tomorrow to let her know if the date was available so that she could include it in the FunFare Magazine. H. Guest Speakers Chairman Waldman noted that the Board is open to speakers that have issues of concern to the Board and who have a vested interest in children. I. Other None Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children and Youth Boynton Beach, Florida March 25, 2004 J. African-American Resource Library Tour (April 24) Chairman Waldman reported that there is an African-American Resource Library and Cultural Center located in Ft. Lauderdale and he has set a date of Saturday, April 24th for a tour of the facility at 11:00 a.m. Any one interested in going should contact him or Ms. Claude. He informed the Library that there would be no more than 40 people attending. Ms. Claude said that they could furnish transportation, but she needs to know how many people would be attending. The tour is open to children and adults. Chairman Waldman also noted that there was a cafeteria on the premises for lunch. Ms. Pearl, who had previously visited the Library, informed the other members what the Library had to offer. There is a learning center for the children, artifacts are on display, movies are shown and stories are told. Ms. Claude said that she will need a list of people that will be going on the bus and she offered to prepare a flyer for distribution to the after-school programs. IX. Future Meeting Dates: April 22, 2004 May 27, 2004 X. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (March 31,2004)