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Minutes 11-18-99 MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1999 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Shanna St. John, Chair Melody Green, Recreation Superintendent Hattie Miller Mary Morera Dorothy Davis (arrived at 7:30 p.m.) Laura Henley-Shephard, Voting Alternate Stephen Waldman, Vice Chair ABSENT Bob Borovy Amy DeVries, Student Charles Fisher Amanda Hollis, Student I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson St. John called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. II. MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairperson St. John called for a moment of silent prayer and requested that Vice Chair Waldman lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion Vice Chair Waldman moved to approve the Agenda. Motion seconded by Ms. Morera, which carried unanimously. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson St. John requested on Page 5 of the minutes, the third paragraph on the page, the last sentence should be deleted and the following sentence be substituted in its place. “Chairperson St. John suggested that the Board send an answer to the Youth Council letter that is being sent out.” Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children & Youth Boynton Beach, Florida November 18, 1999 Motion Vice Chair Waldman moved to approve the minutes of the October 28, 1999 meeting, as amended. Motion seconded by Ms. Morera, which carried unanimously. V. ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE Ms. Henley-Shepherd said that she received a notice that she missed three meetings and disputes the letter. Ms. Henley-Shepherd stated she did not miss the July 22, 1999 meeting and was present. She said she has only missed two meetings. The Recording Secretary said she would check the records to determine this. A. “Green Market” – Saturday, November 20, 8:00 a.m. Chairperson St. John stated it is the Advisory Board’s turn to sell bread and set up will be at 7:30 a.m. The Atlanta Bread Company donates their leftover bread every night to non-profit groups. Chairperson St. John said that this Board alternates every other time with the Youth Council. Vice Chair Waldman said he would be able to be present on Saturday. th B.TNT Concert – Friday, November 19 at 6:00 p.m. Chairperson St. John announced that the Youth Council would be selling bread from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Oceanfront Park. Vice Chair Waldman said he plans to be present that night at 6:00 p.m. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Community Boards Open Forum – February Chairperson St. John inquired if the Board wished to make the Board’s February meeting into the Community Board Open Forum? She reminded members that this was just three months before the Youth Banquet. Also, Forums that had been previously held on Saturdays are usually best attended. Ms. Green also felt that Saturday would th be a better date. Chairperson St. John suggested Saturday, February 19, which is a Green Market date. The Forum could be tied in with the Green Market. The time will be determined at a future meeting. The topic for the Forum would be what the Boards have done, where they are going and how all the Board’s could work together. Chairperson St. John informed the Board that she received a copy of the Senior Advisory Board minutes from their last meeting and a question was raised at their meeting as to why this Board has a budget. Chairperson St. John said she has spoken 2 Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children & Youth Boynton Beach, Florida November 18, 1999 with Ms. Green and requested that she attend the next Senior Advisory Board’s meeting to clarify this. The Advisory Board on Children and Youth do not have a budget and this Board works very hard for the donations that it receives. Ms. Green felt it is important that this be cleared up because there is a perception on the Senior Advisory Board that the Children and Youth Advisory Board receives special treatment, which is not the case because it receives thousands of dollars per year. All funds in the Board’s account are earned through fundraising efforts. Chairperson St. John said she is also going to ask the Senior Advisory Board to join the Board Forum meeting. It is important that all Boards work together. B. LEGION CIRCLE BEAUTIFICATION Chairperson St. John said the ceremonies went very well and she has a digital picture, which will be put on the Board’s web page. It is unfortunate that no one from the press attended, since notice was sent to all three newspapers. Mayor Broening and Commissioners Denahan and Weiland attended the ceremonies and Chairperson St. John wished to thank them for the help and attendance. It should be noted that ABC Sign Company did a wonderful job on the sign and they will be donating the banner for the Youth Council. There are a few things remaining that will be taken care of by the Boy Scouts and Mr. Borovy. With regard to the next project, Ms. Miller reminded members that it was discussed that the next park to be beautified would be the park on Miner Road. Also, a citizen from the Rolling Green area requested that something be done for their park. This could be further discussed at the January planning meeting. C.YOUTH EXPO The Youth Expo will be held either the last weekend in October or the first weekend in November. Chairperson St. John requested that members start keeping track of their ideas for the Youth Expo. D. YOUTH COUNCIL – Mondays 6:30 p.m. – Madsen Center Vice Chair Waldman reported that the Council is still formalizing their plans for the th dance and plan to have a band audition on Monday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m. He reported that the Youth Council is also assisting with food for the Dick Webber Center. Also, at the last City Commission Meeting, the Youth Council received one of 3 Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children & Youth Boynton Beach, Florida November 18, 1999 the copies for the Proclamation for Megan Keller Organ Donor Awareness Week. The Youth Council also plans to participate in the City’s Holiday Parade. Vice Chair Waldman said he received a call from a Ms. Hogath of the World Center for the Compassion for Children and she would like to have the Youth Council involved with the visit by Archbishop Desmond Tutu who will be coming to Delray Beach. Also, the person in charge of the Millennium Dreamers for McDonalds will be forwarding Vice Chair Waldman information about their program and there may be some candidates on the Youth Council who could be nominated for their program. Chairperson St. John said that she has information on this program. E. CHARTER REVISION Chairperson St. John reported that the Charter revision was passed by the City Commission and requested that the updated Charter be sent to all Board members. F. YOUTH VOLUNTEER BANK WORKSHOP- Tuesday, November 23, 1999, 6:30 p.m. – Library Chairperson St. John requested that the Workshop be postponed. Motion Ms. Henley-Shephard moved to cancel the Youth Volunteer Bank Workshop scheduled for Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 6:30 p.m. Motion seconded by Ms. Morera, which carried unanimously. Chairperson St. John reminded Members that the Youth Banquet will be held in May and there is a lot of work that must be done. Ms. Davis asked if there was a form letter that the Board sends out. Chairperson St. John said that the Board sent out a thank you letter to last year’s contributors and thanked them for their help, as well as requesting future assistance. No contributions have been received to date. Chairperson St. John said she would need help in getting all the information together on the volunteers. Ms. Green suggested that Chairperson St. John contact Sherri Claude in her office to determine if Ms. Claude could assist her. Vice Chair Waldman said he could assist with updating the database. G. THE “BOB BOROVY” STUDENT AWARD Vice Chair Waldman said that a workshop needs to be held on this. Chairperson St. John suggested that this be discussed at the January meeting and noted that the 4 Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children & Youth Boynton Beach, Florida November 18, 1999 January meeting would probably be a long meeting. She asked members if they would like to begin the meeting earlier. It was suggested that the January meeting begin at th 6:00 p.m. on the 27. Chairperson St. John requested that two tables be put together in the Chambers so that all the Board members could sit at a table for this particular meeting. Ms. Green said she would have her staff take care of this. Chairperson St. John requested that Ms. Green follow through with Officer Ross for the $200 owing for the children in his program that participated in the bowling tournament. Ms. Green said she would check on this. Ms. Davis said she had asked Officer Ross to fill in for her at the Beautification Ceremony. Chairperson St. John said this was discussed at the last Board Meeting and it was determined to have someone on the Board that was involved with the project to participate. Also, because Bob Borovy was able to attend the ceremonies, the Board felt it would be nice for him to give the closing remarks. Chairperson St. John said she did speak with Officer Ross that day and he did speak before Mr. Borovy spoke and everything worked out well. Chairperson St. John asked Ms. Green if there was an Ordinance in the City that states that City property must be destroyed and cannot be sold or given away, and in particular if this pertains to library books? There is a children’s library trade swap and she thought that some of the children’s books that were to be discarded could be donated to non- profit organizations or used in the book swap. Chairperson St. John said that someone in the community informed her that books cannot be given away and must be destroyed. Ms. Green said she would follow through on this. She said she was aware that items that were no longer needed by the City go into surplus and are auctioned off. However, she was not aware if this applied to books. Chairperson St. John would like to be able to take the useable children’s books and donate them to non-profit organizations or use them in the book swap. NEW BUSINESS VII. Ms. Green informed the members that there is a national award called the Lewis Hine Awards which specifically recognizes the efforts of adults who have significantly contributed to the well-being, building self-esteem and helping and assisting youth in the community. There are two categories. One category is for paid professionals and the second category is for volunteers. Two people have been nominated for this award and Ms. Green requested that the nominations be read into the formal meeting minutes 5 Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children & Youth Boynton Beach, Florida November 18, 1999 since this Board certainly advocates programs, activities and services for youth. Also, there is a particular employee of the City of Boynton Beach who significantly deserves recognition and that employee is Carolyn Yvonne Sims. Ms. Carolyn Sims is being recommended for the Lewis Hine Award nominee in a professional category by the City of Boynton Beach. “Carolyn Yvonne Sims is a Recreation Program Manager for the City of Boynton Beach. She works at the Civic Center and has responsibilities for planning and coordinating a variety of programs for youth, teens, as well as senior adults. As a Boynton Beach city employee for more than 33 years, Carolyn is best known for both her professional work and volunteer efforts to guide the lives and set the example for local at-risk youth. She has devoted more than 15,000 volunteer hours as Director of the Wilson Youth Association (which she initiated to involve both parents and youth in planning and organizing programs) in addition to her professional paid efforts. To many children and their parents, Carolyn is known to them as their second mother. To others, she is the only real mother they know. The community frequently calls upon Carolyn for her assistance. She continuously answers their calls with ‘yes’ or ‘I’ll take care of it for you’, and ‘of course, I’ll show you ways to handle the problem or challenge in the future’. Significantly, several children participating in a local pageant indicated that their most admired person was Carolyn Sims. What an excellent role model for youth! After working to contribute to others’ happiness and enjoyment of leisure activities, she still finds time to be a loving mother and wife. Carolyn is married to Alex Sims and has five children and six grandchildren. Despite the recent, tragic loss of her daughter, Dechanta, Carolyn continues to share her special brand of compassion and love to others. In her role as Recreation Program Manager for the City of Boynton Beach, Carolyn initiated the following: ? Wilson Youth Association ? Parent Night ? A new teen club and teen center location ? Black Awareness Coronation Court Pageant (for young girls and young ladies aged 4-18) ? A nutrition program, afterschool program, summer camps and swimming instruction for at-risk youth. ? Annual Family Day Celebration at the Park ? Toys for Tots Program ? Feed the Hungry Holiday Project 6 Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children & Youth Boynton Beach, Florida November 18, 1999 Additionally, Carolyn has served on government and community teams such as the State of Florida Shining Committee, Private Industry Council, Anti-Gang Task Force and a variety of other committees and associations Her resume reads like a ‘Who’s Who’, and her perseverance shows that she is a genuine, dedicated, caring, committed and loyal community servant. Her accomplishments are significant, as she has been the recipient of numerous awards and commendations from the City of Boynton Beach and surrounding communities: ? Daughter of Zion DPA Church Service Award ? St. John Missionary Baptist Church Service Award ? Mayor’s Awards (2) ? Employee of the Year ? Citizen of the Year ? WPEC TV 12 Jefferson Award ? Lambda Alpha Chapter Omega Psi Outstanding Community Service Award ? Dedicated Community Service Award, Martin Luther King Committee Carolyn Sims has demonstrated her devotion to building the self-esteem of youth for more than 30 years. She continues to be a positive inspiration and role model for local youth as well as adults. She exceeds the qualifications for consideration as a Lewis Hine Award recipient, and is certainly deserving of the recognition intended in the spirit intended by Mr. Lewis Wickes Hine. The City of Boynton Beach hopes that you agree, and that Carolyn will receive such a national honor.” Ms. Green said she has worked with Ms. Sims for several years and Ms. Sims has taught her a great deal over the years. She has thoroughly enjoyed working with her. Ms. Green stated that in the area of volunteers, there is another person who has volunteered hundreds of thousands of hours and this nomination goes to Shanna St. John. “Shanna St. John is the volunteer chairperson of the Boynton Beach City Commission appointed Children and Youth Advisory Board. Under her enthusiastic, dedicated, persistent, creative, energetic and assertive (never take ‘no’ for an answer) leadership, this board has expanded its efforts to include child advocacy, community education on youth-related issues, community recreation programs, coordination of youth volunteer efforts, fundraising, mentoring and community beautification projects completed by local youth volunteers. Well-known throughout the city as the ‘new idea every minute’ person, Shanna finds a way to accomplish these ideas and challenges despite obstacles. Most people find this daunting or insurmountable. She has and will continue 7 Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children & Youth Boynton Beach, Florida November 18, 1999 to write to, talk to, and enlist help from anyone including Colin Powell, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, Congressman Wexler and Oprah Winfrey, as well as local people and businesses – all for the same purposes. That is, to promote the goals and purpose of the Children and Youth Advisory Board. Her efforts have resulted in thousands of dollars in cost savings and cost avoidance for the City of Boynton Beach through cash and in-kind donations and effective use of youth volunteers. Below are examples of her volunteer efforts: ? Chairperson, Children and Youth Advisory Board (1994 – present) ? Youth Volunteer Bank ? Advisory Board Open Forums ? Butterfly Garden Planting ? Youth in Government Day ? Community Safety Forums ? Created and developed a Youth (Teen) Council ? Youth Expo ? Initiated America’s Community of Promise Program in Boynton Beach ? Coordinated numerous youth volunteer efforts to fund programs and projects ? Legion Circle Beautification Project ? Computer research to identify legislation and potential grants Thriving on continuous growth and learning, Shanna also serves as a ‘one woman clearinghouse’ and other people call her to find out who to call for anything related to youth. She enjoys connecting people or organizations who need each other. In addition to serving as the Chairperson of the Advisory Board on Children and Youth, Shanna actively participates in the following: ? VIPS (Volunteers in Public Schools), Spady Elementary School ? Helping Hands & Active Families (Temple Sinai of Delray Beach) ? Palm Beach County Child Advocacy Board ? D.O.V.S. (Directors of Volunteer Service) ? City of Boynton Beach G.A.L.A. Festival Executive Board ? City of Boynton Beach All America City Award application steering team ? Dick Webber Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse ? Emanuel Child Development Center (volunteer liaison) ? Volunteer Management Workshops ? Children’s Defense Fund National Conference Shanna has been married for 11 years and has two children. She sets an excellent example for them and others by volunteering 20-40 hours per week, and often involves her children in youth projects and programs. Many people are amazed at her numerous 8 Meeting Minutes Advisory Board on Children & Youth Boynton Beach, Florida November 18, 1999 accomplishments and her organization skills which are essential to balance the life of a mom, wage earner and volunteer. Through her incredible persistence, effective leadership and dedication to the youth of our community, the City of Boynton Beach believes that Shanna St. John exceeds the qualifications for consideration as a Lewis Hine Award recipient, and we hope that you agree by awarding her the favorable recognition she deserves.” Ms. Green also stated that the Children and Youth Advisory Board has been a tremendously supportive Board to achieve these goals. Ms. Green recognized that this Board has put in more hours than any other Board in the City. Ms. Henley-Shepherd asked when the results of the award would be known? Ms. Green was uncertain. Vice Chair Waldman said he received a list of available grants from the Children’s Services Council and Chairperson St. John requested that the list be included with the minutes. Vice Chair Waldman felt this would be a good source of funding for some of the Board’s future projects. Ms. Davis announced that she is considering running for City Commission. VIII. PUBLIC AUDIENCE None IX. ADJOURNMENT Next Scheduled Board Meeting December 16, 1999 at 7:00 P.M. Motion Ms. Henley-Shepherd moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Ms. Morera. The meeting properly adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ___________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary one tape) 9