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Minutes 04-25-96 MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 1996, AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Shanna St. John, Vice Chairperson Beth Bailey, Public Information Officer Marvin Blitz David Helwig Marie Lengert Betsy Wallshein, Alternate ABSENT Angela Girtman, Chairperson Dr. Floyd Beil Eric Davis Hattie Miller, Alternate Chanelle Bowdry, Student Whitney Thompson, Student I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chairperson St. John called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. II. MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER A moment of silent prayer was observed. III. AGENDA APPROVAL No additions, corrections, or deletions were made to the agenda. Motion Mr. Helwig moved to approve the agenda as presented. Mr. Blitz seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. IV. MINUTES APPROVAL No additions, deletions, or corrections were made to the minutes of the last meeting. Motion Mr. Helwig moved to approve the minutes of the March 28, 1996 meeting as submitted. Mr. Blitz seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. V. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS A. "Let's Build a Playground" Grand Opening Celebration - Friday, April 26, 1996 - 6 P.M. Denise Panton invited everyone to the grand opening celebration at the playground tomorrow evening. B. Introduction of New Members At Vice Chairperson St. Johns' request, the members of the board introduced themselves. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Youth Expo Reports For the benefit of the new members, Vice Chairperson St. John explained the Youth Expo. This year, the theme will be Harmony--Multi-cultural Awareness and Acceptance. She advised that Mr. Helwig is in charge of the photography contest. Ms. Wallshein volunteered to work with Mr. Helwig on the photography contest. Ms. Bailey provided letters to each member of the board for forwarding to potential sponsors. Mr. Helwig is in process of distributing the letters Ms. Bailey disbursed. A camera has been donated by the Clock Restaurant and can be used as a prize. He is still working on getting judges for the photography contest. He will try to get letters out to Ritz Camera and Smith Brothers this week. Great Western Bank may also be of assistance. Ms. Lengert asked if the schools have been notified of the Youth Expo. Vice Chairperson St. John advised that they will be notified at the beginning of the school year. Furthermore, before the schools are notified, the School Board has to approve the applications for the contests. Vice Chairperson St. John is working on those MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 25, 1996 applications. Ms. Bailey added that the first thing we have to do is confirm the dates with the Boynton Beach Mall. She expects a confirmation from them soon. Mr. Blitz has secured a commitment from Security Bank for $250 worth of savings bonds to be used for prizes, and an additional $250 to be used however the board chooses. He has also secured a commitment from Suburban Mortgage Services in Palm Beach Gardens for $200, and has spoken to a few real estate companies. Ms. Bailey advised that she will have an account set up through the City's Finance Department to deposit any donations. Checks should be made payable to the City of Boynton Beach. In addition to the two judges previously secured by Mr. Blitz, he has secured a third one for the art contest. This gentleman is a professional art critic and a gallery owner in Coral Gables. Since he is a professional art critic, Mr. Blitz asked him to bear in mind that he will be judging children's work. Vice Chairperson St. John said she has spoken to several people and has a commitment from the Susuki players, a children's sting orchestra. She has also spoken to a woman at an International Students' meeting at Palm Beach Community College, who would like to set up a booth at the Youth Expo so that some of the students from the college can speak about their countries. Vice Chairperson St. John also spoke to the head librarian at West Palm Beach, who is in the process of getting names of some storytellers. Vice Chairperson St. John said she needs someone to start organizing booths. The mall will provide 7 or 8 tables. We can set up between 14 and 15 tables. She is in possession of a list of people to approach who may want to set up a table or booth. The tables and booths are free of charge. VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS See Youth Expo reports. VIII. PUBLIC AUDIENCE Ms. Panton has submitted a Talent Bank Form and is interested in serving on the board again. 3 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 25, 1996 Ms. Bailey stated that Dr. Beil called today and advised that he will be submitting his written resignation. IX. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution re: Child Abuse Mr. Blitz did not think any of us would be serving on this board if we did not have love for children and want to serve our community in a way that would better the lives of the future of our children. He said there is not a day that goes by that you do not hear about child abuse. He referred to an incident that occurred yesterday in San Francisco that involved a few very young children who broke into a home and assaulted a tiny child who is now on life support. He said children are at risk, and it appears that very young children and teenagers are committing acts of violence. He would like the board to consider adopting a resolution voicing concern about the rampant cases of child abuse and about what the community can do to provide more services, more counseling, and more avenues to give our children a safer environment in which to grow up. He asked each member to bring back their ideas at the next meeting, at which a resolution can be drafted for the City Commission to read aloud at a City Commission meeting. Ms. Lengert wondered if there should be more parental supervision. She said a lot of children are left alone. Mr. Blitz felt this board can serve as a role model to voice the concern of this community. Perhaps by raising some concern, we can draw attention and someone will hear. Vice Chairperson St. John stated that Marlene Passell of the Children's Service Council spoke at one of this board's meeting. A program called "Our Community, Our Children" was started when a little girl was found beaten to death. They have a whole plan outlined that they are working on. We have offered to back them, but we have yet to really do anything. They have a charter and a public awareness campaign. They have a phone number for reporting child abuse. She will provide the members with some material about this program at the next meeting, and will invite Ms. Passell to speak to this board again. Ms. Wallshein pointed out that some parents are as young as 14 years old. Mr. Blitz felt our entire society has become permissive, and that television programs 4 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 25, 1996 promote violence and promiscuity. Video games also promote violence. He did not blame the child. He blamed society. Mr. Helwig agreed with Ms. Wallshein that children are having children. He asked how they can raise children when they are children themselves. In addition, they are paid a very poor wage and can hardly pay for child care. He asked the board to invite Dr. Carmen Nichols of Headstart to make a presentation before the board. Vice Chairperson St. John asked Mr. Helwig to let Chairperson Girtman know when Dr. Nichols can attend so that it can be placed on the agenda. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, Mr. Blitz moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Mr. Helwig seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Eve Eubanks Recording Secretary (One Tape) 5