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Minutes 09-26-96 MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1996, AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Shanna St. John, Chairwoman Beth Bailey, Public Information Angela Girtman, Vice Chairwoman Officer Marvin Blitz Marie Lengert Denise Panton Hattie Miller ABSENT Eric Davis Betsy Wallshein, Alternate Whitney Thompson, Student/Regular 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairwoman St. John called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. 2. MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER A moment of silent prayer was observed. 3. AGENDA APPROVAL - Additions, Corrections, Deletions 5-Correspondence and Chairwoman St. John added the following items under Announcements : E. Multi-Cultural Festival, F. Correspondence Relative to Opening a Free Clinic, and G.The Puppetry Theater. Motion Vice Chairwoman Girtman moved to approve the agenda as amended. Ms. Panton seconded the motion. The vote was not polled. 4. MINUTES APPROVAL - August 22, 1996 Motion Ms. Panton moved to approve the minutes of the August 22, 1996 meeting. Ms. Lengert seconded the motion. The vote was not polled. 1 5. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Education Advisory Board Meeting - Thursday, October 3, 1996, 6:30 p.m., Congress Middle School - Guest Speakers: State Representatives Ron Klein and Bill Andrews Chairwoman St. John made this announcement. B. Farewell Party for City Manager Carrie Parker - Friday, October 18, 1996, 7:30 p.m., Boynton Woman's Club. Tickets are $25 and include buffet, cash bar, gift and music. Call 375-6013 for tickets. Chairwoman St. John made this announcement. C. Tunes in Town (TNT) Concerts - Friday, September 27, and Friday, October 11, 1996 - Free Concerts - Oceanfront Park - 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Food and beverages are available.) Chairwoman St. John made this announcement. D. Youth in Government Day - Tuesday, October 29, 1996 - City Hall - 7:00 p.m. (Mock commission meeting with area high school students.) Chairwoman St. John made this announcement and advised that Ms. Bailey will let her know if the board can be of assistance. E. Multi-Cultural Festival Chairwoman St. John received a memorandum from the Community Relations Board inviting the members to become involved with the Multi-Cultural Festival they are sponsoring two weeks after the Youth Expo. F. How to Open a Free Clinic After reading an article in the Parade, Chairwoman St. John wrote to the Free Clinic Foundation for information. They replied by sending a book on how to start a free clinic. She would like the members to read the information that was provided. This is one of the items the board has talked about as a goal. When the decision about the board's goals is made later in this evening's meeting, if the free clinic becomes a focus, this Free Clinic Foundation can be investigated further. G. The Puppetry Theater Chairwoman St. John spoke with representatives of the Puppetry Arts Center in West Palm Beach. They are currently working out of the Cross County Mall on Okeechobee Boulevard, but they are looking for a permanent home. They have been in touch with 2 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 26, 1996 Mayor Taylor and City Manager Parker relative to locating here in Boynton Beach. Vice Chairwoman Girtman asked for more information on the Puppetry Theater. Ms. Bailey advised that she was unaware of any discussions on this subject. However, Chairwoman St. John reported that they looked at the vacant theater that is in Sunshine Square as a temporary home. If anyone has any ideas with regard to empty space or sponsors, please forward that information. They deal with national and international storytellers and puppeteers. Their attendance last year was over 15,000 people. Chairwoman St. John reported that the Puppetry Theater would like to have enough room to open a museum and a work area where they can teach puppetry and how to make puppets. Vice Chairwoman Girtman would like this board to get behind this effort, and be updated on whatever is happening with them here in Boynton. She would like to see this group locate here rather than in another city. Ms. Lengert advised that she attended one of these theaters in Hudson, Ohio. The work of this group is good for children and it is very educational. Vice Chairwoman Girtman volunteered to speak with the Mayor on how far these discussions have gone. Ms. Bailey will also discuss this with the City Manager. Chairwoman St. John added the following item: H. Children's Defense Fund Chairwoman St. John provided a follow-up on the handout she distributed at the last meeting. This follow-up supplies ideas on initial steps that can be taken with regard to the Child Welfare Bill that has been passed. Ms. Lengert advised the members that City Manager Parker is getting married tomorrow. With the board's permission, Ms. Lengert will send her a card. 6. NEW BUSINESS - Set date for Youth Expo Committee Meeting in October Chairwoman St. John pointed out that the date of the next meeting is the day before the entries are due for the Youth Expo. She feels an additional meeting is necessary in October. 3 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 26, 1996 Consensus There was a consensus to have an additional meeting on Thursday, October 17, at 7:00 p.m. The location of the meeting will be determined. The next regular meeting of the board will be on Thursday, October 24. Chairwoman St. John advised that the November regular meeting falls on Thanksgiving Day. She recommended selecting another day for the meeting or cancelling it. Motion Ms. Lengert moved to dispense with the meeting in November. Chairwoman St. John seconded the motion. Vice Chairwoman Girtman feels the board will be in the same predicament during the month of December because of Christmas. She recommended changing the board's November meeting date to the third week in November so that the awards for the Youth Expo can be presented to everyone who participates at any level. Vice Chairwoman Girtman prefers to present the awards at the board's regular meeting rather than a City Commission meeting so that people will get to see what the board is all about. Motion Ms. Lengert rescinded her first motion, and moved to hold the meeting on November 21. Vice Chairwoman Girtman seconded the motion which carried unanimously. The meeting will be at the regularly-scheduled time of 7:00 p.m. The City Commissioners and parents will be invited to attend the meeting. Everyone who participated in any way will be invited to attend and receive a certificate. Ms. Lengert referred to previous discussions of the board relative to a youth orchestra. Ms. Lengert spoke with Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz who knows someone who is willing to start a youth orchestra. This gentleman organized a youth orchestra for a senior group, and is anxious to work with children. She recommended that Vice Chairwoman Girtman telephone Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz so that a meeting can be arranged to discuss this project. 7. OLD BUSINESS A. Youth Expo Reports 4 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 26, 1996 Mr. Blitz reported that a tremendous number of mailings went out, but he received no responses. Chairwoman St. John advised that she received responses from "Deck the Walls". They have offered to frame the nine art winners. In addition, "Timex" will donate a watch, and "Hanover Shoes" will donate a $50 gift certificate. The $50 gift certificate will be somewhat difficult because all of Hanover Shoes' merchandise is for men. Ms. Lengert recommended contacting Paul Raffa of McDonald's who is willing to be a sponsor and will display the art work in his stores. As a result of Mr. Davis resigning from the committee, Vice Chairwoman Girtman has taken over the responsibility of table assignments. At the present time, there are eight confirmations, and only three require electricity. Vice Chairwoman Girtman contacted the Health Department regarding immunizations. They advised that they attempted this in West Palm Beach, but had to abandon the idea because of problems with insurance and red tape. Vice Chairwoman Girtman has attempted to contact Boynton Beach Mall representatives, but was unable to get a response so far. She is trying to find out if the Mall would have a similar situation. The Department of Health has a mobile unit available. If there is no opposition from the Mall, they would park the mobile unit in the Mall parking lot. Ms. Bailey suggested using the "City Hall in the Mall" offices for this purpose if this can be worked out with the Mall. Vice Chairwoman Girtman further asked if the "City Hall in the Mall" space could be used for storytelling since that area would be quiet and better suited for that activity. Ms. Bailey did not anticipate any problem in allowing this activity in those offices. Ms. Lengert suggested that the Puppetry Theater be contacted to see if they are willing to participate. Chairwoman St. John advised that they were contacted in the past, and declined. However, that situation may be different now that they are looking for space in the City. Chairwoman St. John reviewed the confirmed tables: Children's Services Council, Police Department, Fire Department, Optimist Club sharing a space with the Children's Theater, Boynton Beach Library, Girl Scouts, WXEL, Boy Scouts, Delteens, NationsBank, and the Beach Dogs. Ms. Lengert feels it would be a good idea to try to have a dermatologist at this expo since 5 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 26, 1996 children in Florida must learn to protect their skin from the sun at an early age. Chairwoman St. John and Ms. Panton delivered entry forms to all but three of the schools. In addition, each board member was supplied with a copy of the letter that was given to the school principals. Ms. Bailey advised that Bob's Printing will provide approximately 200 posters three or four weeks prior to the expo. With regard to the entertainment that is confirmed, Chairwoman St. John provided the following. Opening Ceremonies will involve the Mayor and City Commissioners, a Flag Ceremony with the Girl Scouts, and an Invocation offered by Reverend Ackermann. Other entertainment includes: Bahia Youth Group, Traditional Tae Kwan Do, Junior Jazzercize, East/West Karate, Southern Dance, Henrietta Smith - Storyteller, Laura Chamber Graff, and The Children's Theater Group Mr. Blitz will provide Ms. Lengert with the list of judges. She will contact one additional judge so that there will be a total of three judges. Chairwoman St. John advised that all of the stores in the Mall were sent letters requesting sponsorship. She provided each member with a list of the store names and telephone numbers so that each member could contact the stores. She suggested that the members try to get a donation that could be pooled to purchase U. S. Savings Bonds. Vice Chairwoman Girtman also suggested that a poster be prepared for display purposes listing the sponsors. Chairwoman St. John reported that a few groups have requested to be fed since they will not be paid. She suggested that the members ask the food vendors if they could provide 2 for 1 coupons to be disseminated. Ms. Bailey advised that Foundation Health recently opened a senior center in the Mall. She recommended that they be contacted for sponsorship. Vice Chairwoman Girtman will contact this organization. B. Future Advisory Board Projects to Consider Chairwoman St. John reminded the members that a decision was made at last month's meeting to put all suggestions for projects on slips of paper and "pick one out of a hat". The projects are: Truancy, Neighborhood Revitalization, Youth Orchestra, Afterschool Child Care, Drop-Out Prevention, Child Abuse, Gangs, Latchkey Program, Clinic, Cultural Programs, and Juvenile Delinquency. Additional suggestions from the Vision 20/20 document include Youth Council, Youth Volunteer Core, Youth Leadership Program, and a 6 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 26, 1996 Scholarship Program for Extra-Curricula Activities for Students. Vice Chairwoman Girtman recommended including The Puppetry Arts Center. Ms. Miller would like to see a workshop which deals with the affects of drugs. She would like the information to include the street names of drugs and all of the side effects. Discussion ensued on this subject and the members learned that although D.A.R.E works within the schools, that program does not go into the amount of detail that Ms. Miller is suggesting. Vice Chairwoman Girtman advised the members that a gang workshop was conducted a few years ago which was not well attended. The majority of the people who attended were those who participated in arranging the workshop. A great deal of information was provided by the Police Department at that time. We could contact the Police Department to try to bring in speakers, and coordinate with some of the youth organizations within the community. Ms. Lengert feels Wayne Patrick would be a very good example for the youth because he was a drug user who turned his life around. Vice Chairwoman Girtman suggests keeping this type of workshop on a community level. Organizations can be invited to attend. She further recommended contacting the groups that do this on a regular basis. Prior to selecting the board's project, Vice Chairwoman Girtman reminded the members that a number of the projects go hand-in-hand. It is possible that the board may be able to work on more than one project once the selection is made. A member of the audience (Reneé Dillon) made the selection for the board. The board's project will be Neighborhood Revitalization. Vice Chairwoman Girtman advised that on Saturday, October 26th, a project known as "Paint Your Heart Out", will take place. There are six homes that have been selected in Boynton Beach for painting. All of the work will be done by volunteers. This is a project that the board can support. Ms. Bailey advised the members to contact Octavia Sherrod at 375-6066. Hundreds of volunteers are needed. In addition, Ms. Bailey advised that a Neighborhood Specialist will be hired within a week. She will arrange to have that person attend a meeting so that there can be an exchange of ideas. Motion 7 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 26, 1996 Vice Chairwoman Girtman moved that the board draw up a letter and send it to organizations that have youth participants to invite them to participate in "Paint Your Heart Out" day. She further suggested that we try to provide t-shirts for those who participate in this effort. She will contact someone who does screen printing. Mr. Blitz seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 8. PUBLIC AUDIENCE Reneé Dillion, Recruitment Coordinator for Camelot Family Resource Center , advised that this organization is housed in the old Drivers' License suite of offices. They are new to the neighborhood. Their program is specialized therapeutic family foster care. This organization is looking for parents and families that want to provide support for children. These children are ages 4 to 18 and are developmentally stalled . Camelot works with HRS who provides the children. Camelot employs the home and trains the parents. They offer a 24-hour on-call service, and a daily monitor system five days a week. The parents become involved in an intervention plan as well as a parenting plan. Camelot provides all information that is available on the children. All of these children are troubled. They have all been sexually, emotionally, and physically abused. Ms. Dillion provided brochures which offer additional information on this program. This Therapeutic Specialized Foster Care Program is new. A second orientation will be held on Tuesday at 6:30 at the Camelot office. She asked the members to pass along this information to anyone who might be interested providing a home for these children. Chairwoman St. John thanked Ms. Dillon for attending the meeting and asked if she wanted to provide information to be disseminated during the Youth Expo. Ms. Dillon advised that Camelot is a for-profit organization. 9. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:03 p.m. Janet M. Prainito Recording Secretary 8 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 26, 1996 (Two Tapes) 9