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Minutes 03-25-10 MINUTES OF EDUCATION AND YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD ON MARCH 25, 2010 AT 7:00 P.M IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA Present: Steve Waldman, Chair Carol Lundquist Paulette Ford Myra Jones (arrived 7:25 p.rn.) Hattie Miller (arrived 7:18 p.rn.) Loretta Wilkinson (arrived 7:38 p.rn.) Jose de la Torre, Alternate Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director Absent: Mary Morera, Vice Chair Tiffany North, Alternate Robert Chiste, Student-Regular Voting Member I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. II. Pledge of Allegiance/Moment of Silent Reflection The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag followed by a moment of silent reflection for our troops, the earthquake and other disaster victims. III. Approval of Minutes of February 25, 2010 Motion Ms. Lundquist moved to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. de la Torre seconded the motion that unanimously passed. IV. Approval of Agenda Chair Waldman added one Item to Item V, Correspondence. Ms. Ford added one Item to Item VII, Old Business. Motion Ms. Ford moved to approve the agenda with the additions. Mr. De La Torre seconded the motion that unanimously passed. 1 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL March 25, 2010 V. Announcements/Presentations/Correspondence Chair Waldman announced he received an email from Mr. Ametrano, the Boynton Beach Community High School Drama Teacher, who was presenting "Raisin in the Sun" in the Black Box Theater from April 14, through the 17th. The correspondence included two complimentary tickets to any performance. Last year the Board contributed to a half page advertisement. Chair Waldman inquired if the Board would be willing to contribute to another half-page advertisement. The cost was $50. The Board also contributed $600 to the Drama Department last year of which $500 was to get out of debt, and $100 was seed money. Motion Ms. Lundquist moved the Board take out a half-page ad. Ms. Ford seconded the motion that unanimously passed. No other correspondence was received. VI. Public Audience Judy Romanoff, known as "Coach Judy", the Voice of the Single Parent through the National Single Parent Resource Center, was present. The organization was recently revived due to need. They were launching discussion groups over the telephone and via internet, airing all their programs so the parents would not have to travel to receive assistance with the challenges they face. The organization was founded in 1996 as a non-profit organization and was recognized nationally for the programs they offered to single parents. Their mission and goal was to empower families so their children were less damaged and would have a better chance of achieving success. If the parents were empowered and educated, their so would their children. The program was also of benefit to teachers and guidance counselors to help them understand the issues. They have, on their website, many programs and videos that benefit children and families. The organization started doing internet radio shows which could address single parents, called the FYI for Sinole Parent Families offering practical tips at one's fingertips for two parents and single parents.. The website was www.nationalsinoleparent.oro to get to the shows and former talk shows and another site just started which was www.Judvromanoff.com which also offered single parent topics. 2 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL March 25, 2010 The organization looks to partner with other collaborative organizations such as the Big Brothers and Big Sisters. They were looking for volunteers to assist with fundraising and for a grant writer, and she hoped that by having some of the non-profits on the show, they would be able to offer more programs. Currently, two individuals were running the organization. They were looking for community support. An interactive radio show was on the internet. The audience was encouraged to call and email the show live and in the future, they planned to have a live audience. Interviews would be conducted on the show and the networking with businesses would occur immediately afterward. Cultural and non-profit organizations would be involved since the organization does a lot in the community to pass on the information. The individual coaching portion dealt with the single parent handling various issues such as preparing for divorce, hiring a lawyer, dealing with issues in court and providing insight. It was noted Ms. Romanoff was a former Guardian Ad Litem. The needs of a single parent were unique. While they may have family nearby, it did not guarantee the family was helping or working together in the best interests of the child. Much conflict was found between the single parent and their parents. Additionally, some single parents had no family, and were basically alone. Ms. Romanoff explained if one wanted to make a difference in a single parent, the best thing to do was to acknowledge them and ask them how their day was going, or even offer to assist them. The goal was to instill confidence in the parent. If the individual was confident of themselves, they could achieve more and feel good doing other things which was one of the aspects the program encouraged. The program's goal was to heal the need within. This would better equip the parent for the challenges of fighting custody battles, visitation challenges, etc. The organization sought to build the membership and have the participants connect to others in their area with similar circumstances. While the target group was the parent, they would like to involve the children by having events where the youth could get together and meet one another. It was important for children to meet other children in the same situation in a neutral environment. Youth need a vehicle to express what they feel in a non-threatening way. Facilitators could be brought in for the children outside the school. The organization was on both the local and national level. (Hattie Miller arrived at 7:18 p.rn.) Ms. Romanoff explained often single parents did not know where to go for help. When calling 211, they were generally referred out to organizations geared towards two-parent families rather than the specific needs of single parents. The organization was in the 3 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL March 25, 2010 process of finding a location, preferably in Boynton Beach. The email for Coach Judy was coachiudy@nationalsinqleparentresourcecenter. Ms. Romanoff left copies of two articles with the Board: the first was an interview she did regarding school and children, troublemakers and how teachers need to address it, rather than labeling the child a troubled kid and passing them by. The second article was an article showing the organization was honored nationally in Washington D.C. with the Phoenix Award. VII. New Business 1. YVPP Update Mr. Majors provided an update on the program and explained they met with Chief Immler, Boynton Beach Police Department, regarding the program. The program was administered under the Direction of the Police Department but met at the Sims Center. Accordingly, it was thought Recreation and Parks Department should operate and supplement the program. The Youth Violence Prevention Project was part of a larger County-wide concept involving the County Criminal Justice Commission to address concerns in the County that have higher rates of youth-related crime. An empowerment center, which acted as a hub for various programs for neighborhood youth to become involved in was created at the Sims Center due to the area being identified as an area of concern. The program was previously funded through a grant from Palm Beach County. The grant expired last September and the County felt it was important to maintain the program. The County found stimulus money through the Federal Department of Law Enforcement which trickled down through the County Criminal Justice Commission and then to the City of Boynton Beach, as a sub-grantee. Maintaining the program was a challenge because the grant was not completely approved until just a few weeks ago. Despite that, the Recreation and Parks Department Senior Manager was interested in the program and became involved. The program provided activities for teens and opportunities that provided alternatives to negative behavior. Previously, the grant that expired last September was flexible regarding what the funds could be used for. In general, recreational activities were one alternative to mischief, but now that the funding was through a different source, the stimulus monies became more about creating jobs. Myra Jones arrived at 7:25 p.m. As a result of funding being intact, Recreation and Parks returned the program to full swing activities. The program providers were in place and as a department, staff was 4 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL March 25, 2010 attempting to supplement it. Since Florida had an abundance of pools, Iifeguarding was identified as a potential job opportunity. If the youth could be recruited, as young as about 14 or 15 years of age, they were eligible for summer jobs at local pools or water parks. Their goal was to attract youth into that component of the YVPP program and provide them with the certification necessary to apply for a job. The status of the youth involved in the program during the former Director's service was unknown. Mr. Majors explained if staff noticed a turnover in the program, they contacted the youth. He was uncertain whether the numbers were any lower, but he was aware of a spike in registrations. If the youth did not participate, staff ascertained why. The Youth Violence Prevention Project benefitted by having a relationship with the Recreation and Parks Department. They provide an opportunity to bring in mentorships and the Iifeguarding program was important to prevent drowning. It was well documented that an African American child was three times more likely to drown as opposed to a Caucasian child. Additionally, Haitian and Hispanic youth could be recruited because staff was bilingual in both Creole and Spanish. The addition of the pool was a major improvement in the community over the last few years. The plans were now focused on marketing and promoting the program. It was important the community and Board(s) were aware of the programs and providers. A newer program was a car restoration program led by a Boynton Beach Police Officer. Mr. Majors explained the Department would ensure the public was aware of the outcomes of the program(s). He was unsure if there would be funding available for the program after September but felt Boynton Beach could brag about the commitment they made to the community. Their facilities were available to everyone, not only through the Senior Center, the Art Center and the Civic Center, but also through the Hester and Sims Centers, all of which enjoyed a high level of activity. The users of those facilities had to follow rules and be respectful to staff. The environment provided positive feedback and was interactive. Mr. Majors hoped the Youth Violence Prevention Project was available as long as possible, but felt the commitment the City made should not be underestimated. Many groups meet at the facilities, such as the Tiny Tot program, and the programs appeal to all segments of the community. The programs would be kept intact. Employee training and Life Skills programs were still ongoing through the R.M. Lee Foundation. The Department was trying to be augmented through the Lifeguarding Mentoring program and they hoped to develop more programs. There was a lot of interest in General Equivalent Diploma programs. They hoped to keep the youth engaged and that the funding would remain. 5 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL March 25, 2010 VIII. Old Business A. Sister Cities Young Artists Showcase Chair Waldman advised he received an email from Jeanne Heavilin from the Sister Cities program, and he was unable to help put the artwork up. Chair Waldman would check with her and forward the information to the members in the event they would like to assist putting the artwork up. (Lori Wilkinson arrived at 7:38 p.m.) B. Tennis Carnival Chair Waldman announced the Tennis Carnival was scheduled for April 17, 2010 at Hunters Run. Twenty youths registered so far, and the event accommodated 30 youths. Members were asked to recruit individuals. Ms. Wilkinson advised she obtained a donation of water from her school's Spring Fling. If water was needed for the Sister Cities or Tennis Carnival events, there were about 36 cases available. It was noted Board member Mary Morera handled the refreshments and Chair Waldman agreed to check with her on the refreshments for the event. C. Youth Volunteer Bank An update on the item was given. It was explained Ms. Claude had mailed letters and postcards to the volunteers requesting they turn in their hours. The deadline was April 1 st and so far only seven responses were received. There had been prior discussion about holding some type of event, such as a pizza party for the youth, in addition to recognizing the youth at a City Commission meeting. The next Education and Youth Advisory Board meeting was scheduled for April 22, 2010, so if the Board did not receive a large response, they could decide what type of event to hold at the meeting. D. Bob Borovy Student Citizen of the Year Award Mr. Majors advised the deadline for the award was April 2nd and no applications were received, nor had they received a response from Publix Supermarket. They received $400 from the American Legion Post. The judges for the event were Gary Solomon, of the Sandsifters, Debbie Majors, Grants Coordinator and last year's winner. Ms. Wilkinson left the dais at 7:42 p.m. 6 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL March 25, 2010 Chair Waldman was surprised regarding the lack of response, since he had spoken with two students at the high school who were filling out the form for the Borovy Award. One of the students was a young lady who received an award at the high school for her efforts and she advised she would apply. No responses were received from Lake Worth (Community High School) or Lake Worth Christian Schools. It was thought if there was a deserving child, they should get the money. (Ms. Wilkinson returned to the dais at 7:44 p.m.) There was agreement the deadline would be extended. Chair Waldman offered, after spring break, to follow up at the school. It was also noted that youth today did not appear to be interested in applying for aid, unless it was for a very large amount. The scholarship was $1,000 which could easily buy books or food for a college semester. Boynton Beach youth attended Santaluces High School and the charter school. The scholarship requirement was the youth had to be from Boynton Beach. Chair Waldman agreed to visit those schools and advise them of the program. Motion Ms. Wilkinson moved to extend the deadline to April 21 for applications for the Youth Volunteer Bank Scholarship (sic). Ms. Ford seconded the motion that unanimously passed. The members were encouraged to notify youth of the award and Ms. Wilkinson agreed to contact Santaluces High School. E. Fundraising Chair Waldman had previously spoken with Bank Atlantic regarding a donation. He was supposed to receive information the next day whether the donation was forthcoming. He noted a donation in any amount would be accepted. Ms. Wilkinson also inquired if the Board sent correspondence to the elected officials inquiring if they had any leftover funds that could be donated to the Board. It was noted the Board had a standard letter which was sent in the past. Ms. Ford spoke about the Odyssey of the Mind and First Lego League programs at Poinciana Elementary School. She reported Ms. Gibson, from Poinciana Elementary School, was working with the new principal, Ann Clark, to make arrangements to thank the Board. Ms. Ford was in a meeting with the Odyssey of the Mind teams. All three of the three teams received first place in the competition and would be competing on the State level. If the teams placed high enough on the State level, they would be invited to compete on the world level in Michigan. There would not be much turnaround time 7 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL March 25, 2010 between the state and world levels to fund raise for it. Ms. Gibson was wondering if they could approach the Board, to display the trophy or award, and request additional financial support for the world level competition, should the need arise. There was discussion the forms should be submitted ahead of time with a ball park figure. If any of the teams were invited to the world level, the Board could make a decision. The students were currently fundraising by selling ice pops. It was also noted the new principal could attend the next meeting to approach the Board with her request and thank the Board for its support. IX. Future Meeting Dates The next two meeting dates were set for April 22, 2010 and May 27,2010. Chair Waldman invited the members to attend the Tennis Carnival on April 17, 2010. Ms. Wilkinson gave a brief update regarding the Greater Boynton Beach Foundation. The Foundation had taken steps to incorporate, and they secured an attorney from the legal aid society, pro bono. The purpose of the Foundation was to raise funds for educational, recreational and cultural events within the City. The first project would be the Barrier-Free Park. The Foundation was a long time in coming and it was hoped the park would come to fruition with the Foundation's efforts. The Foundation obtained an address, phone number and website. A logo was being developed and the effort appeared very promising. X. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 7:57 p.m. (2 (it/LUu.}}tL (7 j ~ J fI t J Catherine Cherry '-1\...JULl T Recording Secretary 032810032810 8