Chairperson Jody Nazarchyk Called the Meeting to Order at 5:30 Pm and a Quorum Was Established

Waterford Youth Services Bureau Advisory Committee Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Call to Order: Chairperson Jody Nazarchyk called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm and a quorum was established.

Attendees: Dani Gorman (YSB Director), Jody Nazarchyk (Chairperson), Ellen Bellos (Vice- Chairperson), Dottie Concascia, Lisa Sachatello, Arianna Turello, Kathy Peterson, Sheila Cash, Steve Whitehead, Chris Gigliotti and Gene Ryan

Absent: Dan Steward, Brett Mahoney, Justin Barzcak, Michael Buscetto, Ryan McNamara, Kyle Blatchford and Ron Fedor

Public Input: none

Motion #1 K. Peterson made the motion to approve the minutes from the November 18, 2015. E. Bellos seconded the motion.

Correspondence: D. Gorman reported a thank you card from family was received along with a $500 donation from the memorial of Josephine DeAngelis.

Program Report: C. Gigliotti reported winter programs Kid-Creation, Tournament Tuesday and Snack Attack were coming to an end this month. Tickets for the Boston Celtics Bus Trip on March 4th were all distributed and the Red Cross Babysitter Training class on March 11th was filled and a great success. Saturday Night Out, a program offered for parents to enjoy a night out while Youth Services staff watch over their children are being held this Saturday March 19th and again on April 16th from 5:00-10:00pm. C. Gigliotti finally reported Homework Helpers will continue on Thursdays until the end of the school year and will be run on Tuesdays after April vacation until the end of the school year. Also, a new program Slippery, Slithery & Scaly will be held on Wednesdays in May featuring visiting reptiles.

Student Report: A. Turello reported this week is World Language Week and the WADE survey regarding substance abuse has been distributed and completed. A dance show to raise funds for seniors will be held at the high school on Friday, March 18 th and Saturday March 19th at 6:30pm. A. Turello also reported Ivory Ella will be creating Waterford High School shirts to raise money for seniors and two fundraisers coming up include a parent’s night out 70’s style at Filomena’s and a hypnotist show at the school on March 24th. Director's Report: D. Gorman reported counseling services remain very busy and there has been a spike recently in referrals and requests. Camp D.A.S.H. planning is underway and available positions have been advertised in the newspaper. Camp has been reformatted this year which will feature 3 new components. Base Camp, led by Ali Regan and Nico Bartelli will oversee students in kindergarten through 2nd grade. Summit Camp, led by Josh Elphick and David Zaldivar will oversee students in grades 3-5. A brand new component, Dash Academy will be led by Emma Theiler and Ben Morales. Dash Academy will be for students going into 6th, 7th, and 8th grade and will be counselors in training. Students will learn leadership and communication skills, receive babysitter training, shadow counselors and attend off-grounds field trips. Camp fees this year will be $100.00 for regular care, $150.00 for extended care and $110.00 for campers in Dash Academy since they will be assisting staff. A new registration form and payment plans are being revamped with a possibility of online payments. D. Gorman finally reported that Dancing with Stars, an event to raise funds for mental health brought in approximately $2,700.

Financial Report: D. Gorman distributed the financial report.

WADE Report D. Gorman reported John Morello will perform I Am Dirt: A one man show of substance abuse and choices on May 17th at the Waterford High School. He will also be performing that evening for adults, possibly in East Lyme. A school survey has been distributed to middle and high school students regarding substance abuse and results are being compiled. A report on the results will be available next month. A discussion opened on the possibility of implementing a seminar focused on teen dating abuse for juniors and seniors at the high school.

Old Business None

New Business None

Motion #2 K. Peterson made the motion to adjourn the meeting. D. Concascia seconded the motion. Vote unanimous.

The meeting adjourned at 6:31 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

______Chris Gigliotti WYSB

Note: These minutes are scheduled for approval at the next Youth Service Bureau Advisory Committee Meeting.