South Windsor Alliance for Families (SWAFF)
Meeting Minutes – November 17, 2009
Call Meeting to Order: Joann Moriarty called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
Roll Call
Members Present: Keri Apt, Melissa Bengston, ERASE Representative Bonnie Smith, Tom Field, Janet Gallugi, Diane Gerber, Joann Moriarty, Emily Murphy, Roseanne Sapula, Evan Tandy, and Shaylyn Young
SADD Youth Update
A movie night fundraiser for SADD was held in October. PeaceJam held a pumpkin painting contest with the profits going to UNICEF. They are also working on a scheduling a program at TEMS with “Looking In Theatre”, a group composed of teenagers from the greater Hartford area, who present dramatic scenes dealing with important social, family, and personal issues such as drugs, alcohol, sexuality, AIDS, depression, suicide, and physical/mental and sexual abuse and how these issues affect adolescents. Another project will be distributing refrigerator clings to local liquor stores stating that they do ID checks.
Youth and Family Services Update
One of the needs determined from the student survey was a parent support group. This group has been formed and is facilitated by Ginny Molleur, Parent Educator and Jo-Ann Ciccaglione, Teen Center Coordinator. Sessions will be held on the third Thursday of the month and is open to South Windsor and area parents. The next two dates are Thursday November 19 and Thursday December 17 at 6:30 pm in the Teen Center Lounge.
TEMS School Outreach Update
All programs are up and running well. Emily discussed The CARES Closet is well-stocked and available to any student with a school-related need. There are some clothing items as well as school supplies. Donations are always appreciated to keep the closet stocked. She announced that there is still a need for mentors. An announcement regarding their need was placed in the December senior newsletter.
Youth and Police Dodge Ball Tournament and Food Drive
A Youth and Police Dodge Ball Challenge will be held on Saturday November 21 in the SWHS gym from 10a.m.-12:30 p.m. The entrance fee for each team is a frozen turkey. There will also be a food drive which will benefit the SW Food and Fuel Bank.
Parent Workshop at TEMS, Adolescent Brain Development and Alcohol
This program, sponsored by grants in partnership with SWYFS and SWAFF, will be held on Friday January 29, from 7-9 p.m., during the TEMS student dance. The presenter Chris Brown, is a Certified School Psychologist and Professional Counselor. This is an interactive, multimedia presentation based on current research on adolescent brain development, the impact of alcohol on brain development, the risks of adolescent alcohol used and the steps families can take to reduce these risks.
In an effort to get maximum publicity for this event a flyer will be distributed with the SWHS Progress Reports and Friday Folders at all elementary schools. SWAFF members will also contact the following groups: Tom F. will work with Scott Custer to contact SW Life Magazine, The Reminder and the school’s PTO’s; Emily M. will contact the TEMS PTO and Wellness Group; Janet G. will contact the SWHS Athletic Direct to speak to team coaches; Joann M. will contact the SWHS Parent Advisory Council and Bonnie S. will get the word out to area youth service bureau’s.
There will be refreshments, child care, and door prizes at this event so any help SWAFF members can provide will be appreciated.
Grandparent & Grandchild Pancake Breakfast
This well-attended event will be held on Tuesday February 16 and Thursday, February 18 at the Community Center.
Volunteers and grills are always welcomed!
Joann Moriarty made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m. Roseanne Sapula seconded the motion.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy A. Aborn
Recording Secretary
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