HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-12-03-CRC-min.pdf 1 �
Community Relat. ons Comeittee
December 3, 1975
Fleeting came to order atE 15 P at Lstabrook :all. ,ezocrs present H. Kessler,
D. Cooper, J.Corr, A. Seigliano, C. Pales, S. Shaw Absent S. Buse, D. Nilson, D.
Swanson, M. Kritsick, C. Anderson.
Chairman Kassler reviewed the last meet nL of the CRC which was to informational
meeting held at the Concord Courthouse. Over 200 were in attendance and most felt
that it was worthwhile in providing facts about the juvenile justice system.
Dr. Kassler reminded the group that the survey on Recreational Needs in Lexington
included several questions inserted by the Che relating to issues such as a commun-
ity center and a yong adult drinhdna area. We look forward to the curmunity's
response to these issues to help oeterrdae our future d:..rection of effort.
A comment from the audience that uorhaps ;lore youn., people should be on the CRC
brought the follow np responses from *Members of the roup our makeup is now 25%
young people which seems fair; our areas of concern arc not limited to problems
of youth, though our focus thus far has tanned t e youth and, there is no reason
why more young _people cannot be d_rectl involve in our discussions without en-
larging the membership oi' the CRC to what sir hit be an unwieldy number. There are
specific ways this might be accomplished 1, ) Specifica_l nvit:Lng certain youth
groups to attend 2.) More outreach by CRC smbe .s going into the schools to stim-
ulate discussion of youth concerns.
A question from the audience about the degree of concern over the number of deaths
of young people prompted J. Corr to state his :articular concern. The feels that it
is sad so few people are reacting to the tragic death of the high school girl be-
cause of a drunken driver. He says we arc still not coming to grins with the real
problem facing us---alcohol. Dr. Kassler stated that we ,re concerned but perhaps
the problem is just too big for the CSC to effectively handle. C. Yal.es asked if
there are any educational programs in the schools about alcoholism. '?o one present
knew the answer. It'. Kassler said that the Drug Advisory Board( which would like
to change its name) will probablo be dealing +rich: with tins problem and any plans
should be coordinated with them.
Roz Krensky suggested that we s.:onsor an all day seminar or set of workshops at the
High School. It would deal with many aspects of the cow:unity and feature special
local sneakers and leaders. Dr. 'sassier has asked rs. Krinsky to submit a detailed
proposal to the CRC before our next meeting for further discussion.
A question from Mrs. Shapiro as to the nossibulity of having a tour of the Police
Station based on the success of the court meeting, crew a response from Jhief Corr.
1) Corr says he wotad rather meet with smaller ,coups. He recently invited some
high school students to meet with h,,_m---to which there was minimal, response.
2) Corr invited "1rs. Shapiro and a s..all prnun to meet with him.
At this point the group -oi i.uvol _ n a r. .ar philo;o-meal discussion of the pur-
pose -of
uttpose of the CRC. J. Corr questioned whether our committee is perhaps "generating"
problems by discussing area, of concern which have not been expressed by large groups
of citizens. H. Kassler feels our role is not onl, to react to large problems but
r
to identify those areas which might become serious problems if not ad:'ressed early on.
S. Shaw mentioned the reference at the court meeting by Juvenile Probation head, Ardythe
Smiths that Lexington is an °island° because of a lack of town resources to sere
troubled youth. Mrs Shaw felt this nv._ht be an arca our committee should discuss.
A. Scigliano agreed to talk with ffrs Smith about this 'problem and present some facts at
our next meeting.
In response to a suggestion that there be a special °youth caucus° dealing with warrant
articles of interest to youths it was decided that part of our next meeting will deal
specifically with three youth - related articles
1) Proposed town by-law against public drinking
2) Recreation articles
3) Replace is asking large increase in town financial support
We will invite specialists in each of these areas to act as resource people.
The committee agreed to meet next on January 15, 1976, Thursday at 88P.14. at Estabrook
School ( at invitation of North Lexington Associ tion ) The agenda will include
1) Youth related Warrant articles discussion
2) Report on community rescurces for troubled youth
3) Discussion of proposal for Ii -h School ..omm:initv Da', in Spring
Several committee members were directed by ire CI-mini-inn to publicize this meeting with
special attention to youth.
Sandra Shaw
— - I