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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-02-08-YSC-min Our latest meeting was held on February 8, 2005 and in attendance were Karen Simmons, Lauren MacNeil, Elaine Sterzm, Julia Schutt, Beth Ribeiro, Arny Berger, Christina Demambro, Becky Rushford, Bill Blout, and Jennifer Wolfrum. Christina Demambro from the Lexington Police Department joined our meeting. We were glad to see her I started by giving an update on where things are at with Diamond School. First Helen had a meeting with Joanne Hennessey to begin the conversation about the middle school program initiative (snow tubing to Nashoba Valley) I then was in touch with Joanne to tighten up pieces of the last conversation and move things forward. Diamond is now on- board with allowing the students to eat lunch in their cafeteria before heading to Nashoba. Karen mentioned trying to publicize event in Minuteman and Lauren mentioned my interview with Laurie from Colonial Times. However, that interview was not specific to the middle school initiative, in fact it will run parallel with YRBS results and an interview with Jennifer Bill K. was able to talk with Dick Michelson and he donated$50 for the snow tubing trip and the retailer's association does not have the ability to donate right now, the Town's recreation department is willing to pay for a bus, and our sub-committee will be meeting next Monday 2/14/05 to discuss shortages. Elaine mentioned accessing the PTA. I already looked into it and they won' t provide money for transportation. Any ideas are welcome Bill B , Blame, Beth, and Amy all spoke about The Forum for Youth, its success and the beginning of making connections and building relationships. About 15 therapists were in attendance to discuss youth and family needs, issues, and solutions. Some topics mentioned were gambling, self-esteem,belonging, drugs. Those in attendance were looking forward to meeting again and Amy said we shouldn't wait too long to schedule the next meeting. Our sub-committee will be meeting on 2/22/05 to discuss next steps. Beth R. also shared what she had typed up and gathered from the meeting. There was a brief discussion about the extent to which Edinburg was still able to be a resource for crisis evaluations. They seem to be really short staffed and not always able to send someone out. Lauren spoke about changes in the social services department. Due to budget constraints it is looking like only one social work position will be filled. Therefore, there would be an elimination of one social work position. The possible additions to my position will be the Human Services Fund and the Fund for Lexington. We will begin interviews for the social work position next week. it was posted in the Minuteman. There will probably be a nurse hired on, less than full-time to oversee the Senior Health Monitor Program. Right now this program is out sourced and costs lots of money The nurse will provide services to elderly Arny voiced concern and a sense of protection around youth services and said it would be hard to swallow any dent in that position. As there is so much need, there probably needs to be more than one person. Bill voiced concern also in regards to losing one social work position overall and that it is something the department would never get back. He talked about the position being independent like the committee and Elaine talked about the position needing to be institutionalized through a Town Department. Bill also expressed concern about tasks being added to the youth services position. Lauren said the current plan is appropriate for the department and job descriptions are meant to be flexible. We will have another student joining us next month. Her name is Eliza Duncan. Our next meeting is set for Tuesday March 8, 2005 2 30-3 30 Room 217 See you then or before, Becky