Recreation Committee, October 11, 2016
Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes
October 11, 2016
Members Present: Melissa Staiti, Robin Grady, Lisa Post
Nancy Owens, Erin Bradbury
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Denise Morano, Recreation Director
Angela Greene, Recording Secretary
Lisa called the Recreation Committee meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes:
A motion was made by Robin and seconded by Erin to accept the minutes of the September 20, 2016 meeting.
The minutes of September 20, 2016 were approved 5-0.
Director’s Report:
Programs:
Denise went over the numbers for the Before/After School Programs: All 3 schools have maximum enrollment in the mornings and afternoons. We are currently caring for 312 children on a daily basis.
A new session of youth wrestling will begin November 28 at Davis Hill School. We have split it into 2 sections with grades K-3 practicing on Mondays from 6:30-7:30 and grades 4-8 practicing on Mondays from 7:30-8:30 and Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00. Registration is open to all Wachusett area students and people have already started signing up.
A 4-week session of a non-cooking class for youth ages 10-15 is scheduled to begin October 27. The classes will bring kids together as they prepare simple recipes they can make at home. We currently have 10 registered. Robin asked if there is a max number for this class, Denise answered yes, the max would be 14.
We have added an additional babysitter’s training class on November 8 because the class on October 20th has sold out. Previously we held the classes on Saturdays or during vacations. Denise is now scheduling the 3 hour classes when school is dismissed early or not in session. This is working out well and kids are very receptive to it. The classes are now instructed by Century Health, they are recommended by American Pediatrics. Robin asked what the ages are for this class. Denise answered, it is open to ages 11-14.
Denise went over the numbers for the adult classes: Barre/P90X- classes run Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings with a total of 25 participants; Butts and Guts – Thursday evenings – 6 registered; CCYo – Tuesday and Thursday evenings – 29 registered; Fit Camp – Monday mornings – 3 enrolled; Gentle Hatha Yoga – Wednesday mornings – 24 registered. Denise added that these classes are going strong and we still have very good participation in all of them.
New classes include a noon Barre class scheduled on Fridays, beginning 10/21, Thanksgiving Table Swag making class scheduled for Wednesday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Recreation conference room and a Women’s Basic Self Defense class scheduled for Wednesday, October 19 from 6:30 – 9:30 in the Public Safety Building that will be conducted by 2 police officers. Erin asked if we have noticed an increase in participation numbers since we have moved. Denise answered yes, we have our own space now so it is easier to schedule different things when we want.
Miscellaneous:
The inspector from the Department of Early Education and Care visited all 3 elementary schools during the past 2 weeks for the purpose of renewing the licenses to operate the Before and After School Programs. He was very impressed with how well things are run and stated that the programs are “flawless”. Nancy asked what can be done about preventing the computers going down on registration days. Denise answered that she spoke with Ray who runs the program. All of the programs were closed down the evening of the crash to increase their capacity, he also asked that we notify them ahead of time so they can have extra engineers watching during signups to correct any issues that might come up.
Denise sent another email to the Mountview gym teacher. She has not received a positive response yet concerning the volleyball program. The gym teacher is hoping that after the Columbus Day holiday they will have time to try and figure out their new equipment. She said that the standards that they have are meant to be set up outside because they are on wheels and may damage the floor. Denise said that she has offered the Recreation studio to the volleyball participants on Thursdays as an option. Lisa suggested that we purchase the volleyball equipment. Denise said that we can’t do that because we don’t know what kind of setup the Mountview gym has. Denise added that she is doing the best she can but if Mountview isn’t ready for us we can’t push the issue.
Winter Carnival Committee had their first meeting last Monday evening. We have to reserve the church at 3:00 p.m. or shortly after. Lisa and Nancy offered to attend the Winter Carnival Committee’s next meeting. Santa will be arriving December 3. Denise will have more information at the next meeting.
Erin suggested that we look into having an Astronomy class or a Photography class. Robin suggested that we have a Stained Glass class. Melissa added that would be a good class to make ornaments. Nancy asked if the same woman that taught the Wreath making class would be teaching the Thanksgiving Swag class. Denise said that yes she would be.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
The next Recreation Committee meeting will be held on November 8, 2016 @ 7:00 p.m.at the Recreation Office.
Holden Recreation Committee, October 11, 2016