Finneytown Civility Project
November 15, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Attendees: Cara Jones, Lisa and Ron Howard, Mike Hornback, Joyce and Sam Cauffield, Sue Dvorak, Ying Lee, Kathy Skinnner, Deb Seminick, Shawn Maus, and, Joe Gorman..
Meeting opened at 9 a.m. with brief introductions.
Facilitator Debbie Ohl reported that Jan Connelly, who was unable to attend, researched that public behavior at the BrentwoodShopping Center. Jan spoke to owner Denise Harris of Centro Properties, about problem locations, times when problems occur, and the ages of the kids causing problems. Denise is sharing her concerns with Jan in an open dialogue. Jan will talk further to Springfield Township Lt. Schaffer in January about his input on the situation. He will be invited to speak at a future Civility meeting.
Debbie also discussed possible mentoring programs, has met with the school superintendent about workshops for “at risk” kids,and, discussed tutoring program assistance from volunteers from the Civility group. Kathy Skinner has agreed to join Debbie in setting up an appointment with the High School Principal, Jack Fisher to follow up. Deb from FHS, will look into how we can help the “Wednesday Program” at Whitaker School.
Debbie is contacting businesses to get them involved in Civility and the FCA. She stated that “communication is the key.” Joe said that the FCA is starting a Business Committee, since the business association is now defunct.
Caraand Jancompleted a draft of the brochure for Civility and Joe Gorman is making adjustments needed and distribution will be discussed at the next meeting.
Ron Howardlooked into using The Grove for a TeenActivityCenter. This Center would have to bestaffed by the Townshipand there are costs associated with this. Joe asked Ron to develop a program/budget so we can explore funding opportunities. Civility would have to provide its own supplies for activities. Ron and Lisa Howard will continue research in finding a safe place for our local teens to have activities.
Ron also finished research and information on the New Residents Handbook and Lisa is working on its format and will be completed by the next meeting in January for review. Shawn Maus has agreed to distribute the new handbook through the Finneytown Schools District to new students and or parents. Lisa also suggested that Joe Gorman, FCA President keep the handbooks on hand for FCA meetings, etc.
Joe Gorman reported that the FCA sponsors the Steve Elliott Community Service Award, two seniors at FHS receive a $500 scholarship for community service projects. Joe is trying to change the criterion inwards for projects centered in Finneytown. The Civility Project could be a direct benefit of this (i.e., service in the YouthActivityCenter). Joe will contact FHS Lynn Volz.
Joyce mentioned that she will contact the Heart Program and bring her report back to the next meeting. Joyce also volunteered along with Kathy Skinner, to tutor, representing Civility.
Mike Hornback would like to head up a program for local seniors concerning home improvement in the community, similar to “Prepare Affair.” Hewill contact People Working Cooperatively.
Sue will also communicate with St. Vivian’s Parish about getting involved in connecting our group with repair issues.
Ying Lee mentioned that the PTA should be involved the Civility community efforts and will be the contact person for information from that organization. She is also interested in actively promoting the Civility Project with the brochure and word of mouth.
Shawn Maus, the Communications Coordinator for the FinneytownSchool District, suggested that Civility could plug into the school’s community service for the teens. He mentioned several activities that are already implemented in the school district’s community service, such as Habitat for Humanity, Tutoring, Drop Inn Center, (cook and serve), kids going to Appalachia to repair homes to name a few. His overall view is to:
- Pick a project to plug into
- Start small
- Get input
- Build on it.
Shawn said “getting familiar with the kids by helping with already existing programs” would help in the process. Whitaker Elementary was used as an example for one of the programs such as Wiz Kids.
Debbie will send out plans, summaries, and minutes so that people getting involved with the Civility Project will be up to speed so that we don’t spend a lot of time re-hashing in meetings.
Next meeting: Saturday, January, 10, 2009 at 9 a.m., SeniorCenter. (Bring coffee!)
Meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
Minutes by Lisa Howard