September 13, 2005 - Meeting Minutes - Seaford Middle School Library
Attendance: Ken Nersesian - Maureen Sander m273@optonline.net - Sharon Jonas - Peter J. Ruffner - Lucie Dean - RoseAnne Careri - Liz Gaebler - Christine Kern - Rose Lochner rose_lochner@ml.com - Susan Papadimas
Papa2395@optonline.net - Barbara De Leon
The meeting was opened at 7:35pm by Ken Nersesian with introductions made by all. Barbara De Leon read the minutes of the last meeting.
Ms. Careri, the Principal of the Middle School, informed the council that the Seaford Middle School theme this year is "Make a commitment to Seaford Pride", which can work nicely with the Wellness Council, as the children will be
encouraged to participate in community service and events. Mr. Nersesian wanted to publicly thank our local politicians for their financial support: Mr. David McDonough for his $5,000 grant
, especially by the Wantagh-Seaford CitizenClean-up. They expressed an interest in keeping abreast of future Wellness Council events. Liz Gaebler gave the done up big. Ms. Careri suggested putting Wellness Council brochures in
the Parent Center. She commented that the Council did a great job at the 6th grade done up big. Ms. Careri suggested putting Wellness Council brochures in the Parent Center. She commented that the Council did a great job at the
6th grade and 9th grade orientations in August.
Parent Center. She commented that the Council did a great job at the 6th grade and 9th grade orientations in August. . She commented that the Council did a great job at the 6th grade and 9th grade orientations in August.
and 9th grade orientations in August.
It was suggested that the Wellness Council march in the Homecoming parade with their banner and have some members walk along side and distribute brochures to the adult spectators. FNL: Barbara Richko has had foot surgery and is
not yet back to work. Ms. Careri will call her and then contact Mike Di Silvio regarding Ms. Richko's health. She may need someone to cover for her while she is recuperating. Hot Chocolate Run: Will be December 3, 2005. Last year it
did great and Mr. Nersesian feels it will only get better with time. He feels it will be a true community event.
Washington Avenue Park: Peter Ruffner has made many trips to the park to canvass the area and to be aware of the progress the County is making. He has identified many issues which have been addressed and those that still need to
be addressed. He feels the major issues need to be addressed in the $50 million bond issue by the County. According to Mr. Ruffner, Rich Murphy stated that more improvements will be done in the next two weeks. Mr. Ruffner is
requesting that the County pick up litter every other day. He stated that he was there on a Friday evening and the park was clean, but on Saturday morning when he arrived there were empty beer cans all over the place. He doesn't
know how they all got there in those few hours, especially since the Police use the parking lot to do their paperwork and as a shift change. Slated for improvements include a new flag pole and in the spring the infield will be weeded,
as well as new parking lines added to the lot. The barbed wire and the overgrowth near Jerusalem Avenue will be removed. Mr. Nersesian visited the park and took photographs, which he passed around for all to see. Mr. Ruffner feels
the park has made great progress and will make even further progress a year from now.
Gazebo Project: A discussion about the War Memorial up by the train station concluded that it was not receiving the respect it deserved, and to incorporate it into the Gazebo project. Christine Kern stated that she was able to get an
estimate for $796.00 per year for insurance on a gazebo similar to that of Wantagh and Merrick. She is still checking out different gazebos and as well as building materials.
New Business: Guest Speakers: Due to the contingency budget, Ms. Careri feels the budget does not lend itself to speakers this year and has suggested that this is an area the Wellness Council can assist the Middle School and
possibly the High School. She will talk to Nancy Kaplan for a list of possible speakers. Red Ribbon Week: starts October 17 at the Elementary and Middle schools.
Nutrition in the schools: there is a new food service in the cafeterias and the change has been drastic. There are new food choices and everyone seems to be happy. There is less fried food, and more baked and whole wheat is a
staple on the menu. Ms. Careri informed us that liquid vending machines are not operational until after school hours. Promote community awareness of the Wellness Council: it was suggested that the Wellness Council have a liaison
at PTA meetings.
The next meeting is scheduled for October 11, 2005. Mr. Nersesian closed the meeting at 8:42pm
Respectfully submitted, Barbara De Leon
October 11, 2005 - Meeting Minutes - Seaford Middle School Library
Attendance: Thomas Bock -Teresa Maffetone - Lucie Dean - Sharon Jonas - Peter J. Ruffner - Donna Moor (679-6678) - Liz Gaebler - Mark Bonilla, County Clerk - Ken Nersesian - Michael Di Silvio - Barbara De Leon
Michael Di Silvio opened the meeting promptly at 7:30pm. The committee discussed the council sponsoring speakers in the Middle School.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Barbara De Leon. A correction was made to the balance in our bank account. The balance should have read $5255.49. Liz Gaebler gave the Treasurer's Report. Currently we have
$5205.92 in our account.
Christine Kern was not present to discuss the Beautification Project, but Mr. Di Silvio had all the information and led the discussion. The insurance for the gazebo was considered a good price by those in the field. Brochures of
gazebos were passed around for all to see. Mr. Bonilla said he will set up an appointment with "the building guy" and Mr. Di Silvio to discuss the protocol in building the gazebo.
It was suggested that the council get in touch with Angie Cullen to discuss the gazebo.
Abby Nursery, Merrick Road, Wantagh, has offered to donate flowers for the beautification project. A letter will be generated and sent to the American Legion to inquire about their participation in the war monuments that will surround
the gazebo. The parking lot renovation at the Seaford Rail Road Station has been completed and will begin working on the platform shortly. The LIRR is asking for community input on the design. The Wellness Council feels that
this is an area in which we may get involved with.
Peter Ruffner gave an update on the Washington Avenue Park Renovation Project. The county has been working on the embankment by Jerusalem Avenue. They would try to finish that up next week when the weather is better.
They had already cut down one-third of the overgrowth near Dairy Barn. Most of the work will be done by the onset of winter. The parking lot has been remarked and a new flag pole has been erected. The barbed wire has been
removed. It was noted that the playground area has too many trees and offers a safety hazard. Rich Murphy of Nassau County Parks wants to meet with representatives of all the organizations that use the park facilities.
Michael Di Silvio gave an update on the upcoming Hot Chocolate Run. Mr. Bonilla stated that he plans on running the race. It was suggested that publicity should be put in the Wantagh Seaford Citizen (local news paper), News 12(
local cable news channel), KJOY (radio), Newsday's health section, and send home school fliers. It is already listed on the school calendar. The Lion's club will give out an award to the fastest Seaford runners. Pick Up the Pace has
provided a raffle prize. This year's sponsors thus far : Massapequa Road Runners Club, A G Edwards, Seaford Fire Department/ Ladies Auxiliary. Napoli Tile was a sponsor last year. They will be contacted to see if they are
interested again this year. T-shirts for the event were discussed. They will need to be ready for printing by early November. It was suggested that someone could sponsor mile markers. Mr. Di Silvio will also check into videotaping the
beginning and end of the race and showing it in the auditorium upon completion of the race.
The Parent Center is planning three workshops for the fall. Mr. Di Silvio will drop off Wellness Council brochures to the Parent's Center so that those who attend the workshops will be aware of the Seaford Wellness Council.
Tackapausha Park Clean Up- will take place on Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 9:00 am. Meet in from of the museum. It will be similar to the spring clean up.
Friday Night Live - Barbara Richko was not available. Mr. Di Silvio will get in touch with her.
Mr. Bonilla said he has not heard anything about the cell tower located on the exit ramp of the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway and Sunrise Highway. Thus far it is still inactive. Mr. Bonilla said that the company that installed it is
dragging their feet about removing it.
Recently the Cedar Creek Sewage Plant facility has been in the media. Mr. Bonilla clarified and updated us with the information. It seems that there is a leak at the facility, but it is a water leak, not a sewage leak.
The Council was asked to investigate the Neighborhood Watch Program, as something we might want to initiate in Seaford.
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at 7:30PM in the Seaford Middle School Library.
The meeting was ended by Mr. Di Silvio at 9:02 pm. Respectfully submitted, Barbara De Leon
November 16, 2005 - Meeting Minutes Seaford Middle Faculty Room
Attendance: Sarah Holly (Sen. Fuschillo) - Ted Fulton (Vice Principal Seaford H.S.) - Christine Kern -Assemblyman - David Mc Donough - Teresa Maffetone - Lucie Dean - Robin Asighieri - Sharon Jonas - Peter J. Ruffner - Barbara
Richko - Liz Gaebler - Steve Gaebler - Frank Di Gregorio - Maryanne Di Gregorio - Ken Nersesian - Michael Di Silvio - Diane Twibell - Mike Perrone - Donna Moor
Michael Di Silvio opened the meeting at 7:30pm.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE: We started with a discussion on preparations for Friday Night Live to be held 7:30PM this Friday, November 18, at the Seaford Middle School. Barbara Richko said she purchased all the materials she needs and
has all the volunteers she needs. She then gave a brief description to all present on what the FNL program is and how it has been attended to date. It continues to be a popular event for the middle school aged students.
HOT CHOCOLATE RUN The list of sponsors, the number of runner applications to date (63), and details of volunteer duties was discussed. Volunteers for Friday 12/2 registration as well as race day 12/3 duties was discussed and names
were taken for sign up. * KJOY radio will be available for 1 hour at the event * We will look to the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Key Club, Honor Society and Student Council for water stop and parking duties.
* Request will be made for all 4 available restroom's to be available Saturday morning as well as needed tables for registration, food, etc. * Raffle prizes will be donated by Budweiser
GAZEBO Our next step is to submit complete plans to the Town of Hempstead. Michael Interrante from the Seaford Chamber of Commerce agreed to provide us a plan and rendering. We were advised to get a Charities Registration
from the Attorney General's Office. Ken Nersesian gave a detailed account of the gazebo planned as well as ideas for additional construction requirements. The idea of selling bricks to offset the
cost of the gazebo pathway was presented. Sharon Jonas discussed how we may be able to work with the American Legion to incorporate the memorial adjacent to the planned gazebo site. Ray Coyle was mentioned as a possible
electrician we could reach out to for the gazebo.
WASHINGTON AVE. PARK RESTORATION Peter Ruffner indicated that additional work was done on the building and brush along the northern side was cut. We need to wait now for news on how the Environmental Bond issue funds
will be distributed.
NEW BUSINESS Mike Perrone (Seaford resident) asked for our support on an ongoing problem he has had with students loitering in front of his house from 2:00-2:25PM. Vice Principal Fulton said he would discuss with Mr. Ragon.
We will contact the police to see if additional patrols may help.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday December 13, 2005 at 7:30PM in the Seaford Middle School Library. The meeting was ended by Mr. Di Silvio at 9:02 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Michael Di Silvio
A meeting of officers and board members was held afterwards to ratify the amended by-laws and to officially make Seaford Wellness Council the name of our organization. The word Community will be eliminated in the future.
December 13, 2005 - Meeting Minutes 7:30pm Seaford Middle School
Hot Chocolate Run: Next year a sponsor list will be included in the runner's bag. It was suggested that a fun walk be incorporated for individuals and families that do not want to run the race. More X-Large shirts need to be ordered, as
we quickly ran out of this size. A Citation was given to the Seaford Wellness Council by David Denenberg regarding the Hot Chocolate Run. Next year the Hot Chocolate Run will be held on December 2, 2006.
Michael Di Silvio asked Mr Ragon, High School Principal, if he had any requests for speakers to present to students in which the Wellness Council could sponsor. Mr Ragon said that he had some ideas, such as the Rachel's Challenge
presentation, but needed to investigate it further and will get back to us.
Gazebo Project: we were given an estimate of $7500 for a 12'x20' oval wooden structure in material fees. We will, in addition, investigate the price of the 12'x24' structure. A request for blue prints has been submitted with various
placement of the gazebo. No decision has been made at this time.
Healthy Food Choices in the Schools: Mr Ragon said the new food service has offered better food choices than have been offered in past years.
Mr Ragon said that he was approached by a large population of the High School student body to form a Gay/ Straight Alliance club which will promote alternate lifestyle tolerance. Mr Ragon told the students that they will have to
make a proposal to the Board of Education for the new club.
Washington Avenue Park Project: We are waiting for the county's Bond Issue to find out the next step in the park renovation.
FNL: The last FNL was well attended and enjoyed by many Middle School students
Cell Tower: There seems to be activity going on around the cell tower,IE. A paved road leading to tower, etc.
Cedar Creek Park Sewage Plant: it was said that the problems aren't as bad as the media has made
it out to be. They need funds to complete repairs and the plant can not be closed for repairs.
The meeting ended at 8:35pm Next meeting: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 Respectfully submitted, Barbara De Leon