Youth Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE NORTHBROOK YOUTH COMMISSION VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK Wednesday, October 17, 2012 “LEAD, SERVE, SHINE” Student Co-Chair Peter Szemraj called the meeting to order at 7:04pm in the Shermer Study at the Village Hall. In attendance were: Adult Members: Chair Carla Slawson-Martens, Michael Shore, Gary Moriello, and Lauren Schifferdecker. Student Members: Emily Schwandner, Danny Martens, Ethan Matlin, Casey Luc, Peter Szemraj, Allison Kaplan, Grace Elisco. Also in Attendance: Village Liaison (old) Kendal Maltas and Village Liaison (new) Jason Batalden. Not in Attendance: Harrison Marick, Amanda Mawrence, Andy Han, Kent Steinberg, Ross Steinberg, Adam Wagner, Ryan Wagner, Josh Tolmatsky, Maddie Serota. WELCOME All graciously were welcomed. MINUTES Student Co-Chair asked for a review of the meeting minutes for August 15, 2012. Member Moriello moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Member Matlin. On voice vote, the motion carried. HEAR FROM THE AUDIENCE No report. Members introduced themselves and the Commission to two guests, Morgan and Kira who are sophomores at Glenbrook North High School and were attending the meeting to learn more about the Commission. New Staff Liaison Jason Batalden introduced himself to the Commission. He has worked for the Village for about 13 years and has been the liaison to the Community Relations Commission for the last five (5) years. 9/11 APPRECIATION BBQ: RECAP Member Moriello thought the event went really well—the food was great and there appeared to be a lot of mingling between Commission members and the Public Safety employees present. Member Schwander noted that it was her first Youth Commission event and she had a lot of fun. Chair Martens suggested that next year, if feasible, a tour of the Police Department could be arranged. Also, like last year’s 10-year anniversary, perhaps we could get a school to write thank you notes to our Fire and Police Departments. Member Moriello suggested that each year we could approach a different school with this request. Chair Martens mentioned that she could write a letter to the Principal’s in mid- August. MINUTES OF A REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF THE NORTHBROOK YOUTH COMMISSION Page 2 of 3 Chair Martens also mentioned that it would be a good idea to have an organized event, like a speech or presentation, at the BBQ. We could also have interactive activities such as a bag toss tournament or a game of football. Member Moriello noted that next year we should include chicken or a Vegan option as not everyone eats hot dogs or hamburgers. OPERATION SANTA CLAUS (OSC) Member Moriello noted that he had sent out emails to the group with an OSC explanation and set of guidelines. For the new members and guests, he gave an overview of the program and its history. Member Schwander asked if books needed to be hardcover or paperback and Member Moriello noted that either or worked. Member Moriello proceeded to pass out the “Wish Lists” to commissioners. LAKE-COOK TERRACE DECEMBER EVENT This event takes place of the regular December meeting. Chair Martens noted that we bring treats and make crafts and sing with the residents. There are two (2) possible dates to hold this event: December 5 or December 12. Co-Chair Szemraj made a motion to select December 5 as the date. Member Schwander seconded. On voice vote, the motion carried. ANNUAL 8TH GRADE QUIZ BOWL Chair Martens explained the purpose of the Quiz Bowl as well as the various roles filled by Commission members. The Bowl will be on Thursday, February 28 starting at 5pm. Rehearsal (with just Commission members) will be at the regular Commission meeting on Wednesday, February 20. YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL Co-Chair Szemraj stated that he felt last year’s went really well. Chair Martens added that she felt the addition of judges was fantastic and she felt it added a whole new level to the show. She noted that it would be nice to ask them to judge again. Chair Martens stated that we should begin to contact schools now. Member Shore proposed that we determine the monetary award amounts now so that can be included in the promotion. Chair Martens brought up the concept of sponsorship for the event. Member Shore noted that perhaps a food services vendor could do an in-kind donation of food for the event. Co- Chair Szemraj brought up the idea of contacting AMC to see if we could host this at their facility and have the films on the big screen. Liaisons Batalden and Maltas noted that Sponsorship is something we need to run by our legal department and they hope to have more information available at the next meeting. The date of June 10 was thrown out as the possible event date. Member Matlin made a motion to approve this as the event date and Member Luc seconded. On voice vote, the motion carried. MEMBER RECRUITMENT Liaison Maltas noted that there would be a code change on an upcoming Village Board agenda modifying the code by placing no limit on the number of student members. This was received favorably by the Commission. Currently there are no Junior High members on the Commission. Chair Martens suggested sending a letter to the Junior High Principals with information about the Commission. Member Elisco noted that MINUTES OF A REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF THE NORTHBROOK YOUTH COMMISSION Page 3 of 3 she had contact information for the Student Board President at Maple and she could send information to him. YOUTH FORUM UPDATE Liaison Maltas handed out a summary of the various iterations of a Youth Forum that have been discussed by the Commission. Chair Martens noted that Glenbrook North does a lot of good stuff for peer outreach and what seems to be missing is a “mentorship” program for younger kids who will be entering high school within the next couple years. However, it has also been the goal to help parents with any “disconnect” that may be felt. Member Shore noted that he envisioned this as a group of student leaders talking with parents of younger children (not in high school yet) to help them prepare their kids for growing up in Northbrook. This concept was generally agreed upon by the Members present. Chair Martens suggested a title for the event as “Life in the Day of a GBN Student.” Member Scwander recommended that there would be ground rules for the topics. Member Shore also suggested that we could utilize a professional moderator. Member Martens noted that she would reach out to the High School regarding this concept and that perhaps it could be held in the Spring. Letters could go out to all the parents at elementary and preschools in town. This event will be discussed in further detail at future meetings. FAMILY DINNER REMINDER Liaison Maltas reminded Commissioners to respond to the Family Dinner if they had not already done so. STUDENT HOT TOPICS Co-Chair Szemraj and Member Luc noted that they, along with other GBN students are trying to get DJ Kaskade to perform at Prom. DJ Kaskade, Ryan Raddon, is a graduate of GBN. WHO WILL CO-CHAIR THE NEXT MEETING Member Schwander will be the student co-chair for the next meeting. ADJOURN With no further business, Member Matlin moved to close the meeting, seconded by Member Luc. On voice vote, the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm. Respectfully Submitted, Kendal Maltas