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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/19/2010RECEIVED /,[:~ ? 7 2010 SOUTHOLD TOWN ANTI-BIAS TASK FORCE MINUTES, April 19, 2010 $out~ol~ Town Attendance: Eleanor Lingo, Jean Lc Pre, Carolyn Peabody, Betty Murphy, Cindy Smith, Mike Domino, Rev. Nathaniel Heyward, Pat Fulford, Marjorie Day, Mer~e Levine, Jeanne Marie Merkel Absent: Vat Shelby, Edana Chechanowicz, Audrey Horton Reading of the Minutes: Approved, with correction: Jeanne Merkel offered to send reminders of committee meetings. School Reports: Mattituck: Reported by Carolyn Peabody. Superintendent and High School Principal attended Erase Racism, at their own expense, and were very moved by the experience. School had not intended to take some of the students to a college fair, considering them not "college material." The Ad Hoc Committee pressed the issue, that the students perhaps had not been social- ized to think about college, but such an experience could plant the seed. In the end, 13 -15 students were taken. They enjoyed it and also had an opportunity to hear talks about careers. Now that the school is hiring, they have put out word that they are trying to make the school more inclusive. All of these actions are a result of the creation of the Ad Hoc Diversity Committee. Members include: 3 members of the School Board, Ann Smith, asst. superintendent, Shane Petrelli, and community members. Greenport: Reported by Cindy Smith. The Board is planning to eliminate 2 teaching positions as a way to cut costs. The least senior teachers are the positions to be affected. The particular teachers are very popular with students, the English teacher having helped raise students' scores. Students came to the Board meeting to express their dismay. The Board members seemed adamant, and they will decide the issue the next week. They will also need to present a Bond issue to cover the cost of repairs for the building. Marjorie Day plans to attend the m~etln~ with nther interested memher~ nf Peeonic l,anding. A man, who might help develop an Ad Hoc committee, is working with Cindy. Southold Schools: Reported by Mike Domino. There is a need for a concerned parent or parents, to participate with the ABTF representative, to create a viable Ad Hoc Committee. Mike Domino is veo' concerned about the problem of potable water for Greenport School offering a way that would help without costing money. So far, he's had no response. Oyster Ponds: Rev. Heyward reported that he was not able to attend the Board meeting. The rest of the meeting was devoted to planning for the First Annual Community Picnic, hosted by the ABTF on August 28, 2010, from 11 am to 4 pm. Betty Murphy prepared a letter that was very useful in establishing the inform- ation to include: We want to celebrate our diversity and preserve our diversity. Please join us with ym, r friends and family. Everyone is requested to bring a "pot luck" dish to share. We will provide hot dogs and hamburgers, music, arts and crafts, games, and Entertainment. We welcome donations - please use the enclosed envelope. We are looking forward to a day of joy and laughter with our friends and Neighbors. Eleanor Lingo and Jean Le Pre went to Laurel Lake Preserve and reported It was lovely, set among trees, with plenty of parking space, and includes a Pavilion. It was decided that letters, appropriate to their venue, be sent to: Churches, Chamber of Commerce, Southold Town Youth Board, NAACP, The Rotary Club, and to Southold businesses. Jeanne Merkel has all of the churches listed in her computer, and Rev. Heyward will provide the names of the church leaders. Merle Levine Will provide the names for the synagogues. Letters need to include request for donations. Supervisor Scott Russell kindly stopped in to the meeting to respond to Some of the questions. Marjorie Day had asked if it were possible to Have the letters metered, and he said it was. Donations can be sent To Southold Anti Bias Task Force. There will be help both in setting Up and cleaning up. Member tasks: Mike Domino will make a contact to see if there is a way to Obtain a piatl~oi-tn i~ol thc cntcrtainmcm. Betty Murphy will ask Mr. Grigonus if ROTC students might help. Carolyn Peabody volunteered to ask Colin VanTyle if his band were Available. Merle Levine is to prepare a flyer. Concern re the Landfill, which is spewing dust and also providing a bad odor. Mike Domino, Eleanor Lingo and Merle Levine will plan to meet first With Jim Bunchip to sec about the situation and what can be done. LI. Immigration Alliance is nressine for leeislation to provide su0port for a Hate Crimes Task Force - reported by Carolyn Peabody. Also, the Presbyterian Church in Southold is sponsoring the play, "Who killed Marcello?" Meeting adjourned at 12.