HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/21/2014
Anti-Bias Task Force of Southold Town
Meeting April 21, 2014
Present: Carolyn Peabody, Eleanor Lingo, Jean De Pre, Lorraine, Marjorie Day, Val
Shelby, Mike Domenico, Cindy Smith, Leroy Heylinger, Louise Hugs, Susan Dingle
The meeting opened with a recognition of the passing of Peter Bell, and discussion about
people wanting to remember him through a contribution, by making out check to Town
Clerk, earmarking the donation to ABTF.
Report from the Schools
Southold: Mike Domenico had a meeting with Mr. Ganberg and gave him copies of the
Civil Rightts Heroes book. Ganberg said that the building principals are the
contact people. Question was raised about whether Southold has reduced/free lunch
program. This was noted as a question to ask Mr. Ganberg in a future meeting.
Greenport
Cindy Smith went to The Board of Education meeting and presented the books to
Greenport and Oysterponds. The presentation was well received and documented in the
minutes of the meeting. At the meeting the question was raised about a meal charge policy
change: Superintendent said no child in the school will be denied lunch even if they owe
more than $5, but children can apply for free lunch or reduced lunch program.
Mattituck
It was remarked that McKenna is retiring, and he was acknowledged as being great friend
of ABTF. There was a discussion about proper acknowledgement of his contribution, such
as a proclamation from the Town citing his contribution to ABTF and recognizing his
advocacy for issues around anti racism.
The Motion was made and passed unanimously. Carolyn Peabody offered to speak with
Town Supervisor Scott Russell about the Proclamation.
New Suffolk
Susan Dingle presented the book to teacher, introducing ABTF as aresource and inviting
her to contact ABTF if needed.
ERASE racism
Carolyn Peabody reported on training with BOCES, pointing out that they need 35 people,
in order to offer the training and will need 22 people more:
Discussion about identifying who to invite to participate, and methods of payment.
Training will be offered June 30-July 1
ERASE Racism is professional development, need for those with most impact on the
community to take the training. In the past the Police Department sent Commissioner
Flatley to the training. Val Shelby spoke about her experience of learning about
internalized and institutionalized racism.
Discussion about the recent event in Riverhead involving beatings of Hispanics, noting that
it's at our front door, it's preventative if there is a change in attitudes. It was noted that
following the training there was a change in mission at the Mattituck school, and in the
attitude of police. Members agreed that if ABTF members attended that training it would
help increase consciousness of this pervasive experience.
Several organizations were identified as key, and a plan was formulated to contact them,
including North Fork Alliance, Rotary, Churches, Fire Departments, banks, real estate
people, Peconic landing. It was decided to hold a meeting of the Su-committee, to meet
following this meeting of the Task Force.
Picnic
Eleanor Lingo reported that the annual picnic will be listed in the paper's vacation booklet,
for August 9. Important to get the letter out to merchants.
Invitation to volunteer appreciation event April 29th was noted and acknowledged.
New business
The possibility of another poster contest or performing arts opportunity was mentioned.
The Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Dingle