The RCASA Annual Meeting, a joint session of the Board of Selectman, School Committee, Board of Health and Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse took place last Thursday on September 30, 2010 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Reading Public Library. The meeting was called to order by the respective chairs of each board.
James Bonazoli, Chairperson for the Board of Selectman and Christopher Caruso, Chair of the School Committee presented the President's Volunteer Service Awards to Nancy-Linn Swain and Barbara Meade for their service to RCASA and town projects. Participants took a few minutes to get to know each other using questions from the "Family Dinner Day Box of Questions".
A short movie with highlights from 2005-2010 was shown for the audience. The Substance Abuse Data Presentation, a report from the RCASA Data Workgroup, followed with segments presented by Chief James Cormier-Reading Police, Thomas Zaya-Reading Memorial High School, and Erica McNamara-RCASA.
Ashley Testa, President of the Student Club shared information about the work of youth leaders. She also showed a short video created by the crew called "What is RCASA?
The RCASA Youth Crew and Erica McNamara presented Connie DeBenedetto with their presents to thank her for her 2 years of service as the Outreach Coordinator. Connie will be taking on additional hours at the Coolidge Middle School.
The event closed with election for the RCASA Board and motions from the RCASA Nominating Committee. New members include Pat Shannon-Parent at large and Elaine Webb- Parent at large. Nancy-Linn Swain was acknowledged for her service as RCASA President. Amy Vendt was elected as the 2010-2011 Board President and Tom Zaya was elected secretary. Steve Goldy will continue as Vice President and Supt. John Doherty will remain as treasurer.
Special thanks to our Youth Crew and Student Club leaders that helped host the event including Zach Camenker, Mark Mauriello, Emilie Manna, Ashley Testa, Chris Brown, Brian Rubin, Alex Crogan, Kelsey McCarthy, Abigail Vieno, Allie Mello, Kelsie Pace and Kelsey McGinness.
Attendees included: RCASA Board of Directors members-Lynn Dunn, Supt. John Doherty, Mark Mauriello, Ashley Testa, Ann Marie Baccari, Tom Zaya, Ellie Freedman, Peter Hechenbleikner- Town Manager, Chief James Cormier, SRO Corey Santasky, Colleen Seferian, Nancy-Linn Swain, Larry Berkowitz, Amy Vendt, Pat Shannon, Sgt. Richard Abate; School Committee members- Christopher Caruso, Lisa Gibbs, Karen Janowski, Hal Croft; and Board of Selectman members- Camille Anthony and James Bonazoli. Also in attendance, Ron Beauregard-Mass Tobacco Control Program, Larry Ramdin-Health Administrator, Michael Manna-Parent, Eileen Ames-Parent, Susan Beauregard- Reading Public Library, Sgt. Detective Mark Segalla and Lt. Peter Garchinsky of the Reading Police Department.
The results of the survey are full of great tips and permission to keep it simple! 67% of those that responded to the survey said they share family dinner day 5 or more x's per week; 30% 3 or more x's per week; and 3% 1 or more x's per week.
Suggestions for dinner...
