Holliston YAC Meets

Chair Jennifer Liebermann opened the remote meeting of the Youth Advisory Committee on Tuesday, January 10, 2022, at 7:05 PM.  With Director Jackie Winer on maternity leave, interim Director Kirsten Rancourt presented the Director’s Report to the group.

Among items highlighted by Rancourt, Winer plans to return from her leave on January 31.  The Holliston Drug and Alcohol Awareness Coalition (HDAAC) has been awarded $25.000 of seed money toward their work to secure a grant with Drug Free Communities.  Amanda Decker continues to assist with this grant application process. 

In the HDAAC update, Rancourt announced its next meeting is January 11, 2022.  Additionally, HDAAC Chair Melissa Stacey will be stepping down in February.  If you or anyone you know is interested in this position, please contact Kirsten Rancourt (508.429.0620) or Melissa Stacey (hdaacoalition@gmail.org). 

YAC member John Drohan provided an update of the Holliston Community Action Fund (HCAF).  The student arm of the group raised $1000 in December with its first annual Art Show and Auction of student artwork.   Drohan noted that Holliston HS art teacher Douglas Lack was instrumental in securing student work for the show, and students donated about 40 pieces of art.  Drohan also noted that HCAF has received requests for funds from several Holliston families for housing grants.  He is working with Rancourt to process these requests.  YAC Co-Chair Matt Putvinski spoke briefly about the Envisioning Future Holliston Committee’s (EFHC) work.  They continue to survey the community but note that they have received little representation from the 75-and-over age group.  Presently EFHC is brainstorming possible ways to increase submissions from seniors.  The task is made challenging because the EFHC has no funds. 

The remainder of the meeting was devoted to discussion led by Liebermann (above) of the Department Head Performance Review of the YFS Director, requested by the Town Administrator.  Following several questions about the process and the revised form (increasing quantitative information), the group delved into the review.  A narrative written by a member was also shared, discussed, and word smithed for clarity.  The YAC voted to accept the midyear evaluation that will be submitted to Town Administrator Travis Ahern. 

The next meeting will be held on Monday, February 7, 2022, at 7 PM.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 PM.

Yvette Cain

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