Annual Report 2007-2008(color).pub - Town of South Windsor

Youth and Family Services
• November – youth held a bake sale during
the Human Services Flu Clinic. This
money, along with other fund raising
activities, helps us to purchase Christmas
gifts for the residents at Peter’s Retreat and
Hartford House. The Hartford House is a
home for previously incarcerated women
who are transitioning back into the
community.
• December - youth, along with their advisor,
Jo-Ann Ciccaglione and Melissa Lammers
from Adult and Senior Services, braved the
bitter cold to ring bells for the Salvation
Army. The group stood outside Geisslers
Supermarket and graciously accepted over
$400 for the Salvation Army’s annual
Christmas Kettle Campaign.
• December - youth hosted a holiday party
for the residents of Peter’s Retreat and
Hartford House. The youth served homemade
lasagna to their guests.
• January - the Teen Center hosted “A
Mind’s Eye”, a night of teen poetry reading.
• March - youth hosted their 6 th annual free
spaghetti dinner for 75 South Windsor
senior citizens. The dinner consisted of
salad, rolls, pasta, homemade sauce and
meatballs and cake for dessert. The youth
cooked, served and did all the set up and
clean up for the event. Each teen was
assigned a table and were responsible for
giving their guests the full restaurant
experience.
• March - youth sold donuts and coffee
during the Recreation Department’s annual
Egg Hunt.
• April – youth laced up their sneakers to
once again participate in The Walk Against
Hunger. This was the Teen Center’s 10 th
year at this event.
• May - the South Windsor Teen Center
presented their Personal Growth Award at
the SWHS awards night. Since 1997 this
award has been given to a graduating
senior who has overcome personal
obstacles and demonstrates strength of
character and determination. This year’s
recipient was Faith Gayle.
Rising S.T.A.R.S.
(South Windsor Teens Assisting,
Respecting, Sharing)
Youth and Family Services has once again
secured a grant from the Savings Bank of
Manchester to facilitate our summer community
service program; Rising STARS. The program
provided 28 youth with a structured and enriching
community service experience. Projects included
planting a flower garden at SWHS, giving several
fire hydrants a fresh coat of red paint, serving
meals at the Cornerstone Soup Kitchen, fulfilling
multiple tasks at the Chamber of Commerce and
hosting a breakfast at Flax Hill Senior Housing
Complex. Each of the four program sessions
began with a trip to the South Windsor
Teambuilding and Leadership Center Ropes
Course. At the program’s conclusion participants
with perfect attendance were treated to a day at
Six Flags New England.
Teen Center 20 th Anniversary Celebration
A Success!
On May 15 th , the South Windsor Teen center
celebrated its 20 th Anniversary with a gala event
at the community center! The teen center was
recognized by a banquet hall full of friends that
included current and former council members,
former teen center participants, teen council
members, State Representative Bill Aman and
State Senator Gary LeBeau, town employees,
school personnel, parents and supporters. Rep.
Aman and Senator LeBeau presented Jo-Ann
Ciccaglione, Teen Center Program Coordinator,
with a congratulatory letter from Governor Rell
and a General Assembly Proclamation. Deputy
Mayor Prague read a proclamation from the town
council. Our Super Sixties cooked up a barbecue
dinner and everyone enjoyed the acrobatic
entertainers! Mr. Phil Rockey, a media arts
teacher at South Windsor High School graciously
offered his talents to create a video about the
Teen Center. Past and current Teen Center
members were interviewed as well individuals
who have benefited from their involvement with
Teen Center. This video was shown during the
celebration.
38 | Town of South Windsor: Annual Report 2007/2008