1/26/2010 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION Minutes

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Mashpee Affirmative Action Committee Meeting Minutes January 26,2010 Mashpee Town Hall, Conference Room 3 Present: Co-Chair Maryanne Wray, Marilyn Farren, Deborah Vaughn Absent: Co-Chair Kay Brown, Paul Perry CALL TO ORDER The meeting commenced at 5:10 p.m. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes for December 16,2009. All voted unanimously. AGENDA ITEMS: Diversity Breakfast 2010 Committee members expressed their enthusiasm about the very well organized breakfast. In addition to her strong organizational skills, Committee members also noted that student Lucille Bocco did a great job as a public speaker. Total attendees numbered 86 and included Ms. Wray, Ms. Vaughn and Ms. Farren from the Committee;two members from the Board of Selectmen; Town Manager Joyce Mason; Human Rights Commissioner Jackie Fields; Superintendent Ann Bradshaw; Jane Emery from K-Kids; Gail Wilson from Human Services and a number of teachers from the high school. Also in attendance were volunteers from the Kiwanis Club and a number of students. Committee members were pleased with the event and the turnout. A wide range of activities such as yoga, dance and poetry were included with the program. The Town Manager expressed interest in acquiring a poem read at the event to be added to the Town's website. The No Place for Hate pencils were appreciated and well received. The food, provided by the school's Pro Start program,was also well received. It was suggested that next year it might be considered to incorporate more ethnic foods that could be provided by local families volunteering to share their own traditional foods. It was also stated that the microphone could have been louder. Committee members are hopeful that the event will continue next year and Ms. Vaughn stated that the Human Rights Club hopes to maintain the event. Committee members also expressed their hope that future seniors will adopt the event for their senior project. World of Difference Calendar Art Contest 2010 Ms. Farren was in receipt of 12 copies of the calendar and provided a copy to the Superintendent, who requested additional copies for the School Committee. Copies were also given to Ms. Bocco for the Diversity Breakfast. Kelly Bohnenberger, a 6th grader at the Quashnet Elementary School, had her artwork selected for the month of October from over 1,000 entries statewide. Over 50 students from Mashpee submitted artwork. Ms. Farren has photos of the 50 works of art that were submitted. Ms. Farren will follow up with the Enterprise regarding an article that had been written about Kelly. Committee members also expressed their delight that so many students had participated and their hope that the school will participate again in the future. The staff at Quashnet was very positive and supportive about facilitating this year's calendar.