126th annual meeting

The 126th annual meeting was held at the Central Congregational Church on Titcomb Street on April 8th 2010.

In addition to the business of the annual meeting, revising by-laws, electing new board members and officers, and accepting the annual report, the meeting focused on some of the agency’s work.

Mark Bajko was presented the Nancy DegrezioMemorial Scholarship.  Mark is a senior at Newburyport High School.  Mark was presented the scholarship as a result of his work with the Junior Clippers, a local chapter of the Special Olympics of Massachusetts.  He has worked with this program since its inception four years ago. 

“I can broaden my tolerance in the next four years of my life, through being as open and flexible as possible.  I plan on not only trying to create a sector of Special Olympics in the town, or if applicable join a current sector, where I will be attending college, but also keep myself as open and accepting as possible to the adversity, diversity and new issues that I will be faced with.”  Mark Bajko

“In addition to his contributions to our weekly practice…Mark confidently speaks about his experience with candor, respect and understanding…”
Mary Gene Clavin, Director Newburyport Junior Clippers.

The meeting also included a presentation from Christina Meriah, one of the staff members from our licensed school’s out program.  Christina described the implementation of a peacemaker program as part of what children learn after school in the ywca’s school’s out program.  Christina emphasized the importance of working with children to learn, at an early age, how to respect one another.  She also described how the program provides strategies for the children to use when they get angry or become frustrated.  These tactics help children avoid negative behaviors and promote positive social interactions.

The meeting also acknowledged eight women who were leaving the board of directors.

Margaret Bergson, Kelly McCarthy and Ale Monroe, three high school students from Georgetown High School, were honored for their work in implementing the first Stand Against Racism.  These three lead the committee that has developed and implemented this program.

Charlene Dolan, Kelly Gentile and Nancy Peace were acknowledged for their work on the transition committee which served not only to recruit a new Executive Director but also to help the board examine how to support the new ED once hired.  Nancy was thanked for serving as Board President during a difficult transition within the agency.

Diantha Brown and Mary Williamson were praised for the completion of nine years of service to the organization.  Mary was also acknowledged for her fine efforts in leading the capital campaign which resulted in the new pool and facility.

Pam Kipp and Louis Rubenfeld were also thanked for their service to the Nominating Committee.  Both served for two years.

Gretchen Gabrielson was presented with the Pat Poletta Trophy.  Gretchen was unanimously voted captain of the winter track team at Winnacunnet High School in Hampton, NH.  Gretchen qualified for the State Class Meet, State Meet of Champions, state Open Meet and Class Meet in shot put.

In my 17 years of coaching track at Winnacunnet High School, Gretchen is one of the most unselfish athletes I have had the pleasure of working with.  Gretchen puts the needs of the team ahead of her own personal goals, but more remarkably, she invests as much in the improvements of her teammates as in her own personal achievements…She has attained a high level of achievement on the track through hard work and commitment.  Track Coach Winnacunnet High School.

At the conclusion of the meeting, many people adjourned to the ywca parlor to enjoy some refreshments and each others company.

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13 Market Street, Newburyport, Massachusetts 01950 | Phone: 978-465-9922 | Fax: 978-465-1076