Commission on Family Services

Commission on Family Services Meeting Minutes April 6, 2022 Present: Commissioners Harold Primack (Chair), Yolanda Bender, Marjorie Goran, Jo Hammerman, Shajan Jose (Vice-Chair), Wendy Katznelson, Daniel Mann, Heather O’Donnell, Arnold Oskin, Valerie Riley, Nancy Schwartz, Annie Shear, Phillip Shefren, Daniel Stalilonis, Melissa Versch. Absent: Commissioners Bonnie Eckstein, Jaime Garcia, Brian McHugh (Human Services Liaison), Joshua Orlan, Laila Iqbal, Nichole Perry, Mike Stiehl, Edie Sue Sutker I. Dinner and introductions: Commissioners got to know each other during dinner, and introductions were made. A delicious dinner was enjoyed from Grecian Kitchen, with thanks to Vice-Chair Jose for organizing and Mike Charley for sponsoring. II. Call to order at 7:40pm III. Approval of agenda: Agenda was approved. IV. Approval of Minutes: The March 2, 2022 minutes were approved. V. Welcome and Opening Remarks: Harold announced that Melissa Versch has been hired to replace Brian McHugh in his position as Social Worker at the Village of Skokie Department of Health and Human Services, and will be the new Human Services Liaison to the Commission. Congratulations Melissa! Thanks also to Brian McHugh for the work he’s done for the Commission, and for the Co-Responder Program. He is absent tonight as he is out on call with the Co-Responder Program. Harold will be attending the Village Budget meeting later this month and will report at next meeting. Wendy announced a May 14 Fun Run fundraiser for the Niles Township Food Pantry. The goal is $75,000 to be used for school supplies (backpacks for K-12 students). Check the NTFP website for more information. VI. Health and Human Service Report: Melissa Versch 1. The Dept. of Health and Human Services continues to offer the vaccine at Village Hall. Appointments can be made on the Village website one month ahead. The second booster shot is also being offered. 2. The Village has a Bee Keeping Program in collaboration with Oakton Community College. Those interested can enroll at OCC. 3. Stand Against Racism will take place on April 27 at 10:30 outside Village Hall. VII. Old Business: A. 4th of July Parade - Harold will coordinate this Commission’s participation on a float with the Beautification and Appearance Commission. B. Produce Initiative - Heather is in charge of coordinating volunteers with Sign Up Genius. C. Farmer’s Market Food and Clothing Drive - Heather will coordinate volunteers for this monthly event. D. Subcommittee discussion - Postponed until next month. If there is interest a subcommittee on People with Disabilities will be established. E. Festival of Cultures - Since this Commission has previously had a presence at this event and it supports the purpose of education of this Commission it was decided  to participate again. Melissa will follow up and get a table. Jo and Arnie volunteered to help at the event. The festival is scheduled for May 21-22. VIII. New Business: A. Wendy suggested that this Commission have a new liaison with the Skokie Public Library since Matt McKellar, previous liaison, is no longer on the Commission. Harold and Melissa will follow up on this recommendation. B. This Commission will meet in May and June, take a break in July and August, and resume in September. IX. Citizen Comments: None. X. Adjournment at 8:00pm. Next meeting: May 4, 2022 7:00pm