Advisory Board Past and Present

Amy Mehlenbacher (2001-2002) a life long resident of Dansville, has a great love for this community and truly believes that Growing Places adds much to the quality of life in Dansville. She brings a wide range of business administrative skills including accounting, marketing, customer service/satisfaction, clerical skills, and human resources capabilities to her volunteer position as administrative coordinator to Growing Places. Two of her children have attended the preschool enrichment program at Growing Places.

Mary Castor (2001-2003) lived in West Sparta and worked at Noyes Memorial Hospital as an information specialist in the lab. She was a locally renowned artist and lead teacher in our art classes. She enhanced the quality of our program by volunteering to teach numerous watercolor classes for children and women. Her murals grace the walls of Growing Places. Her paintings have been on display at the annual Genesee Valley Council on the Arts Member Show, the inaugural show at the Main Street Gallery in Geneseo, and at the Visitor Center at the Mt. Morris Dam. Her three children were involved with Summer, Preschool and After School Programs from program inception in 1995. Mary passed away in July 2010, and is sadly missed by all who knew her.

Alison Mosca (2001-2004) lives in Dansville with her husband and three children. She formerly taught gifted and accelerated math programs for children grades 3-6. She feels it is important for young children to have many various experiences including art, music, nature activities, and learning respect for themselves and others. Her twins attended the preschool enrichment program at Growing Places, and she was instrumental in coordinating early play groups, the Parent Center and its activities at Growing Places Enrichment Center.

Susan DeMuth (2001-2005) a life long resident of Dansville, received her BFA from Syracuse University. She is President of Shapes Etc., Inc. in Dansville, a manufacturer of educational materials. Her commitment to education is evident through her business endeavors, and countless hours sharing her talents (paper-making, weaving/ natural dying, baskets, polymer clay, beading, and many others) in the classroom, at Growing Places, and in the community.

Wendy Wiggins (2001-2005) a twenty year resident of Dansville and the mother of four, was involved with Growing Places, Inc. as grant consultant. She brought over thirty years of non-profit funding and management experience, having obtained well over 3 million dollars in successful grants. Her years of educational counseling experience at Monroe Community College and as an independent grants consultant served to provide us with a basic knowledge of the ins and outs of grant writing .

Janice Jarvis (2001-2007) a life long Dansville resident, has had a 40 year career in childcare and working with children with special needs with a Child Development Associates Certificate. Over the years, she has organized and conducted monthly meetings for registered daycare providers. She now acts as the liaison between providers and Growing Places, keeping them informed of services and activities being offered by our organization.

Pam Maxson (2001- Present) a resident of Geneseo, home schooled her children for 7 years before becoming a health educator at Noyes Memorial Hospital. Her activities as a representative of local home schooling parents, and involvement with several home school groups gives her insight into what services these families are looking for in the way of supplemental enrichment opportunities. She helps to guide Growing Places in a direction that will allow many children to benefit from the wide range of activities offered by Growing Places.

Ruth D. Witte (President, 2001- Present) is from Maine, and has lived in the village of Dansville with her husband and four children since 1987. She received her BA (Human Services), in 1982 from State University New York at Buffalo. Her work in the field of human services includes mental health, youth and family services, substance abuse program development, counseling and prevention, independent living, and teen parent education and prevention. She founded Growing Places as a home based endeavor in 1995, and writes about the joys and challenges of parenting in a column for the Genesee Country Express.

Yvonne Sellers (Treasurer, 2002- 2004) is a lifelong resident of the Wayland area, now residing in Perkinsville. She previously worked at many jobs, including factory work, cashier, bank operations, and administrative secretary in an accountant's office. She is very committed to finding opportunities for enriching her daughter's educational experience and getting involved with others who feel the same way.

Judy Pendleton-Bailey (2003-2005) served for 23 years with Livingston County Social Services in the areas of foster care, child protective and adult protective services. In addition, her many years of volunteer work with troubled women and families furhter enhances Growing Places' ability to meet the needs of Dansville and surrounding communities.

Heather Rock (2003-2005) is mother of 2 girls who attended Growing Places Nursery School, and brings with her experience in customer service and management. She has pursued animal rescue and rehabilitation activities following a two year stint as a zoo keeper. Her involvement in special events and fundraising endeavors has sparked an organization-wide for taking Growing places to the top.

Nancy Hussey (Treasurer, 2004-2008) became involved with Growing Places following her retirement as Principle of EBH Elementary School. As an administrator, in addition to her responsibilities at the elementary school, Nancy coordinated the district's state and federal programs. She felt that her financial and organizational skills would be a good balance to Ruth's creative talents. In addition to recovering income the group had spent for sales tax, Nancy worked with Ruth on developing the budget, paying bills, and maintaining a record of all income and expenses. She developed a scholarship application, and assisted during special activities. She continues to participate in activities for the Women's Center, where she keeps members of the book group, Ravenous Readers, aware of upcoming books and meetings.

Suzanne Blackburn (Vice President, 2004- Present) moved to Western New York after serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya. She became involved with Growing Places when her children attended nursery school there. Growing Places became like a second home for her and her kids. They participated in play groups, holiday activities, family events, field trips, summer programs, and later when the girls were school aged, a home school group. As part of National Peace Corps Week, Suzanne brought her experiences of Kenya and her commitment to peaceful living to the Growing Places community. Serving on the advisory board keeps Suzanne and her family involved with the wonderfully creative and enriching world provided by Growing Places.

Samantha Gibson (2005- Present) is mother of 2 children who each attended Infant-Toddler Playgroups before attending the 2 year Nursery School progam. She has spearheaded the Pumpkin Carving Contest running it for 4 years and will continue to take that role until Ruth begs her to stop. Now that her children are both in public school, she works during the day as a sign language interpreter and at night as a chauffeur, chef and home maintenance expert. She hopes one day not to be totally exhausted and be able to grace the stage with her presence once again since that is where her passion lies. She is currently taking up guitar and by doing so, fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing an instrument.

Leah Solea (2006-2008) became involved as a student teacher in our classroom while her daughter was attending Growing Places. It was through her efforts that we obtained our first two grants!

Cari Durbin (Secretary, 2006- Present) became involved with Growing Places when she designed the brick path in the Growing Places garden. She subsequently became instrumental in the development of Tree Top Haven Women's Retreat, a place for the local women to participate in activities like reading groups, hands-on craft classes, and community benefit projects. She came on Board as liaison with The Women's Retreat. She has enjoyed the opportunity to meet some really great women with a commitment to so many important issues like youth education, community wellness, and making the world a better place.

Megan Ferree (2007-2009) first became involved with Growing Places in 1995, when it was established in the home of founder and director Ruth Witte. As a third grader she offered to share her expertise in making strawberry jam the Amish way, and continued to participate as a faithful volunteer each summer for the next 12 years. Following her high school graduation, from 2005-2009, she took over the development and coordination of Growing Places Summer program, teaching classes in international studies including art and music. She is currently an elementary music teacher in the Southern Tier.

Leanne Brewer (2006- Present) is a native of the Dansville area, and became involved with Growing Places as a result of her teen age son's volunteer activities with the organization. As an empty nester seeking involvement in the community, she helped to design the Woman's Programs and has participated in the development of Tree Top Haven Women's Retreat.

Leah O'Toole (2007-2009) grew up in Dansville. She brings her two young sons, her artistic talents (see murals in the Growing Places building), gardening and landscaping expertise, and is an invaluable hands-on garden and classroom volunteer.

Beth Symeslatini (2007-Present) has commuted the greatest distance over the years to ensure her children's involvement in our programs. She is the organizer and master chef in Growing Places' Annual Taste of Dominica fundraiser dinner initiated in 2008 to benefit the feeding program at Crayfish River Preschool in Dominica. She provides a voice of reason in her level headed approach to all of our endeavors.

Amy Bieck (2009-Present)

Giorgianna Everett (2009- Present)

Jayne Acomb (2010- Present) Jayne Acomb LCSW has been helping people improve their lives for more than 25 years. Prior to establishing her private practice, she was a Clinical Supervisor for a major human service provider in Western New York. She holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from Syracuse University. Jayne joins the Board with a special interest in expanding programs for women in her capacity as Life Coach.

Jennifer Luce (2010-Present) is a retired art teacher and is instrumental in expanding the programs being offered through the Women's Center.

Emily Wolf and Kevin Mialky (2011- Present) are teachers of English and Chemistry, respectively, at Dansville High School. Emily and Kevin settled in Dansville in 2005 after several years of living in New York City. They have two children. They were moved to serve on the Growing Places Advisory Board after seeing what Growing Places does in the community.

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Handbooks and Forms

Parent Handbook 2010
Nursery School Registration
Getting to Know Your Child
Scholarship Application

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Fees

Play Group

* $2 per child under 2
* $3 per child 2+ years
* $5 per family

Nursery Tuition

Participants are required to provide basic personal, family and medical information, and to sign an agreement pertaining to policies, fees, transportation and medical care. The $50 Registration Fee goes toward purchase of snacks and supplies.

Fees are due at the beginning of each quarter.

Rates	One Child 2 days	One Child 4 days	Two Children 2 days	Two Children 4 days
Per year	$1000.00 less $200 rebate	$1,700.00 less $200 rebate	$1,700.00 less $200 rebate	$3,200.00 less $200 rebate
Per quarter	$250/$200	$425/$375	$425/$375	$800/$750
10 payments Sept- June	$100.00 less $50 rebate per quarter	$200.00 less $50 rebate per quarter	$140.00 less $50 rebate per quarter	$270.00 less $50 rebate per quarter

Billing
In addition to the quarterly fee, parents (or representative) are asked to spend 2 hours per quarter doing what needs to be done. In lieu of this obligation, $50 per quarter has been added to the tuition bill for the quarter. Those fulfilling parent participation agreement will receive a credit/rebate at the end of the quarter. Quarterly reminders of upcoming tuition installments will be made by e-mail, in advance of due date.

Unfortunately, at this time we are not in a financial position to be able to provide free services. It is with deep regret that it becomes necessary to withdraw a child from our program if fees are not paid at the beginning of the quarter they are due, and arrangements have not been made to do so. Please bring your concerns to the Director, and we will make every effort to work something out!

Parents will be charged $2 for every 15 minutes overtime, unless previous arrangements have been made.

Women's Retreat Fees

Time for Me
Ravenous Readers
Knitting Circle
Writers and Friends
Works in Progress

non-members: $2 per visit for above activities

Scholarship

There is a limited amount of scholarship money available to those in need. Parents who wish to be considered for financial assistance are required to complete a Scholarship Application.

The Scholarship Committee will determine distribution of these funds based on federal income guidelines, as well as taking into account unusual circumstances or undue hardship. Recipients of scholarships are required to enter into a Participation Agreement.

Membership

Membership

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Growing Places, Inc. Bylaws

Article I: Name

This organization will be known as Growing Places, Incorporated, doing business as (d.b.a.) Growing Places Creative Learning Center, referred to herein as Growing Places.

Article II: Goals and Purposes

Growing Places Creative Learning Center seeks to provide quality enrichment to children, parents, grandparents, and community members, in the areas of creative and personal development, with emphasis on environmental and social responsibility.

Growing Places will

Promote self-knowledge, leading to self-acceptance.

Provide children and families, and community an opportunity for creative activity, learning, and sharing.

Promote peace in the classroom, home, local and global community by teaching participants to prevent and resolve conflicts peacefully; by making families aware of the influence of both peaceful and violent conduct in their surroundings; and through activities and service promoting peace, equality, and sharing of our abundant resources.

To accomplish this, Growing Places will

Provide a preschool alternative through art, environmental and community awareness activities.

Create sense of community, offering opportunities for personal discovery and growth in a nurturing environment

Provide after school enrichment activities in the form of art classes and tutoring.

Provide activities and community service opportunities for teens and senior citizens.

Provide a source of enrichment and socialization to those children who are being home schooled, by working with home-school providers to gather resources and provide access to the self-contained multimedia library, etc.

Article III: Governance

The positions of President and Executive Director will be held exclusively by the founder of Growing Places, Inc., Ruth D. Witte, until such time as another is designated by same.

A Board of Directors known as the Advisory Board will govern Growing Places.

The Advisory Board

Will consist of no fewer than six (6) and no more than twelve (12) members;

Will include the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive Director, [Committee Chairs] parents, and members of the community at large;

Will determine philosophy and program direction;

Will advise the executive director on policy implementation as requested;

Will create and define all standing and ad hoc committees; committee members serve at the discretion of the Advisory Board.

Officers

President (or a designee):

Will facilitate monthly meetings;
Will appoint committee chairs;
Will sign checks, or delegates this duty to another individual;
Will assure committees meet responsibilities.
Will seek guidance and direction from other board members as necessary.

Vice President (or a designee):

Will assume duties of president in his/her absence;
Office may be combined with secretary/treasurer;

Secretary (or a designee):

Will record and report to members the minutes and activities of Growing Places on a regular basis;
Will notify members of monthly meetings;
Will be responsible for all official correspondence.

Treasurer (or a designee):

Will maintain and oversee the financial record of Growing Places;
Will approve invoices, writes checks, provides recommendations for fee structure under direction of the Executive Director;
Will provide a financial report to members at monthly meeting.

Article IV: Elections

Members of the Advisory Board may offer recommendations for nomination of candidates for Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and committee appointment.
Terms are for two (2) consecutive years, with renewal an option.
Terms will be staggered to insure continuity within the board.
New officers will assume office at the [August] July meeting, as needed.
If the Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer is unable to complete his or her term, a special election will be held to fill the position.

Article V: Committees

Growing Places, Inc. will form committees as needed, e.g., Executive, Long Range Planning, Marketing and Public Relations, Program Development, Personnel, Finance, and Board Development. (See Attachment 1 for Committee Guidelines) Each committee will be coordinated by an Advisory Board member and include any member who is interested in serving on that particular committee. Advisory Board members are encouraged to serve on at least one committee each year to promote Growing Places’ Mission.

Article VI: Attendance

Advisory Board meeting attendance is expected. Given that consistency is critical to smooth operation of this organization, more than 3 absences through the year may result in dismissal from the Advisory Board, at the Board’s discretion;
Other attendance requirements as per committee.

Article VII: Membership, Sponsorship and Affiliation

Committee members and organizations may promote Growing Places’ mission via membership, sponsorship, or affiliation.
Membership, renewable annually, designates an individual or family as eligible to receive:

First Level: Dogwood

Quarterly newsletter
Growing Places Calendar
Free entrance to Activities (writing and book groups, playgroups, Mom’s Night Out)
Free entrance to special events (Halloween Party, Lunch with Santa)
The option of participating in committee work

Second Level: Maple

As above
20% discount on all class fees (with the exception of the Early Childhood and Summer Program tuitions)
Members will have the opportunity to elect a Representative (1 or 2?) who will be a voting member of the Advisory Board. (and how might this happen?)
Sponsorship of students or activities (may take the form of financial support or contribution of goods or services.)

Third Level: Oak

All of above
Calendar or Brick Sponsorship
50% discount on all class fees (with the exception of the Early Childhood and Summer Program tuitions)

Affiliation:

Indicates endorsement of the Growing Places philosophy through collaboration with Growing Places
Brick and/or Calendar sponsorship

Proceeds from membership fees, sponsorship, and affiliation will benefit the Scholarship Fund and other needs as determined by the Advisory Board.

Article VIII: Decision Making

Policy changes will be through recommendation of relevant committee, and approval by the Advisory Board;
Place and time of meeting will be announced in advance to allow consideration of alternative ideas and informed choice;
Discussion of matters at hand will allow each committee member an opportunity to express her or his views prior to the vote;
The Executive Director will have a voice in all matters concerning policy and procedure, program (curriculum, activities, and personnel) and philosophy;
Decision making by consensus is preferred. In the event that consensus cannot be reached, a decision may be made by majority vote of members present;
The President has the power to veto decisions made by the Advisory Board;
Once a decision is made, each board member shall support the action.

Article IX: Amendments

The Advisory Board may from time to time adopt, amend, or repeal all or any of the bylaws of this corporation.

Article X: Meetings

Regular meetings of the Advisory Board will be held on the second Saturday of each month. Meetings are currently held at Growing Places Enrichment Center, 14 Battle St. Dansville, NY, but can be held at other locations with notice. Individual committee meetings are scheduled as needed and at the discretion of the committee chair and its members.
Annual Meeting will be held in June, and will attend to the business of elections, annual report, budget approval, and acceptance of revised bylaws as needed.

Article XI: Proprietary Information

Any information regarding Growing Places philosophy and program shall be considered official property of Growing Places. Such proprietary information is exclusively for use by personnel and those affiliated with Growing Places. The term "proprietary information" means any information developed by Growing Places, which may be acquired by the employee or member during the period of affiliation with Growing Places, relating to program, philosophy, activities, or written materials, and used in the development of a similar but separate program.

Ruth D. Witte, President

_______________, Treasurer

Suzanne Blackburn, Vice President

Cari Durbin, Secretary

Attachment 1- Committee Guidelines

Finance Committee

Budget

Will develop budget and budget policy;
Will approve spending reports that are submitted on a regular basis.

Fund Raising

Will contact product representatives;
Will schedule events;

Advertising and Promotion;

Will make party arrangements: refreshments, display area, seating, etc.;
Will order merchandise;
Will collect money;
Distribution of merchandise;
Presentation of program activities to civic organizations from which funds are being sought.

Grants

Will research and identify appropriate avenues of financial support for Growing Places with the vision, mission, and long range plan as a guideline and benchmark;
Will develop time line for grant applications;
Will coordinate processing of grant applications, including all required inspections and documentation for licensing or registration;
Will prepare, submit, and advocate for grant applications, with the approval of the Advisory Board and/or Executive Director;
Will negotiate with Department of Social Services, Livingston County Child Protective Association and other agencies to serve low-income families.

Scholarship

Will oversee Scholarship Fund, which will be made available to those in need, for admission into early childhood and other enrichment activities;
Will develop an evaluation tool to determine need and distribution of funds;
Will develop sliding scale fee schedule;
Will review applications and distribute funds as determined appropriate;
Will determine funding requirements, and keep board abreast of fund raising needs.

Long Range Planning Committee:

Will set goals and objectives to reflect the ongoing mission and vision of Growing Places;
Will develop and coordinate an annual calendar of events to include, but not be limited to: community events, marketing, fund raising events, grant deadlines;
Will set benchmarks and time lines of goals and objectives.

Marketing and Public Relations Committee:

Will identify and target markets for disseminating information;
Will develop, update, and maintain promotional materials using a multi-media approach;
Will coordinate public awareness activities (e.g., presentations to civic groups, booths at community events);
Will develop and maintain a slide show for use at these events;
Will meet deadlines for sponsorship of community events (e.g., theater productions, 1/4 Mile Kids Run);
Will coordinate with other committee projects and promotions;
Will review items generated for public release;
Will maintain awareness of all organization activities;
Will encourage participation in appropriate activities by the community.

Board Development Committee

Will select new board members;
Will adopt procedures to see that excellent board members are selected and continue to serve.

Personnel Committee

Will recruit and assess potential employees;
Will develop a questionnaire taking legal guidelines into account;
Will develop “tool" for use in rating prospective employees;
Will conduct background (including credit) checks;
Will act as liaison with [welfare-to-work and school-to-work] program coordinators;
Will determine salary and benefits;
Will conduct employee evaluation.

Program Development Committee

Will consist of three (3) standing sub-committees and ad hoc committees as deemed necessary by the Advisory Board.

Enrichment

Will cultivate list of community resources for utilization in various programs;
Will develop calendars for adult, parent/family, and summer programs;
Will contact, schedule, confirm and follow-up with guest speakers/artists.

Parent Center

Will coordinate Parent Support/Toddler Playgroup membership, schedule, activities, and collection of fees;
Will run parent meetings;
Will coordinate group activities and field trips;
Will arrange for speakers and produce newsletter based on compilation of Parent Needs Assessments;
Will educate parents on availability of community resources and make referrals as necessary;
Will coordinate parent volunteers.

Special Events

Will identify, develop and coordinate an annual calendar of events to include, but not be limited to: holiday events, booths and activities in conjunction with community events, educational presentations;
Will assign a Project Coordinator to oversee project and coordinate volunteers;
Will determine that project qualifies as enrichment.

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