GRADS Meeting Minutes February 15, 2024.

Via ZOOM  6:00 p.m.

There were 7 people in attendance at the Grant Roberts Area Disability Supports meeting.

Boost for Teachers/Mentors

We have received a grant application from Michelle Greseth (Sisseton) for meals for a Special Olympics trip to the tournaments. A $100. grant is approved.

Laura Maag orally requested funding for purchasing refreshments for a parent/professional event. This informational session will be on Monday, February 26 from 5-7 p.m. at the Bank in Milbank. We tentatively approve a $100. grant upon completion of the application.

Lucky Leprechaun Secret Treasure Box Raffle

MaryLou Bullert reported that we have over $1,000. in great prizes for the raffle. Tickets to sell have been distributed. MaryLou will sell tickets at Runnings in Milbank tomorrow. The drawing will be held on Thursday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bullert’s home. Marylou Bullert and Rachael Johnson will write thank yous to the prize contributers.

ADA Celebration

In recognition of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, there will be an event on Monday, July 29 at 6:00 p.m. at the Milbank Visitor Center.  We will serve Subway sandwiches, chips, desserts and beverages followed by a short program. Bingo with prizes will conclude the evening. MaryLou Bullert will contact First Interstate Bank in Milbank for help in funding this event. Rachael Johnson will reserve the room. Katrina Koeppe will send out invitations. We will discuss details at the the April meeting.

Benefit Rummage Sale

It was suggested to do this every other year, skipping this year. We will make a final decision at the April meeting.

NDEAM/Sisseton

The National Disability Employment Awareness Month event is scheduled for Thursday, October 17 at the Family Life Center in Sisseton. A catered meal will be served at 6:00 p.m. followed by guest speaker, Emily Shuman. The honored employers and their employees from the Project Skills program will be recognized at the end of the evening.

Parent Request

Rachael Johnson shared a parent’s request for information. Michelle Greseth and Katrina Koeppe shared resources.

LifeQuest

Laura Maag and Matthew Athey talked about the Night to Shine event and other activities. They shared pictures. A field trip is planned to Brookings to see “James and the Giant Peach” theater production. MaryLou Bullert suggested that the Knights of Columbus may be willing to contribute some Tootsie Roll money to GRADS to help fund field trips.

Next Meetings

The Lucky Leprechaun Secret Prize Box drawing will be on Thursday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bullert home.

Annual and general meetings will be held on April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Middlebrook Community Room, 902 East Milbank Avenue, Milbank.

Our sympathy goes to Charlotte Athey and her family at the loss of her mother.

Attendance: Matthew Athey, Laura Maag, Brenda Teske, Marylou Bullert, Michelle Greseth, Katrina Koeppe, Rachael Johnson

Respectfully Submitted,

Rachael Johnson

GRADS Secretary/Treasurer

Addendum February 16

Final submissions for Boost for Teachers/Mentors:

May Amodia (Sisseton): Funding for the transition room students’ field trip to Watertown- approved at $100.

Harlyn Perlado (Sisseton): Purchase of materials for transfer printing project-approved at $100.

Michel Benike (Wilmot): Purchase of curriculum for job skills unit for students-approved at $100.