Hancock County parks board elects secretary and treasurer, approves letter supporting Danny's Dreams internship grant

The Hancock County Parks and Recreation Board elected Jenny Shively as secretary and Kelly McClarnon as treasurer by voice votes and approved submitting a letter of support for Danny’s Dreams’ application to the White Family Grant at its May 21 meeting.

Elections: With nominations opened by the chair, Jenny Shively was nominated and elected secretary by voice vote, and Kelly McClarnon was nominated and elected treasurer by voice vote. Board members discussed that the secretary would help with minutes and that the treasurer’s responsibilities are manageable in the board’s current early phase.

Letter of support for youth internships: The board reviewed a draft letter backing Danny’s Dreams’ application to the White Family Grant and voted to approve submitting the letter. The program summary read to the board described paid internships for New Palestine High School students: the internship model outlined $20 per hour for five hours per week over 10 weeks (a $1,000 semester position; $2,000 for a full year), with two positions described in the grant narrative, and responsibilities to include website updates, social-media marketing and event support. The draft said the program’s fundraising goal is $10,000 and that it would collaborate with New Palestine High School and Zion Lutheran School.

A board member moved to approve the letter of support and the motion passed; Miriam Ralls said she will sign the letter and email it to Katie Ottinger at the Community Foundation, which is overseeing the White Family funds. The board noted the letter submission was late but that the foundation contact was willing to accept a late submission if forwarded promptly.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:40 a.m.