Wolcott commission hears recreation updates, approves Rainbow Day Camp fundraiser

Chairperson Gloria Clair presided over the Commission for Individuals with Special Needs’ Jan. 13 meeting in Town Council Chambers, where members received recreation-program updates and approved a fundraiser for Rainbow Day Camp.

Rose Bannon Woods, director of Rainbow Day Camp, asked the commission for permission to hold a fundraiser at Tap and Barrel on Monday, Feb. 23, in which 10% of proceeds would go to the camp for customers who present the event flyer. The commission unanimously approved the request, with a motion from Chris Culver and a second from Randy Clair, contingent on town approval.

Amanda Clair, the town’s recreation coordinator, reported that the bowling program is ‘‘going well’’ and recorded 25 participants last week. She updated the commission on recent and upcoming events: Santa’s Workshop (which she said went well), a Snowball dance on Jan. 16 at the Youth Center with light refreshments, a Valentine dance on Feb. 20 at the Youth Center that will include cupcake decorating and a photo booth, outreach to the high school for a March Madness event, and a Gala scheduled for Feb. 6 at the Aqua Turf with online registration open through Feb. 1.

Chairperson Gloria Clair told the commission that members’ reappointments had been submitted and thanked volunteers. She said the commission’s budget has risen significantly because of minimum-wage increases, a larger number of program participants, and higher operating costs. Clair also said a letter was sent about an increase in Rainbow Day Camp fees and issues with RSVPing.

Clair said she had spoken with Rob Sampson about recent legal changes affecting summer camps and that ‘‘fingerprinting and background checks will be needed’’; she reported Sampson is looking into the specific requirements. Clair also noted a conversation with Bill O’Brien of the Library Board about construction to improve handicapped accessibility at the library.

Procedural actions recorded in the minutes include unanimous approval of the Oct. 14, 2025 minutes (moved by John DelGobbo, seconded by Mary Rodrigues), a vote to add Rose Bannon Woods to the agenda (moved by Kelly Delgobbo, seconded by Mary Rodrigues), and the vote to adjourn at 5:24 p.m. The adjournment motion is recorded in the minutes as moved by "Randy William" and seconded by Kelly Delgobbo; Randy Clair had been listed among members present earlier in the minutes, so the "Randy William" entry appears to be a clerical discrepancy in the record.

The commission recorded no correspondence, accessibility items, old business, new business, or executive session for this meeting. The minutes were signed by Chairperson Gloria Clair and Secretary Dolores Distiso.