Chairman Delfino called the meeting to order at 9:10 A.M. Six women were asked in to be interviewed by the committee to confirm their appointment, by the County Executive, to the Women’s Advisory Board. The interviews were set ten minutes apart. At the start of each individuals interview the members of the Committee on County Officers and Departments (COD) introduced themselves and Chairman Delfino explained the process. The County Executive appoints the members of the Women’s Advisory Board and by charter the COD committee must confirm the appointment. The resolution then must go before the full Board of Legislators at the next Board meeting, and is approved based on the recommendation of the COD committee.

The two main questions asked of each individual were, How did they get involved with the Women’s Advisory Board, and What would be their contribution to the Women’s Advisory Board.

The first interviewee was Katherine Canaday. She responded that she has lived in Westchester County for 30 years and is very active in the community. For the past two years she has worked for the YWCA as Director of Public Relations. Her contribution would be her wit, wisdom and maturity. She enjoys communicating verbally and in writing and she wants the voice of women to be heard.

Legislator Swanson motioned to approve Katherine Canaday’s appointment as a member of the Women’s Advisory Board and was seconded by Legislator Young. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0.

Nancy Fitch explained that she has worked for the office of women for a few years, she puts together seminars to address women’s needs and directs them in areas to get what they need. Four years ago she began the Black Women’s Health Project, which addresses the needs of minority women, which are very great.

Legislator Young interjected that Mrs. Fitch has been very involved and is some what of a legend in the community. She has paved the way for many to become more involved and is held in the highest esteem.

Legislator Young motioned to approve Nancy Fitch’s appointment to the women’s Advisory Board and was seconded by Legislator Spreckman. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0.

Deborah Volberg stated that in the late 80’s early 90’s she worked in the Attorney Generals office. She did a lot of public education work and the office crossed with the Office of Women. She was interested in getting involved with the community, and was pleased when the Board contacted her and asked her to be on the committee. Some cases she is involved in with her practice are that of sexual harassment and employee discrimination. These problems exist and can be addressed and her knowledge of them can be a good way to mesh her work activity with her community activity.

Legislator Swanson asked if she found it to be a good thing for the Women’s Advisory Board to break into smaller groups, because it is so large.

Deborah Volberg answered that it is a very bipartisan group. It reflects lots of different areas of interest.

Chairman Delfino asked what attendance was like on the average for the group of 27 members.

Deborah explained that one needs an excused absence in order not to attend a meeting. It is not a ceremonial role, you must be there.

Legislator Swanson motioned to approve Deborah Volberg’s appointment as a member of the Women’s Advisory Bard and was seconded by Legislator Young. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0.

Alice Roker first got involved with the Women’s Advisory Board when she served as a panelist for the Women’s Hall of Fame. She also finds the attendance of the Women’s Advisory Board to be good. She feels it is a very mixed board, with lots of different walks of life. It really reflects the diversity of Westchester County. Her contribution would be all the experience she brings with her as a teacher, a mother, a government official, a television newscaster and as a minority.

Legislator Swanson motioned to approve Alice Roker’s appointment as a member of the Women’s Advisory Board and was seconded by Legislator Young. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0.

Marion Sinek became familiar with the Women’s Advisory Board through the League of Women’s Voters. A friend of hers was a previous member and thought she could make a contribution. She will bring to the Women’s Advisory Board her experience from the League of Women’s Voters. She will bring awareness to the economy, international war and peace, social and family issues. She looks forward to working with and learning from the Women’s Advisory Board.

Legislator Swanson motioned to approve Marion Sinek’s appointment to the Women’s Advisory Board and was seconded by Legislator Young. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0.

Barbara Jaffe got involved with the Women’s Advisory Board when they needed to replace the former Chairman, who put Barbara’s name in. Her role will be to help bring an understanding of the issues. She knows quite a bit about Westchester, its diversity and the needs of various groups; children and educational needs.

Chairman Delfino expressed a concern that several groups with the same goal all go in different directions. How will it all mesh together?

Barbara stated that the League of Women Voters work on the State and National level, they don’t address all the issues that the Women’s Advisory Board does. She does understand the concern, many times different not for profit organizations, all with the same goal, want the same money.

Legislator Swanson motioned to approve Barbara Jaffe’s appointment as a member of the Women’s Advisory Board and was seconded by Legislator Young. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0.

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Young the meeting was adjourned at 10:05 A.M.