Compiled by Peg McRoy
The Avon Town Council met June 8. Meetings can be viewed on the town’s social media accounts. The council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of the month at the Avon Town Hall, 6570 E. U.S. 36. The next scheduled meeting is June 22.
What happened: The Avon police department swore in four new officers. The town hall was packed with family and friends in support of the new officers. The Honorable Judge Ryan Tanselle conducted the swearing-in ceremony.
What this means: The new officers are Eric Cheek, Gabriel Copley, Willian Clark, and Monica Childers. Chief of Police Sean Stoops noted that these officers have a high level of qualifications. He said that this is particularly noteworthy because of the current difficulty in recruiting and retaining officers.
What happened: Mark Todisco, president of the Plainfield Youth Assistance Program, spoke to the council about the program. Staci Hovermale, director of the program, also addressed the council. Judge Tanselle and Avon School’s Assistant Superintendent Michael Sullivan provided supporting information.
What this means: The Plainfield Youth Assistance Program is devoted to early intervention with at-risk youth and families in Plainfield. Todisco served on the Plainfield School board for 23 years. He said that during his time on the school board, there was a realization that the community was not 100% successful with all their students. It was also recognized that the school system could not reach 100% alone and it was a community issue. The school board then met with their town council to discuss possible solutions. A Westfield Youth Assistance Program had proven very successful, so Plainfield adopted that model but tailored it to suit the needs in Plainfield. Hovermale said they serve kids ages 3 through 17. In their first year, 2021, they served 55 kids and 157 in 2022. She also said that most of the kid referrals come from school counselors, although some come from service organizations and churches. She also said that if Avon adopts this program, it can be molded to fit their issues and needs. Council President Robert Pope said that Avon’s overarching interest in the program is to keep kids out of the justice system. Judge Tanselle reported that probation officers have found the program fills in the right gaps to help these kids. Sullivan said that with the school system approaching 11,000 students, they can use as many wrap-around services as possible and they are very interested in partnering with the program. The Avon Town Council is taking the program under consideration.