HomeMy WebLinkAbout25.04.09 - Minutes, Womens Commission
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Washington County Commission for Women
April 9, 2025 Minutes
4 S. Potomac Street Hagerstown
Members Present: Laurie Chrzanowski, Skyla Godlove, Beth Harvey, Mary Hendrickson,
Gwenn Leatherman, Kelsi Munson, Danielle Sweeny, Elise Weber
Absent: Karen Hayes, Dawn Nally
Beth Harvey called 6:00 p.m. meeting to order. Due to inclement weather, the Commission did
not meet in February. Beth introduced guests from the Washington County Department of
Social Services (DSS), Director Tiffany Rexrode and Amanda Bishop, Assistant Director for
Adult, Child & Family Services to present an overview of the department’s Annual Report
entitled “Responsive Accountable United.” The annual report documents an expansive portfolio
of social services and public assistance programs that DSS provides to residents. Director
Rexrode and Assistant Director Bishop discussed some of the programs that the department
oversees, including those that have a particularly strong impact on women and answered
questions.
It was noted that drug and opioid use in Washington County, and notably among pregnant
women, continues as a threatening and difficult issue. The need for foster care placements in the
county was highlighted. And, while state data on the prevalence of sex trafficking lags, it
suggests that there is a high incidence of it in Washington County, with Washington County
cited as having the fourth highest level statewide.
Tiffany offered to connect the Women’s Commission with the Social Services Board and invited
the Commission to tour facilities at a future date.
The treasurer reported the account balances.
On March 10, 2025, Beth Harvey attended the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame Reception in
Annapolis. Ariana Kelly, the state executive director, mentioned that the next consideration of
candidates will be announced in October.
On May 22, 2025, the Maryland Women’s Commission will hold its annual zoom meeting.
On April 29, the Commission will make its annual presentation to the BOCC. Elise and Beth are
confirmed to attend.
The next Commission meeting is scheduled for June 11 at 6 p.m.
Skyla presented options for new logos and promotional items. Two of the options presented were
selected by members for further development.
An introduction was made by Jocelyn Bigsby, a North High student, who submitted an
application to join the Commission as a student member.
At 7:18 p.m. the business meeting adjourned for executive session.
At 7:26 p.m. Beth Harvey reconvened the business meeting.
It was acknowledged that Dawn Nally’s term on the Commission concludes April 30, 2025.
Appreciation was shared for Dani Sweeney whose term on the Commission is expiring May 31,
2025. The Commission will forward a recommendation for Mary Hendrickson and Elise Weber
to be reappointed for a second term.
Following a motion to adjourn by Elise and second by Skyla, the meeting concluded at 7:28 p.m.