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Commission on Aging Regular Meeting Minutes September 8, 2008
Present: Philip Mountain Mary Broga Carrie Janus Donna Palumbo Ilene Harris Jane Powers
Also Present: Cathy Wilson, Senior Services Coordinator Rose Ann Hardy, Ex officio
1. PRELIMINARY BUSINESS
Chairman Mountain called the Commission on Aging Regular Meeting of September 8, 2008 to order at 7:00 p.m.
a. Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge of Allegiance was observed.
b. Delegations. There were no delegations.
c. Approval of Meeting Minutes – July 14, 2008. Mr. Mountain asked for additions, deletions or corrections to the Commission on Aging Regular Meeting Minutes of July 14, 2008.
MOTION: Mary Broga moved to accept the July 14, 2008 Commission on Aging Minutes, as presented. Seconded by Ilene Harris. Donna Palumbo abstained from voting. (5-0-1) Motion carried.
d. Correspondence. Correspondence was made available for review.
2. STATUS REPORT
a. Transportation. Cathy Wilson reported both vehicles have been newly registered. The van passed its emissions testing.
She gave Commission members copies of statistics on transportation and asked that Commission members review the information and consider whether or not they wish to request a replacement vehicle, alter the transportation schedule, offer trips with the Senior Center vehicle or hire a coach.
She asked the Commission to look at how much trips cost. The Enrichment trips lose money. For the day trips a coach is hired and a travel company takes care of details. These trips bring in money.
Ms. Hardy asked if the Enrichment trips bring in individuals who would not otherwise participate? Ms. Wilson replied there are approximately fifteen seniors who do not drive and ten who wouldn’t drive themselves. The seniors who do not drive cannot get to the Senior Center to meet the bus for trips.
Ms. Hardy suggested considering a one or two day lease a month.
Ms. Harris felt it was worth checking into delivering groceries through local supermarkets.
The Commission was asked whether or not they would like a subcommittee appointed to discuss this information or discuss parts of this information at its regularly scheduled meetings. There was a consensus of the Commission to discuss this information at regularly scheduled meetings. It was felt that meetings should begin earlier.
MOTION: Ilene Harris moved to begin regularly scheduled meetings at 6 p.m., as opposed to 7 p.m., beginning in October. Seconded by Mr. Powers. (6-0) Unanimous.
b. Senior Trips.
(1) Enrichment Trips. The following Enrichment trips are planned: September 10 to Dock n Dine for lunch and shopping for a cost of $2.75; September 24 to the Steak Loft for a cost of $2.75; October 8 to Cabala’s, October 22 for leaf peeping in the Putnam area; and November 5 to the Greek Festival in New London.
(2) COA Sponsored Trips. There are no Commission on Aging trips scheduled.
(3) Day/Overnight Trips. The following Day/Overnight trips are planned: September 23 to the Garde to see Celtic Spring and to Foxwood for a cost of $58; September 27 for a trip to outlet stores and dinner in Kittery, Maine for a cost of $65; October 25 to Keane, New Hampshire for a Pumpkin Festival for a cost of $67; October 27 a trip to Aqua Turf in Plantsville, CT to see As Time Goes By. This trip includes dinner for a cost of $67; December 4 to Newport for a holiday tour of the mansions for a cost of $86; December 16 to Olde Mystic Village for a Cornerstone Production, with a trip to Mohegan Sun for a cost of $50; September 9-11 for a Moose Safari and canoeing in Maine; on November 9-19 a Panama Cruise; December 8-10 to Bucks County, Pennsylvania to visit the Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel, the home of Pearl Buck, and Longwood Gardens and February 14-21 for a Florida and Bahamas cruise.
c. Programs.
(1) Senior Nutrition Program. Ms. Wilson reported there has been an increase in delivery of meals-on-wheels. The congregate site has remained stable and attendance is slowly increasing.
There have been a lot of meals delivered to the older AHEPHA. On Wednesdays and Thursdays coolers are needed. She is advertising for additional drivers.
She has spoken with TVCCA about the Senior Nutrition Program. They have asked this Senior Center to have a fundraiser for the Senior Nutrition Program. A meatloaf supper is planned for 5 p.m. on September 25. The suggested donation is $2.50 and anything given in excess of that amount will go to the Senior Nutrition Program. Reservations are requested by September 22.
Jan Larson, the new Site Server is doing a great job. Mr. Mountain asked that she be informed the Commission is very pleased with her work.
(2) Senior Center Programs-Ongoing. The Senior Fitness afternoon class hours needed to change because of the instructor’s schedule. It is now held on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
(3) Senior Center Programs – New. Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut will begin a Loss Over 60 Support Group on September 25 for six weeks on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon.
A dance will be held at the Community Center on September 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
AARP Mature Drivers Safety classes will be held September 16-17 from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. and September 22-23 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Senior Center is sponsoring a Wii Bowling League. There will be a statewide tournament held in the fall.
On October 3 at 11:30 a.m. a regional luncheon with dancing will be held at Port ‘n Starboard in New London.
A Hearing Clinic will be held on September 24 from 9 a.m. to noon. Mr. Sawyer will perform a hearing screening, provide hearing aid maintenance service and inspect for ear wax accumulation.
A Matter of Balance Class will be held on October 1 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The VNA will hold flu clinics at the Senior Center on October 10 and October 31.
d. Budget. Ms. Wilson reported she was contacted by the Finance Director about the need to create a new line item for salaries for instructors.
e. Revenues. Cathy Wilson stated revenues are doing well.
3. OLD BUSINESS
a. Renovation of Senior Center Office. Mr. Formica has informed Cathy Wilson that he would like to have renovation work at the Senior Center included while other projects are being done.
b. Update on TRIAD. People’s Bank is sponsoring this program to work towards preventing victimization of seniors. The kick off is planned for November 7 at 1 p.m. Attorney General Blumenthal will attend.
c. Other Pertinent Business. There was no other pertinent business.
4. NEW BUSINESS
a. Review of Part Time Driver’s Hours. Commission members were given information to review on part time driver’s hours.
b. Review of E-trips Revenues Using Senior Center Vehicle. Cathy Wilson gave Commission members a listing of E-trips revenue using the Senior Center vehicle.
c. Review of Unduplicated E-trip riders Using Senior Center Vehicle. Members of the commission were given copies of a report of unduplicated E-trip riders using the Senior Center vehicle.
d. Review of E-Trip Revenues Using Motor Coach. Commission members received copies of E-trip revenues using a motor coach.
e. Review of Attendance Figures for Last (3) Years. Attendance figures for the last three years were given to members of the Commission.
f. Dedication of New AHEPA Housing. On September 19 the 265 AHEPHA building will be dedicated.
g. Other Pertinent Business. Ms. Wilson reported she is willing to help seniors fill out the necessary form by October 15 in order to receive their Economic Stimulus payment.
She has been receiving calls about energy assistance. TVCCA has been processing applications since August. Benefits have been increased to $900.
Ms. Wilson will request Mr. Formica’s signature for two Department of Social Services grant applications.
5. PUBLIC DISCUSSION
There was no public discussion.
6. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Ilene Harris moved to adjourn the September 8, 2008 Commission on Aging Regular Meeting at 8:20 p.m. Seconded by Mary Broga. (6-0) Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted
Frances Ghersi, Recording Secretary
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