Mansfield Commission on Aging Minutes

10:00 AM – Senior Center Monday, April 14, 2008

PRESENT: K. Grunwald (staff), K. Doeg, C. Pellegrine (Vice-Chair), M. Thatcher, A. Holinko, P. Hope (staff), R. Gouldsbrough, W. Bigl, S. Gordon, T. Quinn (Chair), C. Phillips

REGRETS: J. Quarto

I. Call to Order: Chair T. Quinn called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM.

II. Appointment of Recording Secretary: K. Grunwald agreed to take minutes for the meeting.

III. Acceptance of Minutes: the minutes of the March 10, 2008 meeting were accepted as written.

IV. Correspondence – Chair and Staff: none.

V. New Business

- Committee to regionalize the Senior Center Association: T. Quinn reported that the Association has formed a sub-committee and is looking at the McSweeney Senior Center as a model. There are no requirements for a Center being able to refer to itself as a regional center. The sub-committee is looking forward to trying to create an organization of area Centers to coordinate and share services that are delivered. One idea is to create a regional orchestra for seniors. T. Quinn asked if there was a motion to support this. C. Pellegrine asked who the motion would be for: Answer: the Association. Motion unanimously approved to encourage the Association to support regionalization of area senior centers. C. Phillips asked what the next step would be: the sub-committee of the Association would need to proceed with this initiative.

- “Other”: M. Thatcher noted the Mission of Mercy dental clinic that was held this weekend, and wondered if the Commission could do more to support the provision of dental care in this area. T. Quinn would like to address this as a part of the Long-Range plan.

VI. Optional Reports on Services/Needs of Town Aging Populations

A. Health Care Services

Wellness Center and Wellness Program – J. Kenny distributed copies of her monthly report. She raised a concern that many of the senior housing facilities are no longer accepting applications. K. Grunwald pointed out that Willington Woods is accepting applications.

Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation – J. Kenny reported that there is a concern that residents are being admitted with mental health issues that may not be appropriate for the facility. T. Quinn was there recently and reported very favorably on his experience. W. Bigl has joined the advisory board, along with R. Gouldsbrough and J. Kenny.

B. Social, Recreational and Educational

Senior Center – P. Hope distributed copies of her monthly report. She pointed out that a “Celebration of Life” was held in March to honor deceased friends and relatives. 139 people received tax assistance in the month of March. Tax volunteers have also done outreach at Jensen’s and Juniper Hill.

Funding for Area Agencies: K. Grunwald reported that the Council budget provides flat funding for this year; this part of the budget will be reviewed Wed., April 16 at 6:00 PM at the Mansfield Community Center. This especially impacts the Meals On Wheels budget request.

Senior Center Assoc. – John Brubacher (for Tom Rogers): not present; no report. C. Phillips said that the Bazaar this past Saturday was a great opportunity to get seniors involved; they raised approximately $1800. She noted that it is the same volunteers who work every year, and we need to recruit new volunteers; looking for suggestions on how to expand this. She also said that the UConn student volunteers were much appreciated.

W. Bigl noted that the Computer Committee is looking at purchasing 10 new laptop computers and Wi-Fi access with a memorial donation that was received. He will keep the Commission updated on this project.

C. Housing

Assisted Living Advisory Committee: K. Grunwald reported that the committee has received two proposals and is currently evaluating them. One of the proposals includes a partnership with MCNR.

Juniper Hill: R. Gouldsbrough reported on the results of a transportation survey that was done at Juniper Hill. One of the needs is to get to the Senior Center. K. Grunwald will invite Melinda Perkins to the next meeting of the Commission to speak about the services of WRTD

Jensen’s Park: no report.

D. Related Town and Regional Organizations such as:

Advisory Committee on the Needs of Persons with Disabilities: next meeting, Tues., April 22 at 2:30.

VII. Old Business

- Proposed Board of Seniors (T. Quinn) reported that this is being considered as part of the town-wide strategic planning initiative.

- Status of the State of CT, Department of Social Services Funding Opportunities: P. Hope reported that the Center received a grant of $5000 that will fund staffing the senior center of Saturday’s from 8:30-1 through April of 2009. K. Grunwald reported that we received $3400 for case management services. P. Hope mentioned that the Health District received funding to improve health of women over age 55, and we will be receiving money through this grant for equipment.

- Long Range Plan for 2007- 2010: T. Quinn stated that he feels that the Commission needs to review this plan annually and identify action items for each year.

- Action Plans: C. Pellegrine and M. Thatcher distributed recommendations on Information Dissemination. Recommendation that “At Your Fingertips” needs to be updated. K. Doeg pointed out that the hospital now routinely asks if patients have a Living Will and a Durable Power of Attorney.

- Planning Update – Transportation: T. Quinn reported that he has looked into the willingness of residents to use public transportation. He is looking for help in determining whether the UConn bus or WRTD are serving the White Oak Condos. Motion approved unanimously to request that the Senior Center offer sessions on using the public transportation system.

VIII. Adjournment: meeting adjourned at 10:20 PM

Next meeting: Monday, May 12, 2008 at 10:00 AM at the Senior Center

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin Grunwald