Mansfield Commission on Aging Minutes

   10:00 AM – Senior Center Monday, June 9, 2008

Present: K. Grunwald (staff), W. Bigl, C. Pellegrine,  S. Gordon, A. Holinko, T. Quinn (Chair), M. Ross, P. Hope (staff), C. Phillips, M. Thatcher, J. Quarto, J. Brubacher, J. Kenny (staff), R. Gouldsbrough

Regrets: K. Doeg

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 May 12, 2008 meeting were accepted as written.

IV. Correspondence – Chair and Staff: none                

V. New Business

- - “Other”: Homecare Services: no discussion.

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

A. Health Care Services

Wellness Center and Wellness Program – J. Kenny did not have copies of her monthly report; gave a verbal report.

Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation – J. Kenny reported that there are concerns about the lack of State funding to supplement the cost of nursing home care.

B. Social, Recreational and Educational

Senior Center – P. Hope distributed copies of her monthly report.  She noted that there was an interesting presentation on Exploring Mental Health through Film.  Tax volunteers continue to be available to assist with the economic stimulus application.  She noted that the Senior Center received a grant from the State Department of Social Services to open the Center on Saturday; Jessica Nathan has been hired to staff this.   A grant was also received for case management services.  We will also be receiving exercise equipment through a Health District grant.

Senior Center Assoc. – J. Brubacher (for Tom Rogers): no report.

C. Housing

Assisted Living Advisory Committee: K. Grunwald reported that the committee is in the process of writing up their recommendations for the Town Council.

Juniper Hill: R. Gouldsbrough reported that they are still looking for volunteer drivers.

Jensen’s Park: W. Bigl reported as a tax volunteer; stated that they went to Andover, Juniper Hill and Jensen’s, in addition to providing assistance at the Senior Center to residents of Mansfield, Ashford and Willington; helped more than 360 individuals.  Costs were reimbursed by the IRS.  The estimate of the value of the services provided was $76,375.  T. Quinn feels that this provides further impetus for development of a regional senior center.

D. Related Town and Regional Organizations such as:

Advisory Committee on the Needs of Persons with Disabilities, Senior Resources of Eastern CT: no reports.

VII. Old Business

- Committee to regionalize the Senior Center Association (T. Quinn): the committee has only met once; will be meeting again this week.     

- Strategic Planning Update – Seniors: Proposed Board of Seniors (T. Quinn): K. Grunwald reported that this group is in the process of completing the action plans.  

- Long Range Plan for 2007- 2010: Action Plans:

o Information Dissemination (C. Pellegrine and M. Thatcher): no report.

o Senior Center Facility: (W. Bigl and C. Phillips): W. Bigl reported that on March 31 he presented a recommendation to the Town Council for development of a new Senior Center building (copies distributed). 

o Access to Public Meetings (M. Ross): C. Pellegrine pointed out that the floor covering on the Community Center gym for elections made it very difficult for some people to walk, along with the distance and parking issues.  Perhaps wheelchairs could be provided for the next election?  Mark Ross pointed out that people with hearing impairment are not always visible.  M. Ross will draft a proposal for assistive hearing technology; K. Grunwald suggested to include this in the larger issue of accessibility, and to send a recommendation to the Town Council, endorsed by the Advisory Committee on the needs of People with Disabilities.

o Transportation (all): Mindy Perkins from the Windham Region Transit District will be invited to join us next month.

VIII. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 11:00 AM.

Next meeting: Monday, September 8, 2008 at 9:30 AM at the Senior Center

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin Grunwald