MINUTES

Mansfield Commission on Aging Agenda

 

9:30 AM – Senior Center

Monday, December 8, 2008

 

PRESENT: K. Grunwald (staff), M. Thatcher, M. Ross, C. Phillips, Elliot Wolk (guest), K. Doeg, A. Holinko, J. Brubacher, J. Kenny (staff), J. Quarto

REGRETS: T.Quinn, P. Richardson, C. Pellegrini, W. Bigl

 

I.       Call to Order: Acting Chair C. Phillips called the meeting to order at 9:35 AM.

 

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

 

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

 

IV. Correspondence – Chair and Staff: none.                 

 

V.    New Business

-         Guest: Elliot Wolk- Auditing College Courses: Mr. Wolk is a former member of the COA. He distributed information on the Center for Learning In Retirement (CLIR), located on the Depot Campus, which has accessible parking.  They run three terms a year; dues are $25, plus $12 for each session.  Guests are always welcome.  Elliot collected names to be added to the mailing list.  The schedule for the winter term should be out by the first of the year; starts January 28, and brochures are made available at the Senior Center.  On the 28th they will have a radical economist speaking on the need for a new “New Deal.”  CLIR does not have an age requirement for participation.  K. Grunwald will have someone from Masonicare contact Elliot to discuss a possible collaboration.  In terms of other educational opportunities he stated that as far as he knows seniors can still audit classes at UConn at no charge.  C. Phillips pointed out that ECSU makes courses available to seniors as well. 

 

-         Representation in Area Agency on Aging: Senior Resources: M. Thatcher stated that Carol McMillan used to represent this group; please let Tim Quinn know at the next meeting if you are interested in being a representative.

 

-     “Other”: none.

 

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 reported that she recently attended a conference on Medicare Managed Care as an option for Medicare recipients.  These plans provide coverage for Medicare Parts A, B and D (prescription drug coverage).  She also reported that the Attorney General’s office is now investigating complaints about homecare providers.  There are specific criteria that have to be met to be able to file a complaint.  She has a booklet available on how to hire a home healthcare provider.  K. Doeg suggested that the availability of the booklet be publicized.  C. Phillips suggested that the availability of a vaccine for shingles be publicized, along with updates on other issues of interest.  J. Quarto asked about how the M-Team identifies seniors who are difficult to assist (as identified in Jean’s report)? 

 

      Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation – J. Kenny: no report.

 

B.    Social, Recreational and Educational

Senior Center – P. Richardson was not present, but she made copies of her monthly report for distribution.   K. Grunwald reminded members about the availability of the Elderly Heating Assistance Program.   

Senior Center Assoc. – J. Brubacher (for Tom Rogers): reported that a group recently came together to talk about providing geriatric medical services here.  This group will be looking at how these services can be funded.  He mentioned that Rose Fowler is retiring from the McSweeney Center and their geriatric services are declining. 

 

C.    Housing

Assisted Living Advisory Committee, Wrights Way, Juniper Hill (still no representative), Jensen’s Park, Other: no reports.

 

D.    Related Town and Regional Organizations such as:

Advisory Committee on the Needs of Persons with Disabilities: K. Grunwald reported that the focus of this group has been on enforcement of accessible parking space violations.

Senior Resources of Eastern CT (no representative).

 

VII. Old Business                            

-         Long Range Plan for 2007- 2010:  Update on Action Plans (all): C. Phillips reviewed the areas that individuals are responsible for.  M. Thatcher reported that their recommendation is for the Human Services Dept. to take on the project of updating “At Your Fingertips.”  They are currently working on a resource directory.  New Facility: no progress at this time.  Access to Public Buildings: M. Ross is waiting to hear from the Town on upgrading the current PA system or installing a new system in the Council Chambers.  K. Grunwald reported on transportation issues and the use of the municipal transportation grant. 

         

IX. Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 10:48 AM.  Next meeting: Monday, January 12, 2009 at 9:30 AM at the Senior Center

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Kevin Grunwald