PRESENT: C. Phillips, M. Thatcher, B. Acebo, B. Griffin, D. Mercier, J. Kenny (staff), E. Norris, P. Secker, J. Brubacher, K. Grunwald (staff), P. Hope (staff), K. Doeg

REGRETS: S. Thomas, N. Stevens

I. Call to Order: meeting was called to order by Vice Chair E. Norris at 2:35 PM.

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

III. Acceptance of Minutes of the February 14, 2004 meeting: Minutes were accepted as written.

IV. Correspondence - Chair and Staff: none.

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

A. Health Care Services

Wellness Programs –Jean Kenny distributed copies of her report. Participants expressed interest in a follow-up on the Diabetes presentation. Staff from the Fire Department came to Juniper Hill to do a safety presentation.

B. Social, Recreational and Educational

Senior Center – Patty Hope distributed copies of her report. She noted that attendance at the Chinese New Year’s event was lower than previous years, partly due to it being earlier in the month. Once a month a special meal is being offered to coincide with “Wright’s Way Day.”; this has been very successful. The AARP tax assistance program is very active. A quilting retreat was held at the Center on 2/26. The town-wide issue of Sparks was sent out in February.

Senior Center Assoc. –John Brubacher: thanked the Commission on support of the assisted living initiative in Town. He recently visited Sun City in Florida, which is a huge retirement community. It includes housing, specialized programs, and support services. He also spoke with his brother-in-law, who has recently moved into a retirement community in St. Louis. Their financial model includes an upfront payment of approximately $300,000. This program is run by the Lutheran Church.

C. Housing

Assisted Living Project: K. Grunwald reported that the Town Council has authorized spending up to $25,000 and will be issuing an RFQ to conduct a market analysis/needs assessment. A consulting firm will be selected in May, and the study is estimated to take approximately 60 days. He will be working with staff on the selection of a consultant.

C. Phillips reported on the recent meeting of the Coalition for Assisted Living. This is an advocacy group that is focused on political action to keep this process moving. Rep. Denise Merrill attended the meeting as well. This group acknowledged that the results of the market analysis will be key in determining the type of program that may be developed. M. Thatcher suggested looking at other academic communities, including UVA, to explore what they found before theybuilt their program. The general feeling of this group is that this community has a lot to offer an assisted living program. J. Brubacher feels that the Commission needs to be contacted as any part of a needs analysis.

Juniper Hill: J. Kenny reported that they have been collecting items for displaced residents. The Senior Center Association will be holding a benefit for Juniper Hill on 3/23 at 1:00 PM. P. Hope mentioned that the insurance commissioner was here last week and provided booklets on renter’s insurance.

Wrights’ Way: B. Griffin reported that they have a Resident Services’ Coordinator (Kate Cox) who assists residents with information about programs and services.

D. Related Town and Regional Organizations

Advisory Committee On the Needs of Persons with Disabilities: next meeting will be next Tues. 3/22; the group is looking for new members. Senior Resources of Eastern CT: P. Hope reported that they will be hosting the Senior Expo on 4/20 at the Eastbrook Mall.

Town Plan of Conservation and Development: no report, this group has not met in some time.

VI. New Business

A. To be determined: none

VII. Old Business

Process for up-dating the Long Range Plan (2005-2009) - Kevin Grunwald

a. Review of accomplishments of previous plan

Ø Publicize dental services that are available at the McSweeney Center; members need to be reminded of this. Make residents aware of the fact that the Town subsidizes this.

Ø In general we should promote the fact that the Town subsidizes non-profit agencies.

Ø Need to continue to promote Senior Services as a primary information and referral resource.

b. Review each area of the plan and indicate comments/questions on the following dimensions: Existence, Adequacy, Accessibility, Efficiency, Equity, and Quality.

Look at using students as volunteers to assist us with the long-range plan survey.

K. Grunwald will present a draft outline of the plan for the next meeting.

VIII. Adjournment

(next meeting set for Monday, April 11, 2005 at 2:30, Senior Center)

Meeting adjourned at 4:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin Grunwald