Mansfield Commission on Aging Minutes

   2:30 PM – Senior Center            Monday, May 9, 2005

 

PRESENT: S. Thomas (chair), M. Thatcher, J. Kenny (staff), N. Steves, C. McGillan, P. Secker, B. Acebo, B. Griffin, C. Thatcher, J. Brubacher, P. Hope (staff), D. Mercier.

REGRETS: E. Norris,

 

I.       Call to Order: Chair S. Thomas called the meeting to order at 2:33 PM.

 

II.    Appointment of Recording Secretary: K. Grunwald agreed to take minutes for the meeting.  Due to an emergency K. Grunwad left;  P. Hope agreed to take minutes.

 

III.  Acceptance of Minutes: The following corrections were made to the minutes of the April 11, 2005 meeting: Carol McGillan was present, Carol Phillips was absent. Nora Stevens moved to moved to accept the minutes as corrected; it was seconded by Mary Thatcher.  All were in approval.

 

IV. Guest Speaker - Curt A. Vincente, Dir. of Parks & Recreation 

                         "Seniors and the Mansfield Community Center": due to an unscheduled absence, Mr. Vincente was unable to attend the meeting.  He will be invited to address the Commission at the June meeting.

 

V. 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.  J. Kenny noted she worked with the Association on their funding efforts for Juniper Hill Fire Victims and the Association’s bazaar.  J. Kenny also noted she planned and participated in a program with the UCONN Pharmacy Students and Bayer that was held at Juniper Hill.  J. Kenny has coupons for diabetic supplies.  She has notified seniors through Sparks these are available.  Another speaker from the UCONN Allied Health Program will be presenting in June.  Seniors throughout the month shared jokes with J. Kenny in preparation for  J. Kenny’s “Humor” program.  J. Kenny attended a “Death and Dignity” teleconference program.  J. Kenny noted that many legislature info is available.  COA memvers would like any pertinent information passed on them when their  minutes are sent.   

        Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation - Jean Kenny indicated that a meeting  is scheduled for next week.  J. Kenny mentioned that CCCI indicated Medicaid beds are difficult to find in the northeast region.

B.    Social, Recreational and Educational

               Senior Center – P. Hope distributed copies of her monthly report.P. Hope noted that the “Are You Okay:” program ended effective April 30.  RSVP and The Mansfield Senior Center will be training volunteers for a telephone reassurance program.  RSVP will also host a training for a friendly visitor program for seniors in area nursing facilities.  The congregate meals attendance through TVCCA continues to increase in numbers.  The UCONN Allied Health Program held 3 programs during the month of April.  P. Hope noted the Senior Center will likely hold another grandchildren’s day next year.     

Senior Center Assoc. – John Brubacher indicated the Association will have its annual banquet on June15.  New officers will be appointed on that day.  J. Bruchacher extended an invitation to COA members.  The Association will have its meeting next Wednesday.  They will approve their annual budget.  J. Bruchacher noted that “Anything Goes” will be held this month and hopes COA members will attend. J. Brubacher noted that he has been on vacation with the Elderhostel, which he highly recommends.

C.    Housing

Assisted Living Project: P. Hope read K. Grunwald’s report: The Town has received 5 proposals in response to the RFQ for a needs analysis.  An ad hoc group will begin meeting on 5/16 to begin the review of these proposals.

                  Juniper Hill, Jensen’s Park, Other – no report

D.    Related Town and Regional Organizations

Com. on Physically and Sensorily Impaired: P Hope read K. Grunwald’s report:  K. Grunwald attended a meeting on “community inclusion”, and the Town will be hosting a follow-up meeting in June. 

                   Senior Resources of Eastern CT – no discussion

                   Town Plan of Conservation and Development – Carol Phillips – no discussion

                   Town Community Center  - COA is interested in obtaining statistics on the number of seniors 65+ who are members of the Community Center. P. Hope offered to obtain those statistics if they are available.  J. Brubacher wondered if the Community Center ever asked Seniors when they preferred to have access to the pool.  S. Thomas noted C. Vincente could answer some of these questions.

 

VI  Old Business

 

            Need to enlarge the Nominating Committee - Nora Stevens indicated that Carol Phillips will join the committee. She welcomes suggestions from COA members.  The process needs to be ongoing throughout the summer.  N. Stevens encouraged COA members to call Carol. Phillips or N. Stevens with any suggestions.

They noted that Phil Secker is finishing his second term and can serve another term.  P. Secker will not seek another term because of commitments.  Nora Stevens has served two terms. M. Thatcher is finishing up a term which finishes in 2005.       

Berl Griffin indicated she would be willing to represent Wrights Way. 

           Preparation of The Long Range Plan (2004-2014) - Kevin Grunwald           

              Proposed survey of elderly in Town: P. Hope read K. Grunwald’s report that he heard from Waldo Klein in regards to conducting a survey of the needs of seniors in Town.  J. Klein recently completed a similar project for the Town of Madison, which took 6 months and cost approximately $20,000.  K. Grunwald will try to meet with the next COA meeting or with a subcommittee before the end of the summer.  N. Stevens noted that a special meeting could be called to obtain input from all the members.  There was some discussion if there would be a cost involved in having W. Klein’s involvement. 

N. Stevens encouraged COA members to attend the town budget hearing next Tuesday evening.        

 

 VII. Adjournment

              Meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m. Next meeting is scheduled for Mon., June 13 at 2:30 pm at the Senior Center