Mansfield Commission on Aging Minutes

   2:30 PM – Senior Center            Monday, Nov.14, 2005

PRESENT: T. Quinn, C. McMillan, J. Kenny (staff), E. Norris, D. Mercicer, B. Acebo, S. Thomas (Chair), C. Phillips, P. Hope (Staff), K. Grunwald (Staff), J. Brubacher, M. Thatcher

REGRETS: B. Griffin

I. Call to Order: Chair S. Thomas called the meeting to order at 2:34 PM.

II. Appointment of Recording Secretary: K. Grunwald agreed to serve as the recording secretary.

III. Acceptance of Minutes of the October 11, 2005 meeting: the minutes of the October 11 meeting were accepted as written.

IV. Correspondence – Chair and Staff: P. Hope distributed information on a meeting that will be held November 19 on Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities.

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.  More than 500 people received vaccinations through the flu clinic.  Tomorrow she will be starting a program on Planning for the End of Life (and beyond).   Commission members were reminded that Medicare D enrollment starts tomorrow, and information was provided about available resources.  

Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation – D. Mercier reported that they are refinancing their HUD bonding through Good Samaritan Corporation.

B. Social, Recreational and Educational

Senior Center – P. Hope distributed copies of her report.  The flu clinic was the busiest activity this month.  Also, a full presentation was done by Senior Resources on Medicare D.  Sharon Caron has started as a part-time employee in the kitchen.  C. Phillips asked for information about how new classes are scheduled, and suggested that a notice could be placed in Sparks.    

Senior Center Assoc. – J. Brubacher reported that the finances for the Association for FY 05 were recently audited and a good report was received.  More than $3000 was raised during the recent auction and the Association is exploring ways to use this money to support geriatric medical services here.  The Holiday Bazaar is scheduled for December 3.

C. Housing

Assisted Living Project: J. Brubacher reported that he was interviewed by Brecht Associates for the needs assessment, and felt that the interview was very superficial.  Others say that they have heard this as well from individuals who were interviewed.  D. Mercier raised concerns about their lack of focus on transportation. 

                  Juniper Hill, Jensen’s Park, Other: no report.

D. Related Town and Regional Organizations

                        Com. on Physically and Sensorily Impaired, Town Community Center,  

Town Plan of Conservation and Development, Senior Resources of Eastern CT: no reports.

C. Phillips and M. Thatcher attended a recent meeting on reestablishing a state Department of Aging.  Since 1993 when the Department was disbanded the functions and funding of this department were dispersed to other state agencies.  Rose Fowler of the McSweeney Center is on this task force, and she has requested input from seniors as to the role and function of the Department.  M. Thatcher suggested that the Commission send a letter to Rose Fowler with their thoughts.   

VI. Old Business

Report of the Nominating Committee – C. Phillips reported that Tim Quinn and Dick Pellegrine have expressed interest in being members of the Commission.  Joseph Chasin indicated that he was not interested in joining.  Mr. Quinn and Mr. Pellegrine were nominated to two-year terms on the Commission.   

Preparation of The Long Range Plan  - K. Grunwald reported on the feedback that he received from Waldo Klein on the proposed survey.  He will redraft the questions and will send the revisions to C. Phillips, P. Hope, E. Norris and D. Mercier for feedback before the next meeting.              

VI. New Business

Process for Review of Requests from Agencies for Town Funds:  the following commission members volunteered to review these agencies once we have received applications for funding: TVCCA/Meals On Wheels (C Phillips), Dial-A-Ride (M. Thatcher), Senior Center Association (D. Mercier), McSweeney Center (T. Quinn), Community Companions and Homemakers (C. McMillan)

M. Thatcher distributed a petition on Medicare D.  It was agreed that this would be discussed at the next meeting.

IX. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4:32 PM.  The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 12, at 2:30 pm at the Senior Center.