TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, October 5, 2016
HERITAGE CENTER
Commission members present:
Beth Wagner- Chair, Karen de Friesse, Jean Whitham, Rosalind Kopfstein, Sam Crocker, Janet Metzger, Ingrid Heller, Hilda Rhodes, Lea Mintz, Jeanne Rexford.
Angelica Fontanez – Director of Social Services, Ruth Moran – Coordinator of Heritage Center, Julia Pemberton – First Selectmen
Guest: Anita Taylor – Meadow Ridge
The meeting was called to order at 9:05 a.m.
I. Approval of Minutes from September 7, 2016
Motion: The minutes were reviewed and approved as corrected.
Rhodes, Mintz. Approved. Unanimous with one abstention.
II. Community Participation
Anita Taylor- Director of Resident Experience and Outreach from Meadow Ridge Continuing Care Retirement Community is hoping to develop a closer relationship with the Commission and elders in Redding. Meadow Ridge is celebrating 15 years of providing senior living opportunities in Redding. Ruth Moran and Anita will discuss cooperative programming in the future so that more information can be shared with both organizations.
III. Director’s Report – Angelica Fontanez
Angelica has completed many home and office visits with a variety of clients in need of assistance. She is attending a number of community events to present to some groups and to learn about resources such as fuel assistance training. Angelica is now able to connect directly to Eversource to assist residents in dire straits.
Angelica will discuss with Julia Pemberton about the town’s website data regarding about senior programs and services. A direct link should be made to the Heritage Center bulletin and email blast.
IV. Senior Center Program Report – Ruth Moran
Many activities have been scheduled. The Fine Quilts and Flowers Show was quite popular. The Garden Club created arrangements to complement the quilts on display.
Ruth reported that Reddingites appreciate programs offering substantive information with a wide variety of programming ideas. Mrs. Metzger referenced an article indicating that 20% of Redding is over 60 which also includes the Meadow Ridge population. A few classes have been cancelled due to low enrollment. A clay class will be starting soon since the Center has a kiln. Lunches will now occur on Tuesday and Wednesday due to the contractor schedule. Flu clinics are planned. Ruth is working on ideas for Redding’s Sesquicentennial celebration in 2017.
Anita will contact Meadow Ridge residents who might be interested in presenting programs at the Heritage Center and help promote Heritage Center programs to the residents of Meadow Ridge.
V. Other Business:
Julia Pemberton reported on the retirement of Leon Karvelis and the process used to replace him on the Selectmen’s council. Julia also reported on the latest court case regarding Georgetown Land Development.
Jeanne Rexford is a member of a State of CT group focused on end of life and palliative care. She is hoping that the Commission will support a new initiative to educate the public about these important issues. More details to follow.
The Commission on Aging now has full membership but two alternate positions need to filled.
There was no additional business presented before the Commission; the meeting was adjourned at 10:02 am.
The next COA meeting is scheduled for November 2, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. in the Heritage Center.
Minutes prepared by Rosalind Kopfstein