TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, December 6, 2017
HERITAGE CENTER
Commission members present:
Ingrid Heller & Karen de Friesse – Co-Chair, Jean Rexford, Jean Whitham, Sam Crocker, Hilda Rhodes, Rosalind Kopfstein
*Alternates-Sarah Atwood & Mary Dale Lancaster
*Ruth Moran-Senior Center Director
*Julia Pemberton-First Selectman
Angelica Fontanez – Director of Social Services
Guests: Anita Taylor, Meadow Ridge
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m.
I. Approval of Minutes from November 2017
Motion: Minutes approved with changes noted below, October 2017
Motion: Hilda Rhodes, Rosalind Kopfstein (second), Unanimous
Changes: “Caroline Leflore change to Caroline LaFleur”
“Seniors to workers/adults”
II. Senior Center Program Report – Ruth Moran
-Ruth distributed Activity/financial sheet, a brief discussion ensued. Ruth explained that this is a busy time for the center.
-Ruth is going to revisit the holding of the Clay Class due to inconsistency in instructors/schedules.
-The Genealogy classes are completed. The feedback from the class was very positive. The next session will not be resuming until March 2018.
-Ruth reported an increased interest in Spanish classes for 60-minute sessions.
-The Tai Chi program is one of the most successful programs at the center. Sarah Atwood (attendee of the class) reported that the class has fostered a sense of community among the participants. In addition, the instructor is very well liked and has helped build that sense of community.
-Ruth reported that she spoke to Julia about independent activity instructors using the space for free. Julia was ok with this as long as community members are participating in the programs.
-The program “What To Do When You Call 911” was cancelled due to low numbers.
-The program “Staying In Touch With Loved Ones” is going to be revisited after the New Year.
-The Holiday Luncheon is on Thursday, December 7. Attendance is not as high as last year.
-Sarah Atwood suggested changing the name of the luncheon from “Seniors” to “Community” Holiday Luncheon.
III. Director’s Report – Angelica Fontanez
-Angelica gave a brief overview of Revenues. Revenue for the center has increased and the center is continuing to grow.
-Angelica gave a brief overview of services provided to clients for the month of November 2017. -She explained that she is encouraging seniors to continue to apply for help early, particularly for Oil assistance.
-Angelica reported that the Medicare Savings Program budget has been cut on the state level. She has had an influx of calls from concerned seniors about this change.
-There have been continued frustrations with the Eversource Energy Assistance program. The computer system has been down, slow, and generally delayed. The program is not functioning efficiently. Commission discussed contacting representatives to alert them of this issue.
-Angelica received 35 Thanksgiving Day donation baskets, all have been distributed.
-Ruth suggested streamlining the van service into schedule blocks ( Mon-medical visits, Tues-personal needs etc). This will increase efficiency and give users predictability when scheduling appointments.
-ANGELICA WILL HAVE A MEETING NEXT WEEK TO DISCUSS THE BUDGET OF THE COMMISSION ON AGING FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING ON JUNE 30, 2019 WITH KAREN DE FRIESSE AND INGRID HELLER.
IV. Additional Business
-Commission discussed creating a survey to identify the needs of seniors throughout the town of Redding. Discussion followed.
-Anita from Meadow Ridge reported that she is trying to bring Weight Watchers program back and needs a minimum of 25 participants.
V. Commissioner’s Report
Nothing at this time.
Motion to adjourn: de Friesse, Heller (second), unanimous.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:04am.
NEXT COA MEETING WILL BE JANUARY 10, 2018.
Minutes prepared by Kimberly Keil