Minutes
Commission members: Rosalind Kopfstein, Chairman; Alice Pardee, Hilda Rhodes, Florence Hayes, Henry Polio, Louann Lang
Others present: Gail Schiron, Marie Sibilio, Ruth Moran, Myrna Robinson and Scott Smith
Mrs. Kopstein called the April 3, 2013 meeting to order at 9:00 am in the Community Center.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the March 6, 2013 meeting as submitted. Polio, Pardee. Approved. Unanimous.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Myrna Robinson suggested that a non-profit entity be created to raise funds to support programs and services offered at Heritage Center. She stated that the Center should take advantage of the talent and skills of the residents and the Center should foster cultural, intellectual, educational and social opportunities for all retired residents and seniors. She believes a non-profit entity could raise funds to offset program costs. Such a group would be established as a 501c3 group for fundraising activities. The towns of Easton, Brookfield, Ridgefield and others are functioning with such a group. Discussion of this followed, along with the discussion of the mission statement for the Heritage Center.
Louanne Lang and Henry Polio volunteered to research and explore the potential of establishing a 501c3 fundraising group along with Myrna Robinson.
Motion: move that the Commission on Aging establish a subcommittee to explore the process of establishing an ancillary 501c3 organization to support programs and activities of the Heritage Center and report back to the Commission at the May meeting. Kopfstein, Pardee. Approved. Unanimous.
Scott Smith introduced himself. He is a candidate for the position of First Selectman and was in attendance to learn about the Commission on Aging.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mrs. Schiron reported on the following:
- Resident needs: Mrs. Schiron is working with two individuals to find solutions to meet their problems in living needs.
- Household repairs: Mrs. Schiron is compiling a list of senior residents in need of minor household repairs. She is working with the churches in towns to find resources to help these residents.
- Grant for van: Mrs. Schiron has completed and submitted the grant request for $12,000 to offset the salary of the van driver.
- Donation for van: Mrs. Schiron was notified that a resident has left a bequest of $50,000 for the purchase of a new van. The current van has 120,000+ miles and is beginning to show signs of extensive use. When the funds are received, the current van could be traded in for a new van using the bequest to offset the cost. She added that she is looking for a “back-up” driver for the van.
- Heating oil: Mrs. Schiron is still receiving requests for assistance with heating oil.
SENIOR CENTER COORDINATOR
Marie Sibilio reported the following:
- Van trips for March totaled 149 with 1871 miles.
- Movies: a year-long licensing right has been acquired to allow movies to be shown, the first is The Iron Lady on April 23.
- Programming”
- Themed luncheons, one each month; March is “welcome to spring” and the lunch is next week.
- Seed planting: The seedlings have been planted in the “greenhouse” and will eventually be moved to the Heritage Center planting area.
- New programs include a non-denominational Bible study group, a genealogy class, a walking group, and a Grandparents Discussion group.
- Comparison study: Mrs. Sibilio and Mrs. Moran are still working on a comparison of programming and fees of Redding with other surrounding communities. This will be presented at the May meeting.
- Luncheon survey: a survey of luncheon participants is being done to get feedback on the meals. It was noted that most of those attending the luncheons attend for socialization purposes rather than the food.
NEW BUSINESS
Mrs. Kopfstein noted that the Town’s Director of Finance, Steve Gniadek, has been invited to attend the May meeting. The discussion will include the Town’s support of programming, the punch card system used to pay for programs, and the change to an 8-week program fee system.
RVNA Program: “Keeping Your Money Safe”, is planned for May 21, 2013 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm in the Community Center. The program will feature Don McGran, Jr., Security Advisor, Fairfield County Bank; Jude Joe Egan, Probate Judge for District, and Officer Chris McManus, Redding Police Department. Discussion will include topics of bank fraud, check washing, deeding you home, local mail, phone & computer scams, and more. Commission members were asked to distribute and post the flyers for the program.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for May1, 2013, at 9:00 am at the Heritage Center.
ADJOURNMENT
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:58 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary