Commission members: Rosalind Kopfstein, Chairman, Hilda Rhodes, Ingrid Heller, Henry Polio, Janet Metzger, Sam Crocker, Beth Wagner
Others present: Gail Schiron, Marie Sibilio, Ruth Moran, Julia Pemberton, Allen Kopfstein and members of the Meadow Ridge staff
Mrs. Kopfstein called the June 3, 2015 meeting to order at 9:10 am at Meadow Ridge
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move that the minutes of the meeting of May 6, 2015 be accepted as submitted. Rhodes, Metzger. Approved. 5-0-2.
WELCOME
Lea Mintz welcomed the Commission on Aging to the Meadow Ridge facility and she introduced members of the staff who were present.
REPORT FROM DIRECTOR OF HUMAN SERVICES
Mrs. Schiron reported the following:
- One inquiry regarding senior housing
- One request/suggestion to hold a panel discussion for seniors on ways to help them to age in place- similar to presentations we have done in years past. Discussion of this followed. A subcommittee of Beth Wagner, Ingrid Heller, Gail Schiron and Ruth Moran was established to plan an event for late September/early October. The forum/roundtable should be open to all seniors, and to those in their 50’s who are looking forward to retirement. Suggested to be included, information of senior benefit (with presentation by John Ford and Anna Plevka). Gail will coordinate the planning.
- Freezer for pantry: the freezer is up and running, a system for dating the contributions is being developed.
- Helen Baumbach is officially retiring at the end of June.
- Van service: van service will be available for ½ day on Fridays for shopping and hair appointments, limited runs to West Redding and the Georgetown area. This is a trial for July to determine if it is financially feasible and needed. Michael will be driving, and Gail will alter her schedule to be in the office during those hours on Fridays. The Redding Pilot and News Times will have publicity coverage, as well as the Heritage Center Blasts emails.
SENIOR CENTER COORDINATOR REPORT
Marie reported on class participation:
- Massage therapist/acupuncturist is available once a week and that is going well.
- Posture & Balance series of classes was well received, more sessions are planned for the fall.
- Memoir writing has five participants for the six week class. Ingrid Heller commented that she has found the classes to be helpful and enjoyable.
- Plans for fall programming are underway, including coin collecting, greeting card workshop and health programs. A suggestion was made to explore opportunities for trips with other senior citizen groups, noting that Bethel has a wide variety of trips available.
RECOGNITION
Julia Pemberton read a proclamation recognizing the contributions of Rosalind Kopfstein for her work on behalf of Redding’s seniors as chair of this commission. She was thanked for her wisdom, insight and action on behalf of all residents of Redding.
OTHER BUSINESS
Election of Chairman: Mrs. Metzger stated that the election of a new chairperson will be held at the July meeting and she asked those with suggestions or interest to contact her.
NEXT MEETING
July 1, 2015, 9 am in the Heritage Center.
ADJOURNMENT
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:50 am.
Submitted by Mary Maday, Recording Secretary