Minutes
Filed, subject to approval
Commission members: Beth Wagner, Chairman, Ingrid Heller, Lea Mintz, Henry Polio, Rosalind Kopfstein, Hilda Rhodes
Others present: Angelica Fonenez, Ruth Moran, Julia Pemberton, Barbara Newland (RVNA)
Mrs. Wagner called the March 9, 2016 meeting to order at 9:00 am in the Redding Community Center
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move that the minutes of the meeting of February 3, 2016 be accepted as submitted. Mintz, Heller. Approved. Unanimous.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Barbara Newland of the Ridgefield VNA announced that they are now located in their new facility at 19 Governor Street. She also invited all to participate in the April 9, 2016 Health Fair. The Fair is a free event held at the East Ridge Middle School from 10 am to 2 pm. A new feature will be a quick hand-only CPR training.
REPORT FROM DIRECTOR OF HUMAN SERVICES
Ms. Fonenez, the new Director of Human Services and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, was welcomed.
She provided a written report on her activity during her first month. She described some of the activities and meetings that have kept her busy.
A report on the number and types of Van trips was also reviewed. There was a discussion of the need for additional “back-up” van drivers or for volunteers who were willing to drive someone. Mrs. Pemberton commented that she will advertise for someone as a part-time, on-call driver.
Mrs. Pemberton also noted that the Heritage Center is now open on Friday mornings, and programs will be scheduled for that time. The front desk position, 29 hours/week, will be advertised shortly.
Computers: the computers are in the process of being upgraded. Once that work is done, computer classes will be scheduled.
SENIOR CENTER PROGRAM REPORT
Ruth Moran provided a written report on the average attendance at classes. A new program, Yoga for the Rest of Us, is being offered by a Redding resident at no charge. Attendees are asked to bring food pantry items in lieu of a class fee. An additional Tai Chi class will be offered on Friday mornings. Mrs. Moran reviewed the upcoming special programs and events.
Mrs. Moran reported that a piano has been donated to the Heritage Center. She is seeking funds to have the piano tuned. She is also working to complete the list of programs to be included with the Park & Recreation brochure which is scheduled to be mailed to all residents about March 23, 2016.
Mrs. Moran is working with Laura Anderson in the Park & Recreation Department on logging in registrations on the RecTrak system, and straightening out all the payments and credits. Paid classes will be tracked through the RecTrak program.
During discussion, several ideas were suggested for programs and Mrs. Moran will explore these. There was also discussion on the marketing of the events & programs.
Mrs. Mintz commended Mrs. Moran for the fine work that she has been doing. The other Commission members echoed those sentiments.
NEXT MEETING
April 6, 2016, 9 am in the Senior Center.
ADJOURNMENT
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 10:07 am
Submitted by Mary Maday, Recording Secretary