Minutes
Commission members: Beth Wagner, Chairman, Ingrid Heller, Henry Polio, Rosalind Kopfstein, Hilda Rhodes
Others present: Angelica Fontanez, Ruth Moran, Barbara Newland (RVNA)
Mrs. Wagner called the April 6, 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 March 9, 2016 be accepted as corrected. Kopfstein, Heller. Approved. Unanimous.
Corrections: Angelica Fontanez’s name was misspelled, and her correct title is Director of Social Services
PUBLIC COMMENT
Barbara Newland of the Ridgefield VNA encouraged all to attend the Health Fair on Saturday in Ridgefield. Free health screenings will be available. She suggested that a trip to the new RVNA facility and the new nutritional kitchen could be arranged, as well as a program for caregivers. Ms. Newland is being trained in the Choices Program. She also has a RVNA volunteer who is a Redding resident who is also in the Choices Program.
REPORT FROM DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Ms. Fontanez provided a written report on the first quarter use of the Van service. She plans to increase the grant request (grant pays portion of driver salary) from $12,000 to $23,000. The Town qualifies for the full amount, but she is not certain it will be granted. She also spoke of the need for a “back-up” driver for additional days or when Mike is not available.
Ms. Fontanez described the Outreach work done during the month. Easter baskets were delivered. Requests for oil assistance were received in March, and she would like to find ways to increase the donations to the fund.
Food Pantry: Ms. Fontanez noted there are about 12 seniors and 7 families who rely on the Food Pantry. A list of specific items will be developed, things like laundry detergent, diapers, personal products, paper goods, as well as canned fruit and grocery store gift cards.
Mrs. Fontanez went through CPR training and use of the AED (Automated Electronic Defibrillator). There is an AED in the Heritage Center kitchen cabinet. She will check to be sure the batteries and supplies are in good condition. It was noted that there should be an AED available in the large Community Room in a well-marked place. When meetings are held in that room, the Heritage Center rooms are locked. Barbara Newland (RVNA) will present information on the use of the AED at the June meeting. It is important that everyone know where the device is located and able to locate it easily for use by someone who is trained in the event of an emergency.
Front Desk: the front desk position has not yet been filled. Mrs. Wagner will follow up on this with the First Selectman.
SENIOR CENTER PROGRAM REPORT
Ruth Moran provided a written report on the average attendance at classes. The Dan Cruson Middle East presentation was well attended. The Opera series has received many compliments. A class in Photoshop is beginning, and Tai Chi now has a third session on Friday. The group discussed other ideas for programing.
NEXT MEETING
May 4, 2016, 9 am in the Senior Center.
ADJOURNMENT
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:58 am
Submitted by Mary Maday, Recording Secretary