TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, April 11, 2018
REDDING COMMUNITY CENTER
Commission members present:
Karen de Friesse – Co-Chair, Jean Rexford, Jean Whitham, Hilda Rhodes, and Janet Metzger
Alternates: Mary Dale Lancaster and Sarah Atwood
Angelica Fontanez – Director of Social Services Ruth Moran – Senior Center Program Coordinator
Guests: Julia Pemberton, Lindsay Meyerowitz, Ridge Crest and Anita Taylor, Meadow Ridge
The meeting was called to order at 8:55 a.m.
I. Approval of Minutes from January 2018
Motion: Minutes approved as recorded February 2018 – unanimous.
Sarah Atwood, Hilda Rhodes
II. Senior Center Program Coordinator – Ruth Moran
Ruth gave an overview of the prior month’s programs along with the revenue statistics. Revenue was down due to weather and participants away for the winter. Sarah brought up the need to “pay as you go” for the exercise programs and Ruth agreed. Since these programs are well attended but not necessarily on a daily basis, Ruth has been looking into another way to pay. Janet also mentioned that checks were taking too long to clear but Ruth assured her that Michele is now “up to speed” and checks should clear faster. The need to have a “Credit Card reader” at the Center was again brought up.
Ruth talked about the special events including the upcoming Harp program and Woodwind Trio concert. The program at Meadow Ridge on Medicare was sparsely attended but the effort was worthwhile.
III. Director’s Report – Angelica Fontanez
Angelica gave a brief overview of services provided to clients for the month of March 2018. She talked about the CT energy assistance being time consuming but with the extension to April 7th, clients were able to use the benefits. The Energy Assistance mailing is still not reaching all the clients but Angelica is able to check benefits.
Angelica also talked about a couple of clients who needed help. One is now in assisted living and another is gradually accepting help. The RVNA was especially helpful.
Angelica had donations to the food pantry from the Middle Schoolers, Girl Scouts and Landmark School. The United Way contract was renewed for A.L.I.C.E. ($4000.00).
IV. Commissioner’s Report
Nothing at this time.
V. New Business
Mary Dale and Angelica brought the commission up to date on their efforts to coordinate senior rides with Ridgefield. Julia stated that she will be in contact with the Ridgefield First Selectman for more information. There was discussion as to where the emergency rides would go, some members preferring to name their choice of hospital but Julia explained that might not be an option with regard to EMS services which are defined by law.
Julia also spoke about town current affairs and stressed attendance at town meetings
The meeting was adjourned at 10:08 am.
The next COA meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at Heritage Center.
Minutes prepared by Karen de Friesse