TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, May 9, 2018
HERITAGE CENTER
Commission members present:
Ingrid Heller & Karen de Friesse – Co-Chair, Jean Rexford, Jean Whitham, Sam Crocker
*Alternates – Mary Dale Lancaster
*Angelica Fontanez – Director of Social Services
*Ruth Moran – Senior Center Director
*Julia Pemberton – First Selectman
Guests: Anita Taylor – Meadow Ridge, Clayton Friedberg
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m.
I. Approval of Minutes from April 2018
Motion: Minutes approved with changes noted below, April 2018
Motion: Jean Rexford, Sam Crocker (second), Unanimous
II. Community Participation
-Commission discussed the senior center hosting a Tax Law information seminar. This seminar would help seniors understand the new tax law and entitlements.
-Mary Dale Lancaster commented on how the senior center offers a wonderful variety of programs to the towns seniors.
III. Senior Center Program Report – Ruth Moran
-Ruth distributed Activity/financial sheet, a brief discussion ensued. Ruth explained the events coming up for the month including a woodwind concert, art talks collaborating with Anita Taylor, stretching for longevity. Ruth is also looking into a trip to the Botanical Gardens.
-The “Leaving A Legacy”, lunch and learn program was cancelled due to low attendance. The Medicare discussion at Meadow Ridge was well attended and informative.
-AARP Smart Driving Course was a well-attended event for the month. Participants enjoyed the informative information and videos.
-April 2018 was a challenging month in regards to event enrollments, due to weather, snow, and schedule changes.
-The Reiki program has been eliminated at the center, due to low attendance and high costs.
IV. Director’s Report – Angelica Fontanez
-Angelica distributed her monthly report and discussion ensued.
-Food pantry visits increased for April 2018.
-The oil assistance program increased the time coverage, which eliminated Angelica’s need to supplement with other program funds.
-Angelica attended a “Hoarding Seminar” focusing on skill sets in order to handle the person in crisis.
-New Redding families have been contacting social services regarding senior parents, programs offered, etc.
-Angelica explained home visits for the month. She has been in contact with police and elder care protective services.
V. Commissioner’s Report
Nothing at this time.
VI. New Business
-Mary Dale Lancaster reported on transportation and continuing to work on providing reliable transportation services for Redding seniors.
-Julia Pemberton will continue to assist in the process.
-Julia Pemberton reported on the budget vote and the failed vote.
Motion to adjourn: de Friesse, Heller (second), unanimous.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:01am.
NEXT COA MEETING WILL BE June 13, 2018.
Minutes prepared by Kimberly Keil