TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, June 13, 2018
REDDING COMMUNITY CENTER
Commission members present:
Ingrid Heller & Karen de Friesse – Co-Chairs, Jean Rexford, Jean Whitham, Hilda Rhodes, Sam Crocker, Rosalind Kopfstein, Mary Dale Lancaster, and Janet Metzger
Alternates: Sarah Atwood
Angelica Fontanez – Director of Social Services
Guests: Anita Taylor, Meadow Ridge
The meeting was called to order at 8:54 a.m.
I. Approval of Minutes from May 2018
Motion: Minutes approved as recorded May 2018 – unanimous.
Ingrid Heller, Jean Whitham
II. Director’s Report – Angelica Fontanez
Angelica gave a brief overview of services provided to clients for the month of May 2018. She was happy to report that the CT Medicare Savings Program has survived the budget cuts. Energy Assistance is down with the warmer months.
Angelica talked about a client with early onset dementia who needed help. The client has a young child and no family support. Janet Metzger to help with a program in Ridgefield (St. Stephen’s).
Angelica had donations from the Eastward Christian Fellowship and private citizens. Her focus is on the Salvation Army campaign and ways to get the word out. The Salvation Army funds are not designated to any one area and therefore, come in handy for emergencies.
III. Senior Center Program (Coordinator – R. Moran, absent) Angelica Fontanez reporting
Angelica passed out Ruth’s reports and gave a brief overview. The new method of collecting fees for the Tai Chi classes has been working well. Special programs well attended with a high of 31 for the Woodwind concert and tea. There is a planned bus trip to the NYBG for the Georgia O’Keefe exhibit.
IV. Commissioner’s Report
Nothing at this time.
V. New Business
The discussion began with Mary Dale Lancaster updating the committee on her research into the Joel Barlow ride share with an emphasis on insurance. Still more to be done.
With the current atmosphere in town over the school budget and the senior tax credit value, the committee discussed ways to highlight the contributions of senior citizens. The suggestion was made to invite the PTA to the commission meetings and/or sponsor a reception to better communications.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:01 am.
The next COA meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at Heritage Center.
Minutes prepared by Karen de Friesse