TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, September 12, 2018
REDDING COMMUNITY CENTER
Commission members present:
Ingrid Heller & Karen de Friesse – Co-Chairs, Jean Rexford, Hilda Rhodes, Mary Dale Lancaster, and Janet Metzger
Alternates:
Angelica Fontanez – Director of Social Services
Ruth Moran – Senior Center Program Coordinator
Guests: Michelle Stewart RVNA, Ken de Friesse
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m.
Approval of Minutes from July 2018
Motion delayed; no quorum
II. Senior Center Program Coordinator – R. Moran
Ruth discussed the current programs and the new payment system put in place for the programs held weekly. So far the process is going smoothly and there have been no complaints. Some programs saw a decrease during the summer months but expect to increase. The Clay class is now open from 2:00 to 7:00 as an open studio to accommodate interested participants. The summer programs, “Carmen” DVD, Meadow Ridge Luncheon, Essential Oils talk and the Ice Cream Social were well attended. The discussion talked about the need to socialize and others programs to research.
The main discussion centered on the maintenance of the facilities. Ruth spoke about the shades and how they are not working correctly along with small tasks not being performed (floors not cleaned after an event). The Commission will draft a letter to the First Selectman; copies to other selectmen, to address maintenance issues.
III. Director’s Report – Angelica Fontanez reporting
Angelica talked about her monthly report and about informing seniors of help available. With two interns now working at the center, Angelica has been able to focus on applications for oil, gas and electricity.
Angelica noted the money donations (Eastward Christian Fellowship and Salvation Army) and food pantry items (Mark Twain Book Fair Food drive and the Board of Realtors). The Center seems stable at the moment.
A discussion began with possibly inviting political candidates to a meeting and evolved into a possible program about what seniors face; Ruth, Karen and Angelica to come up with ideas for next meeting.
IV. Commissioner’s Report
Nothing at this time.
V. New Business
Michelle Stewart, RVNA, introduced herself and expressed an interest in joining the committee. Karen will request an invitation from Julia Pemberton.
Mary Dale Lancaster updated the committee on her research into transportation briefly and the committee hoped to give her more time at the next meeting. Mary Dale felt we needed more information from the general public and hoped to enlist the town’s selectmen. Still more to be done.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 am.
The next COA meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at Heritage Center.
Minutes prepared by Karen de Friesse