TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, February 13, 2019
REDDING COMMUNITY CENTER
Commission members present:
Ingrid Heller & Karen de Friesse – Co-Chairs, Janet Metzger, Rosalind Kopfstein, Jean Whitham, Hilda Rhodes, Sarah Atwood, Jean Rexford and Mary Dale Lancaster
Guests: Kathy Brandt and Phyllis Rhodes – LWV
Angelica Fontanez – Director of Social Services
Ruth Moran – Senior Center Program Coordinator
The meeting was called to order at 11:05 a.m.
Approval of Amended Minutes from Dec 2018
Rosalind Kopfstein, Hilda Rhodes – unanimous
Approval of Minutes from Jan 2019
Hilda Rhodes, Ingrid Heller – unanimous
I. Phyllis Rhodes – League of Women Voters
Phyllis opened the meeting with an invitation to the League’s “2nd Annual Speak Up”, February 20, 7:45 to 9:45 at the Redding Community Center. Town officials, two state representatives and 1 state senator will be there.
II. Mary Dale Lancaster
Mary Dale updated us on her Transportation efforts including a meeting with Angelica and an informal telephone call with Peg O’Donnell where Peg suggested Mary Dale talk to the Current Events Group to get their opinions and Mary Dale would be talking to them after today’s meeting. Rosalind suggested talking to Park and Rec to see if a survey might go thru them. Ruth said a new group is forming in town called “Friends of Redding” and they might help.
II. Senior Center Program Coordinator – R. Moran
Ruth said the current programs are holding attendance. She also noted that a Valentine’s Day program has 40 people signed up. Her next topic is Peg O’Donnell, Redding Selectman, discussing the “Senior Tax Credit” and the current tax laws. Regarding the tax credit: Mary Dale spoke to the lack of services for seniors in town, Jean said the tax credit was to stabilize the population and Ingrid noted the credit helped seniors stay in their homes.
III. Director’s Report – Angelica Fontanez
Angelica talked briefly about one client and long term care. She attended a conference on Alzheimer’s and plans a second conference in April. She also noted some donations, with Doug Hartline’s concert benefitting Redding Shares the Warmth.
IV. Commissioner’s Report
Nothing at this time.
V. New Business
At the end of the meeting, a discussion developed on the “delayed opening” message. Hilda wanted to know if there was a better way to inform Heritage patrons. Ruth said the message has remained the same; printed on her blast. Jean thought a special blast might be in order.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:37 am.
The next COA meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at Heritage Center.
Minutes prepared by Karen de Friesse