TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, March 13, 2019
REDDING COMMUNITY CENTER
Commission members present:
Ingrid Heller & Karen de Friesse – Co-Chairs, Randi Hutton, Rosalind Kopfstein, Hilda Rhodes, Sarah Atwood, and Jean Rexford
Angelica Fontanez – Director of Social Services
Ruth Moran – Senior Center Program Coordinator
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m.
Approval of Minutes from Feb 2019
Jean Rexford, Rosalind Kopfstein – unanimous
I. Jean Rexford
Jean started the meeting by addressing assisted suicide and the state’s current involvement. The medical profession has been testifying and Jean hoped the board would get involved. She will forward a link to Karen and Karen will send to group.
The second topic is a brochure Jean and Sarah have been developing to make the public aware of having emergency contact information readily available.
And lastly, Jean spoke about COA coming up with a mission statement and being more involved with the state. Rosalind said we should start with the bylaws and go forward.
There was also a brief discussion on who now was a member and who an alternate. Karen to clarify.
Ingrid and Hilda spoke about the “Until Help Arrives” presentation at the Georgetown Fire Dept. Both felt the presentation was worth the time invested.
II. Senior Center Program Coordinator – R. Moran
Ruth said the current programs are holding attendance and the Valentine Buffet was well attended. Peg O’Donnell’s tax talk regarding the senior tax benefit was both timely and informative. Ruth plans to have a talk on scams, perhaps scheduled every 6 months.
III. Director’s Report – Angelica Fontanez
Angelica talked briefly about one client and long term care and a 104 yr. old accepting help from the Keystone Club. She has had some problems with a local oil company but was able to pay the bills using the “Redding Shares the Warmth” money.
A discussion began on aging in place and how various towns handle the situation. Ruth mentioned “Staying Home in Wilton”; Randi talked about “Staying Put in New Canaan”. Rosalind thought the Ridgefield VNA might be a good resource person and the group wondered if this could work for Redding. Combining a yearly fee with a town paid resource administrator. Ruth was going to see if she could get one of the administrators to talk to the group. The commission felt this may be a way to use Mary Dale’s transportation research along with Angelica’s resources to form a senior network.
IV. Commissioner’s Report
Nothing at this time.
V. New Business
At the end of the meeting, a discussion began on the facilities management. Several members of the group are still not satisfied with the maintenance staff, mentioning unclean floors, windows left open or unlocked and a general lack of staff commitment. It was suggested we try to get a job description in order to better understand duties. A check list was mentioned and possibly working on a mock up. The group is becoming concerned about the health and safety of the public when using the center.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 am.
The next COA meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at Heritage Center.
Minutes prepared by Karen de Friesse