TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2019
REDDING COMMUNITY CENTER
Commission members present:
Ingrid Heller & Karen de Friesse – Co-Chairs, Mary Dale Lancaster, Randi Hutton, Sara Atwood. Jean Rexford, Janet Metzger, and Hilda Rhodes
Angelica Fontanez – Director of Social Services
Ruth Moran – Senior Center Program Coordinator
Visitors: Cathy Brandt and Michele Ames
The meeting was called to order at 8:57 a.m.
Approval of Minutes from Mar 2019
Jean Rexford, Randi Hutton – unanimous
I. Senior Center Program Coordinator – R. Moran
Ruth said the current programs are holding attendance and the Irish Tea was well attended. Una Callanan provided scones along with her assortment of tea cups and tea pots. Ruth is hoping to have a social event every other month with the next affair tentatively titled “Pearls of Wisdom”. The Genealogy Class is very full along with the increase in the popular Tai Chi.
Ruth is now keeping a maintenance log in order to follow up on specific tasks. The committee was disappointed to learn that the Facilities Management position has been cut from the town budget. Ruth, with Sara’s help, also showed an Emergency paper she is promoting (more in general discussion).
II. Director’s Report – Angelica Fontanez
Angelica talked about a long term case that is ongoing and the paperwork snags that delay services. Mary Dale said that DSS seems to delay more and more and Angelica said it is the same with the Veterans Administration. However, once the cases are in the system, the process works.
Angelica also mentioned that she was able to do a webinar on SNAP and the increase in benefits. She also mentioned the CT. Women’s Education and Legal Fund which Jean Rexford says has been highly effective.
A discussion began on the Center’s budget with Angelica and Ruth satisfied with the expenses.
III. General Discussion on Mission Statement and Policies
The group began with Ruth’s Emergency paper. The flyer could be keep in the car or in the home giving First Responders simple access to important personal information. Jean and Janet believed the Center needs to promote these sort of projects. The group was concerned that we are falling short on policy and decided to poll/research other towns for ideas for a baseline grid. Mary Dale suggested the group come up with questions and then divide the areas between members. The group will bring to the next meeting a list of questions which will be discussed and refined. These questions would concern Senior Center budgets and funding, transportation and hours of operation, is there senior housing and “aging in place” support along with other senior social services, staffing, private support and population.
The group also discussed the membership of the board with Kathy Brandt and Mary Dale to look at the statute to see if we can get a full board with the current volunteers. Karen and Ingrid will meet with Julia Pemberton and Michele Grande regarding the member list after Spring Vacation.
IV. Commissioner’s Report
Nothing at this time.
V. New Business
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 am.
The next COA meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at Heritage Center.
Minutes prepared by Karen de Friesse