TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, July 10, 2019
REDDING COMMUNITY CENTER
Commission members present:
Ingrid Heller & Karen de Friesse – Co-Chairs, Randi Hutton, Sarah Atwood, Mary Dale Lancaster, Hilda Rhodes, and Janet Metzger
Angelica Fontanez – Director of Social Services
Ruth Moran – Senior Center Program Coordinator
Visitors: Kathy Brandt and George Cohen
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m.
Approval of Minutes from June 2019
Ingrid Heller and Hilda Rhodes – unanimous
I. Senior Center Program Coordinator – R. Moran
Ruth stated that the paid and unpaid programs were holding their own. A couple of programs were off for the summer but expected to return. She furthered offered YTD Special Events recap and YTD budget. May was unusual in the number of special events offered with a paid New London trip very well attended.
Regarding the YTD budget, Kathy was concerned about not using all the funds available. That sparked a conversation about what services and programs might be offered. George questioned the May increase in paid out funds; Ruth explained the Genealogy teacher was paid.
II. Director’s Report – Angelica Fontanez
Angelica stated that she had more wellness and home visits in May. One visit concerned a senior with cancer who was unaware of programs he could access. May Dale said we should have a seminar on Medicare Savings and other related programs. Randi offered a mailing as a solution. Ruth felt a flyer on “what social services can do for you” would be appropriate.
Angelica was also concerned about the Alice Grant funding, down to $1000.00. She still had other funds but may need to find another source. Angelica was satisfied with the budget over all.
III. General Discussion
Ingrid passed out the latest version of the Emergency Flyer. Immediately, the initials of “in case of emergency” brought concern and would be deleted in future printings. Karen suggested “medications used” should be on the front page.
The discussion then went to the questions to be used in a survey of other towns and senior centers. Randi and Kathy wanted to know what the purpose was. Mary Dale said we need to find out what is being offered and whether we would be able to do more. Mary Dale said the data would lead us. Angelica said Senior Center managers would be able to answer questions easily. Kathy wondered how many seniors lived in Redding and how could we find the answer. Mary Dale would like the questionnaires completed by Oct.
Karen brought up the membership issue and stated her intention to resign as co-chair. However, she would still be available to take the minutes. Mary Dale was introduced as the next possible chair, Ingrid will step down as soon as possible. Mary Dale and Sarah will go to Town Hall to finalize membership. Mary Dale hoped the election of a COA chair could occur at September’s meeting.
Kathy spoke of her visit to the Jewish Senior Center in Bridgeport and offered a brief synopsis of their program. A discussion followed on senior housing and homes along with ways to fund.
Sarah again brought up the issue of maintenance and really wanted to take the matter to the Selectmen. Kathy wondered if we could find other allies, perhaps Park and Recreation, who co-occupy the building. Randi wanted to know who was responsible for the work and what we needed to do to get someone’s attention. The Selectmen’s meeting is in September where the board might be able to vocalize their concerns.
IV. Commissioner’s Report
Nothing at this time.
V. New Business
The meeting was adjourned at 10:07 am.
The next COA meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at Heritage Center.
Minutes prepared by Karen de Friesse