RECEIVED July 14, 2008 @ 2:15 PM
Kerry Miserendino, Redding Asst. Town Clerk
TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2008
9:00 a.m.
HERITAGE CENTER
Commissioners Present: Alternates Present:
Rosalind Kopfstein, Chairman Annet Bonfanti
Jack Froehlich Janet Cianci
Florence Hayes
Janet Metzger
Bill Morris
Alice Pardee
Sharon Rehme
Tom Wiley
Jean Whitham
Staff: Gail Schiron, Marie Sibilio
Community Participant: Sam Crocker
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m.
I. Approval of Minutes from May 7, 2008
Page 2, “To cut back on costs, the June and July 2008 issues of the newsletter will not be sent out.”
There was an Affordable Housing Update but no progress was noted.
The minutes were approved as corrected.
II. Mark Twain Library Centennial in 2008
Ms. Whitham reported that recently 60 invitations were sent out for the Tea Party. The invitations included questionnaires. Another 25 questionnaires with a form letter were sent out to residents who may have some memories or experience connected with the Library. Unfortunately, only six replies have been received, two of which cannot attend. Ms. Whitham suggested calling the recipients of the invitations and first asking them to attend the Tea, and if not, getting some information from them. Another option is to cancel the Tea and focus on putting together the book of memories and asking the Redding Pilot to publish items over the summer.
The Committee decided not to cancel the Tea and to make calls to recipients. The list of names was divided between Commission members and these people will be contacted. Those residents that attend the Tea can discuss memories and their stories will be tape recorded.
III. Reports
Ms. Rehme reported that there is no progress with affordable housing. It is anticipated that roadwork will begin this month. Because of the economy, the amount of funding available may be reconsidered.
Ms. Kopfstein reported that Tom Wylie has resigned as a member of the COA. The Town recognized Mr. Wylie for 15 years of service to the Town and dedication to the COA.
Ms. Kopfstein reported that she had met with Ms. Schiron and discussed ways that the Commission could help support the activities at the Heritage Center.
Ms. Bonfanti said that there should be an advocate from the Commission to stay up to date with the Elderly Tax Credit. Ms. Metzger will assist with this item. The Commission discussed the tax credit issue. Ms. Schiron pointed out those seniors she has talked to show concern over this and that residents have been impacted greatly by the change in the economy.
Ms. Schiron presented the Municipal Agents Report to the Commission.
The Heritage Center Fund Raiser {Show Your Stuff} is set for September 6th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is hoped that this will become an annual event. An art show featuring work from Park and Recreation children’s art classes may be a part of this event. Proceeds will go toward Heritage Center programming.
Tuesday soup lunches have not been drawing enough revenue to pay for the preparation of the meal. The Commission discussed the Tuesday lunch in an effort to find ways to save on overall costs.
Ms. Sibilio presented the Heritage Center Report to the Commission.
IV. New Business
Ms. Kopfstein congratulated Mr. Wiley on serving the Commission for 15 years.
V. Community Participation
Ms. Kopfstein introduced Sam Crocker, who is on the Board of Directors for the Ridgefield VNA. Mr. Crocker explained that one of the VNA programs is called Quality Living at Home, which is a case management program that assists with helping seniors live safely at home and retain as much independence as possible. A licensed social worker runs the program. Some of the services provided include setting up home health aides for personal care, and scheduling and transporting to doctors appointments. Food shopping and general household chores are also available services. Other towns such as New Canaan, Darien and Greenwich have similar programs. These are fee-based services which may also be available to those who get assistance through state funds.
Ms. Kopfstein explained that at this time no action by the Commission was necessary. This is a preliminary proposal in draft form of a program that Redding can consider. Redding will explore working with the Ridgefield VNA.
VI. Adjournment
The next COA meeting is scheduled for July 2, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:32 a.m.
Submitted by vak 6/9/2008
Amended 7/8/08
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