RECEIVED July 14, 2008 @ 2:15 PM
Kerry Miserendino, Redding Asst. Town Clerk
TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2008
9:00 a.m.
HERITAGE CENTER
Commissioners Present:
Rosalind Kopfstein, Chairman Alternates Present
Jack Froehlich Janet Cianci
Florence Hayes Lore Handy
Janet Metzger
Bill Morris
Alice Pardee
Sharon Rehme
Jean Whitham
Staff: Gail Schiron, Marie Sibilio
Ex-Officio Member: Natalie Ketcham
Community Participant: Anita Field
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m.
The meeting began with a swearing in of Commission members.
I. Approval of Minutes from June 4, 2008
Page 2, second to last sentence under “Reports” will be changed to read: “The Commission discussed the Tuesday lunch in an effort to find ways to save on overall costs.”
Page 2, last sentence under “Community Participation” will be changed to read: “Redding will explore working with the Ridgefield VNA.”
Ms. Schiron was added to the list of attendees.
The minutes were approved as amended.
II. Community Participation
There was no community participation.
III. Reports
Ms. Schiron presented the Municipal Agents Report to the Commission. The Town has started a summer conservation hour’s work week for all town buildings. The hours are Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Thursdays 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The goal is to save money by closing town offices on Friday. Ms. Schiron reports that there has been no negative feedback about this change. Friday programs have been moved to Thursday. Transportation hours have been extended. The Commission had concerns with regard to the Meals on Wheels program. Because the Community Center will be closed on Friday, there will be no Meals on Wheels delivery, and meals for Friday will be delivered frozen with the Monday meals. The residents that receive the meals on Friday will not be checked on and this is an
important aspect of the program. Some possible drop off locations included the Police Department and local churches. Ms. Hayes will act as the liaison for the Meals on Wheels program. Gail Schiron will follow-up with these MOW food drop off and deliveries on Fridays.
The date for the Show Your Stuff fundraiser will be cancelled for September 6th because there is not enough time to properly organize the event. A November date is being explored.
The Heritage Center mailing list will be revised to eliminate unnecessary mailings in an effort to save on postage costs. Commission members will review the current list of 33 pages and mark the names or addresses that are no longer valid, as well as correct any possible errors. The list will be in the Heritage Center office for members to review,
Ms. Sibilio presented the Heritage Center Report to the Commission.
Ms. Metzger gave an update on Georgetown affordable senior housing. The Commission discussed the differences between the proposed affordable senior housing and the proposed affordable housing that includes townhouses. The process is delayed but the affordable senior housing is protected and still part of the plan. Housing updates are part of the newsletter mailing.
IV. Mark Twain Library Centennial in 2008
Ms. Whitham reported that the Tea went very well. Ms. Kopfstein thanked Ms. Whitham for her hard work organizing the Tea. Ms. Whitham thanked the Commission members for their assistance as well. Fifteen people attended and five did not show. Eleven Commission members and staff attended. The Redding Pilot will publish articles of interviews with residents.
The proposed book to be put together will contain sections on the library’s art show, book fair, children’s programs, the staff, social events, and the remodeling project.
A preliminary list of interviewee’s has been established and Ms. Whitham asked if any Commission members could do the interviews of any one of the individuals listed that they knew.
Ms. Whitham suggested that the Commission explore working with the Redding Trails Committee on trails projects as one way for the Commission and seniors to get more exposure in being involved in town projects and events. The trails projects include cleaning up and maintaining the town trails. Ms. Kopfstein pointed out that advertising active programs that seniors are involved would be useful in improving the image of the typical Redding senior. More photos and articles will be forwarded to the Redding Pilot.
The mission of the Heritage Center also includes making sure there are interesting programs that appeal to younger seniors.
V. Quality of Living in Ridgefield and Redding
The Commission discussed quality of life issues in Redding. Among the topics discussed were the possibilities of new limits with regard to Medicare coverage and older children’s involvement in their elder parents care and well-being.
Ms. Kopfstein said that she has been working on an Aging in Place Initiative proposal with a committee chair from the Ridgefield VNA. This program gives seniors information about ways to avoid assisted living by providing help in their homes through a fee base. This is a concept just being developed by the Ridgefield VNA and they would like Redding to be a part of it. It will be ready to present to the Commission at the September meeting. At that time the Commission will evaluate and review the proposal to see if they should proceed with it.
The Commission conducted an open ballot nomination for the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman of the COA. On nomination of Ms. Rehme, Rosalind Kopfstein was nominated as Chairman and Ms. Rehme agreed to continue as Vice Chairman. The Commission members present unanimously supported the nomination.
The next COA meeting is scheduled for September 3, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m.
Submitted by vak 7/8/2008
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