AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
May 15, 2002
MINUTES
Acting Chairperson Charlotte Steptoe, in the Blue Room at Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut, called the meeting to order at 7:00PM.
Present: Arline Bidwell, Esther Bartlett, Rickie Bergquist (Staff Consultant), Grace Comeau, Gloria Knierim, Julie Pomainville Williams, John Romano (Board of Selectmen Liaison), Frances Sarnecki, Charlotte Steptoe, Eileen Umpleby, and Moira Wertheimer.
Not Present: Maryann Alimi, Peg Bergethon, Noris Christensen, Kathy Fallon, Edward LaMontagne, Gwenne Simpson, and Lynn Veith.
Public Audience: None
Speaker: Esther Bartlett introduced Carmen Reyes, Executive Director of the North Central Area Agency on Aging (NCAAA). Carmen spoke to the Commission regarding the various programs and assistance offered by the NCAAA. Carmen commented that the NCAAA has never received a request for funding from the Town of Simsbury, and asked that commission members encourage members of the community to apply for funding. Carmen noted that proposals for funding are usually decided upon in early April.
Minutes: The Minutes of the April 16, 2002 meeting were amended to reflect that May s meeting is May 15th. Upon a motion made by Arline Bidwell and seconded by Frances Sarnecki, the Minutes of the April 16, 2002 meeting were accepted as amended.
Reports - Subcommittees/Projects
Disability Subcommittee: Charlotte brought to the attention of commission members a series of articles written by the NY Times regarding intermediate homes for the mentally impaired. In addition, Charlotte reported that she attended a DMR forum for families on April 18, 2002. Charlotte shared some of the statistics put forth at the forum regarding the living arrangements of DMR clients in North Central Connecticut.
Legislative Subcommittees
Federal: Arline stated no report this month. Charlotte spoke about drug coverage for Medicare recipients.
State: Charlotte asked for a volunteer to report on future state legislative issues.
Housing Issues: Esther reported on a success story regarding assisted living.
Souper Tuesday Luncheons: Eileen reported that April s Souper Tuesday was successful. However, she pointed out that since the Commission is in the process of deciding whether to hold Souper Tuesdays in the future, she saw some areas that could be improved regarding keeping operation costs at a minimum. Specifically, commission members discussed ways to determine how many people would be attending Souper Tuesday. A discussion ensued regarding whether the Commission will continue to sponsor Souper Tuesdays in the future. Expense sheets were passed out detailing the monthly operating costs of Souper Tuesday. The expense sheets reflected that approximately $1500.00 remains in the Souper Tuesday Fund. Upon a motion made by Moira Wertheimer and seconded
by Arline Bidwell it was decided that the Commission would hold future Souper Tuesdays until the fund balance is $0.00. Commission members should be ready to decide at the June 18th meeting the logistics of upcoming Souper Tuesdays.
Ways and Means: Nothing reported. Budget sheets were passed out.
Senior Center: Rickie reported that the Patriotic Pacers were participating in the June 7th Relay for Life. Ricki also reported the Senior Center Anniversary celebration was a success.
Other: Frances Sarnecki reported that a monthly summary statement beginning July 1, 2002 would replace the current Medicare explanation benefits sheet.
Old Business:
Directory Project: Julie Williams reported that the $695.00 donation from Paine's for the directory was received. The directory has not been completed as of yet. Julie will follow up with Kathy Fallon regarding the status.
Music for All Ages: Frances reported that approximately 150 people attended the concert. She noted that next year we should provide more aisles to accommodate walkers, and that we should try more one on one publicity next year. Frances noted that she would create a folder that contains a sequence of how to plan the Music for All Ages concert.
Fashion Show: Think about potential models for the show. Peg has agreed to chair the event again.
Picnic in the Park: The picnic will be held on September 29, 2002. Peg has contacted Sue Rudolph to help. There will be a sign up sheet for food.
New Business:
Nominating Committee: Will be forming in the fall.
Correspondence: Ricki asked commission members on behalf of Mickey LeCours-Beck whether any members were aware of gambling addictions among the Commission s constituents. Commission members were not aware of any.
Other: Tentative meeting dates and a broad yearly agenda were passed around.
Adjournment: The next meeting is on June 18th, 2002. Julie Williams made a motion to adjourn and Moira Wertheimer seconded. The meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Moira Wertheimer
Clerk
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