Aging and Disability Commission - Minutes

TOWN OF SIMSBURY

AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION

SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

SUBJECT TO APPROVAL

The regular meeting of the Aging and Disability Commission was held on September 19, 2017, in the Youth Room – Eno Memorial Hall – 754 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT.

PRESENT

Janet Beatty, Mike Jennings, Marvin Koff, Mary Ellen Long, Kathleen Marschall (Senior Center Coordinator), Mark Orenstein, April Schmidt, Diana Yeisley, Arlene Zappile and Cheryl Cook (Board of Selectman Liaison)

EXCUSED

Victor Bible, Margaret Diachenko, Lorraine Doonan, Joy Himmelfarb, Susan Krinsky, Ed LaMontagne, and Mona Martinek

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Diana Yeisley, Vice Chairman, at 7:15 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

John Romano, Commander of the Veterans of Foreign War post in Simsbury, based at Eno Memorial Hall, spoke about the VFW’s desire to have renovations at Eno Memorial Hall include an area for storage of their supplies.  He mentioned that the old courtroom in Eno currently has partitions behind which are chairs and other supplies belonging to the VFW. Mr. Romano stated that they would like to have a room roughly 16 x 18 ft. built as part of the renovations that could be locked and house their supplies.  Mr. Romano noted that the VFW has the funds to pay for this renovation. Ms. Cook noted that Mr. Romano should be certain to bring his concerns in front of the Public Building Committee and provided him with the committee’s meeting times.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 20, 2017

The minutes were approved.

BOS LIAISON REPORT

Ms. Cook noted that, in response to the Aging & Disability Commission’s suggestion, the Board of Selectmen asked that the Aging and Disability Commission appoint a liaison to the Public Building Committee.  Mr. Jennings volunteered to be the liaison. Dr. Koff moved that Mr. Jennings be appointed liaison.  Ms. Long seconded.  All voted in favor. Ms. Cook will advise the Public Building Committee of his appointment. Ms. Cook noted that the Board of Selectmen has started referrals for the library renovations; part of that project is programming space for seniors. Ms. Cook suggested that the Liaison Report be added to the agenda going forward.  She also noted that the Board of Selectman has asked the Performing Arts Center (PAC) to review some of their policies and procedures re events.  Further, she noted that the previously rejected ticket booth design for the PAC has been revised to include handicapped parking space and has been accepted by the Board of Selectman.  She invited the Commission to let her know about any other concerns with PAC.

SENIOR CENTER REPORT

Ms. Marschall noted that 200 seniors attended the Simsbury Police Department picnic this summer.  Flu clinics coming up that she noted: September 26 from 9:30-12:30 at the Senior Center and October 12 from 11-1:30 at the library and appointments must be made through the VNA.  She also noted that the library offers many great resources for people whose vision is impaired and that the library will deliver books.

PROGRAM REPORTS

Souper Tuesday

September 12th event: Ms. Marschall noted that the event went well, but participation is down (low 50s) and has gone down over the past year. Ms. Schmidt asked if we might do a survey to assess why.  The funds available for Souper Tuesday as of 9/19/17 equal $846.40.

Fashion Show, October 10, has been announced in the Senior Center newsletter. Ms. Schmidt asked if the survey could be distributed at this event, since it usually attracts a higher attendance.  Ms. Zappile, Ms. Long, and Ms. Cook volunteered to be models. Ms. Yeisley and Ms. Marschall will meet to finalize the details. Ms. Marschall will compose a short survey.

Picnic in the Park

Ms. Yeisley stated that the picnic was held August 26, 2017, 11:30-1:30 at St. Catherine’s and approximately 70 people attended, a smaller group than last year. She noted that four to five families who had just moved to Simsbury attended and were enthusiastic.  Twenty individuals who had sent RSVPs from group homes did not attend. Ms. Schmidt and Ms. Long suggested that in future the homes should be reminded the week before the picnic. Costs for the picnic were kept under $750 and came out of the Social Workers Contingency Fund.  Ms. Schmidt noted that one attendee suggested that they would like to see activities such as a bean bag toss.  Ms. Yeisley noted that the church had some restrictions on how the lawn could be used, but she will consider that for next year.  Ms. Marschall suggested that perhaps the YMCA could collaborate next year and bring games/activities.

OLD BUSINESS

Fall Seminar

The Seminar Committee met in July to discuss plans for the seminar. Mr. Bible agreed to coordinate the fall seminar. Ms. Yeisley will meet with Mr. Bible on September 20.  The program will be October 19 at 7 pm.  Roger Bunker will be the speaker.  Dr. Koff noted that Mr. Bunker will speak about the rights of a disabled child and how a parent can advocate for that child. Ms. Zappile asked how state funding cuts will affect programs here. Ms. Yeisley replied that services in the state are still required by law.  Ms. Yeisley noted that the seminar will be marketed through SEPTO.

The AARP representative was not in attendance.  Ms. Schmidt asked if Ms. Duncan would be invited to a future meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Review 2017-18 meeting dates

Dr. Koff moved that we amend the dates to change the November meeting to November 13.  Ms. Long seconded, all voted in agreement and amendment passed.  Dr. Koff moved that amended dates be accepted.  Ms. Beatty seconded, all agreed, and the amended meeting dates were approved.

Performing Arts Center (PAC) – Handicapped Parking

Ms. Yeisley distributed the July 13, 2017, letter that Mr. LaMontagne submitted to David Ryan, PAC President, objecting to the charge for handicapped parking during this summer’s performances. She noted that no response had yet been received. Ms. Marschall also noted that there is no information on the PAC website about accessibility.

Eno Memorial Hall Renovations:  Mr. Jennings and Mr. LaMontagne will attend the Public Building Committee meetings.

Other:  Mr. Orenstein and Ms. Beatty will represent the Commission at the Town Manager Focus Groups on September 25.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Orenstein made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Zappile seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:25p.m.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, October 17, 2017, 7:00 p.m., Youth Room, ENO Memorial Hall

Submitted by

Jan Beatty

Clerk