Aging and Disability Commission - Minutes

TOWN OF SIMSBURY

AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION

June 20, 2017

SUBJECT TO APPROVAL

The regular meeting of the Aging and Disability Commission was held on June 20, 2017, in the Youth Room – Eno Memorial Hall – 754 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT.

PRESENT

Janet Beatty, Victor Bible, Joy Himmelfarb, Mike Jennings, Marvin Koff, Ed LaMontagne, Kathleen Marschall (Senior Center Coordinator), Susan Ray (Library), and Diana Yeisley

EXCUSED

Margaret Diachenko, Lorraine Doonan, Susan Krinsky, Mary Ellen Long, Mona Martinek, Mark Orenstein, April Schmidt, Arlene Zappile, and Cheryl Cook (Board of Selectman Liaison)

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Edward J. LaMontagne, Chairman, at 7:15 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 16, 2017

Ms. Yeisley moved to accept the meeting minutes. Dr. Koff seconded and the minutes were approved.

BOS LIAISON REPORT

Ms. Cook was absent, so there was no BOS Liaison Report.

SENIOR CENTER REPORT

Ms. Marschall noted that the community-wide summer reading program kicked off last night at the library and attracted more than 600 attendees of all ages. Ms. Marschall distributed the newletter The Senior Communicator for July-August 2017.  Ms. Ray noted that June 28 is the first of a three-part series on the 60s at the library’s program room. She also noted that the library will host a Repair Café on July 29 from 9:30-1:30. Ms. Marschall added that the Simsbury Police Picnic will be held September 6.

PROGRAM REPORTS

Souper Tuesday

Ms. Marschall said that this month’s program went well and the Lions Club served, although the attendance was only about 40.  Mr. LaMontagne asked Ms. Marschall to provide him with attendance numbers over the past year. The fashion show will be held October 10, 2017, and Ms. Yeisley will coordinate with the Second Hand Shop again. Mr. LaMontagne noted that the ending balance in the Commission Donation Account as of 6/20/17 is $1,078.40.

Picnic in the Park

Ms. Yeisley stated that the picnic is set for August 26, 2017, 11:30-1:30 at St. Catherine’s and all entertainment is booked and food is planned.  Ms. Yeisley will coordinate with Ms. Marschall regarding insurance.  Mailings announcing the picnic have been sent out to group homes.

OLD BUSINESS

Senior/Community Center Update  

Mr. LaMontagne noted that the Senior Center renovation/upgrade was taken off the budget presented at referendum, with the exception of $300,000 allocated to bring Eno Memorial Hall up to ADA standards.

Handicapped Parking Awareness Month

Mr. LaMontagne stated that June had been officially designated as Handicapped Awareness Month by the Board of Selectman, and Mr. Jennings participated in a filmed segment with Simsbury Police that is available on SCTV to highlight the month. Mr. LaMontagne has asked the Police Department if the portable electronic sign could be placed on Hopmeadow Street to promote Handicapped Parking Awareness Month.

AARP Age Friendly Community Proposal

Mr. LaMontagne invited Ms. Nora Duncan from Connecticut AARP to attend the Commission meeting, and since she couldn’t attend tonight’s meeting, she will attend the September meeting to provide information about what would be involved in the 2-5 year process of becoming an AARP Age Friendly Community.

NEW BUSINESS

Fall Seminar

Mr. LaMontagne noted that Ms. Doonan is interested in coordinating the fall seminar. Mr. LaMontagne asked Ms. Ray to check the availability of the large program room in the library on Tuesday or Wednesday from 5:30-8 in October or November. Dr. Koff contacted Judge Killian and Roger Bunker to ask if they might be willing to participate in a seminar focusing on trusts for children with special needs. Ms. Yeisley will discuss with SEPTO (Special Education Parent Teacher Organization) whether the Commission might partner with them re a program they are planning with DSS.  Mr. Bible also suggested that the seminar need not have a light meal accompanying it.  Mr. LaMontagne suggested that the Seminar Committee meet in July to discuss further plans for the seminar.

Other

Mr. LaMontagne distributed a June 14th news release from AARP noting that the state’s budget crisis is threatening to reverse any recent gains the state has made in providing long-term care needs for older adults and people with disabilities.

ADJOURNMENT

Dr. Koff made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Himmelfarb seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, September 18, 2017, 7:00 p.m., Youth Room, ENO Memorial Hall

Submitted by Jan Beatty, Clerk