Senior Affairs Commission

ROSE CITY SENIOR CENTER 8 Mahan Drive, Norwich, Connecticut 06360 (860) 889-5960
fax: (860) 885-1160 SENIOR AFFAIRS COMMISSION Meeting of October 19, 2009 Members in Attendance: Chairperson Gen Bergendahl, Vice Chairperson Olive Buddington, Secretary Margaret Aldrich, Regular Members Michael Lahan and Jacquelyn Randall, and Alternate Members Antoinette Gwiazdowski and Frank Jacaruso. Attending staff members were Beverly Goulet, Mike Wolak and Anne Barriere. Absent was Alternate Member Jan Stewart. Chairperson Gen Bergendahl determined that a quorum was present and called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. Minutes: Accepted as submitted. Communications: none Human Services Report: The Senior Affairs Commission members were all reappointed for another two years by the Norwich City Council on 10/5/09. Bev went on a recent tour of the YMCA and reports it would be an excellent facility for the city should it be reopened in the future. The budget for the next year and years to come will be very difficult for the city. Senior Center Report: Chairperson Gen commented that the recent craft fair held at the Senior Center was wonderfully set up, organized and run. Mike mentioned a big “thank you” to Dana for her efforts. It was a lot of work. The Senior Center alone made $1,700 for table space, food and sales of items made by seniors. Oktoberfest will be held at noon here on the 29th with the NFA students helping out again. Mike checked into the question of prices for trips like Radio City on Nov. 24th. We didn’t have any problem filling it. In fact, it is already full. Another group is also going to Radio City and charging more and not including a lunch. Clarification of policy for trips is that children are not allowed, and a young adult would only be permitted if they were there to assist a senior and did not take a senior’s place. Mike brought up that he is fully supportive of any plan to open the YMCA building as a community center as it would be good for the seniors but not if it comes at the expense of the Senior Center or brings cuts in staff. Chairperson’s Report/Legislative Report: Everything is going along smoothly in the lunchroom. TVCCA is working on improving their meals and they seem better so far. Frank agreed it has improved but the pasta still comes out all stuck together. Frank also noticed that  2 attendance is still in the 20’s but used to be in the 40’s. Mike noted that other programs at the Center are doing very well so it’s not a vacation or seasonal cycle. Frank also said the soups are very good and would recommend more of them. Other members agreed a hearty soup with bread or a whole or half sandwich might be a very good addition to the menu. Ultimately, it is up to TVCCA what they serve or charge. Other Business: A quick recap of the windmill details was shared with members who could not attend the tour last week. It included design, noise, visual impact and safety concerns. The power would be used to offset the Senior Center building needs but the cost to install would come from a grant. If possible they will try to coordinate the installation with repair to the blacktop in that area which is badly damaged. If desired, Bob Maloff could return and give his presentation to anyone would missed the first one as well to the seniors. Old Business: None New Business: None Next Meeting: Monday, Nov 16, 2009, at 9:00 a.m., at the Rose City Senior Center. Respectfully submitted, Margaret Aldrich Margaret Aldrich, Secretary MA/acb REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE COMMISSION ARE SCHEDULED FOR THE RD 3 M O N D A Y O F M A R / A P R / M A Y A N D S E P T /O C T / N O V .