Senior Affairs Commission

ROSE CITY SENIOR CENTER 8 Mahan Drive, Norwich, Connecticut 06360 (860) 889-5960 s fax: (860) 885-1160 SENIOR AFFAIRS COMMISSION Meeting of Nov. 19, 2012 Members in Attendance: Vice Chairperson Gen Bergendahl, Secretary Margaret Aldrich, Regular Member Jacquelyn Randall, and Alternate Member Jan Stewart. Absent were Chairperson Olive Buddington, Regular Member Michael Lahan, and Alternate Member Frank Jacaruso. Attending staff members were Beverly Goulet and Mike Wolak. Vice Chairperson Gen Bergendahl welcomed Councilman H. Tucker Braddock to the meeting, determined there was a quorum and called the meeting to order. New Business: After the last schedule meeting, it was decided to send a letter to Alternate Member Antoinette Gwiazdowski due to her missing five meetings in a row. After a discussion with Mike and much thinking, Toni decided to resign from the Commission. Mike will send a card from the Commission thanking her for her many years of service and best wishes for the future. A question was asked as to whether it might be a good idea to request a change whereby the alternate members would be designated as regular members. There was a discussion as to who is appropriate to handle questions of change or letters to members on attendance, etc. There was also a question as to whether a replacement for Toni would have to be a Republican because she was or could a new member be of a different political affiliation. Councilman Braddock offered to check into it. Minutes: As there was no meeting last month due to lack of a quorum, the minutes from Sept. 2012 were duly accepted. Communications: none Human Services Report: Bev is still working with the City on next year’s budget. With Thanksgiving coming up conversation turned to availability of Turkey dinners for seniors and families struggling to make ends meet this season. Human Services received $10,000 from Backus Foundation which will go for basic needs in the community. Human Services is sponsoring an “Adopt A Family for the Holidays” program for the Christmas Holiday. Anyone who is interested can contact Lee Ann. Mike and his staff will be participating by adopting a senior from the Senior Center. Senior Center Report: We are very happy with the new paving on the North parking lot and look forward to the South lot being done next year. Thank you to Norwich Public Works who did a really nice job and were easy to work with. Our recent Flu Clinic vaccinated 50-60 people, similar to last year. We had student nurses from UConn working with Backus Home Health which worked out very well for everyone. Our Annual Holiday Luncheon is coming up on Dec. 13th. Norwich TECH Culinary Dept. will be catering the food and Senior Center staff will be serving out the food. It should be great fun. Also, our Annual Open House is planned for Dec 21st from 10-Noon with food and entertainment. Chairperson’s Report/Legislative Report: None Old Business: None Next Meeting: Monday, March 18, 2013, at 9:00 a.m., at the Rose City Senior Center. Respectfully submitted, Margaret Aldrich, Secretary MA/acb