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 May 20, 2013 Members in Attendance: Chairperson Olive Buddington, Vice Chairperson Gen Bergendahl, Regular Member Jacquelyn Randall, and Alternate Members Frank Jacaruso and Jan Stewart. Absent were Secretary Margaret Aldrich and Regular Member Michael Lahan. Attending staff members were Beverly Goulet, Mike Wolak and Anne Barriere. Chairperson Olive Buddington welcomed Councilman H. Tucker Braddock to the meeting, determined there was a quorum and called the meeting to order. Minutes: The minutes from 04-15-13 were approved as submitted and from 03-18-13 as corrected. Communications: Mike reported some donations by groups for the use of our building; the Women’s City Club $100, the Italian Women’s Club $100, and the Wednesday night Pinochle Club $100. Mike shared some thank-you notes from seniors and their families for medical and wheelchair transportation services and help in scheduling their appointments. They were especially grateful for the kind and considerate care they received. Frank suggested that Mike include in the Voices a general thank-you for the letters and donations so readers know how much we appreciate them. Another letter thanked the Senior Center for our donation of medical equipment and supplies to their program. Human Services Report: There is another public hearing tonight on the City Budget. Bev also brought up to Tucker that we are hoping next year when the City schedules public hearings, they consider scheduling them earlier in the evenings as they have currently been scheduled after 9 p.m. at night. At least one could take place at the Senior Center and begin around 5:00 p.m., so that seniors and members of the community with young families could more easily attend. For example, many seniors still drive but will not drive after dark and therefore miss their opportunity to speak on the proposed budget. Senior Center Report: We had a great yard sale this past Saturday. There were over 22 vendors which meant we made almost $400 before the sale even started. Mike is currently working on two grants from Senior Resources, one to continue the funding for our Benefits Counselor one day a week and one to fund our licensed Podiatrist one day a month. Mike also submitted to the Lord Foundation for another $25,000 to allow our Health Clinic to continue. Next month we will have our annual Art Show beginning on Tuesday, June 4th and ending at 11:00 a.m. on Monday the 10th. Any senior who lives in Norwich can submit artwork. They do not need to be members. We have a Genealogy class on the 13th, 20th and 27th. Otis Library will be sponsoring a program of Scottish Music and Dance on June 13th at 10:30 a.m. The Senior Expo will be this Thursday, the 23rd at the Backus Technology Center across from Dodd Stadium, 9:30-12:00. Chairperson’s Report/Legislative Report: There is still confusion regarding the filling of the vacant position on the Commission. Questions revolved around procedure to advertise and/or apply for the position, requirement regarding party or non-party affiliations, and balance of party affiliations by current members. Tucker will look into these questions and get back as soon as possible. Old Business: The new bus is back on the road and doing great. The program with the nursing students went very well and we look forward to their return in the fall. New Business: Jan wanted to thank Mike and his staff for the wonderful Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast they put on last week. Also a note, the Golden Nuggets, the Senior Center Chorus will be having a free concert at First Baptist Church in Norwich on Saturday, June 1st at 2:00 p.m. including free refreshments. Next Meeting: Monday, Sept. 16, 2013, at 9:00 a.m., at the Rose City Senior Center. Respectfully submitted, Margaret Aldrich / acb Margaret Aldrich, Secretary MA/acb Regular meetings of the Commission are scheduled on the 3rd Monday of Mar/Apr/May and Sept/Oct/Nov