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 March 24, 2014 Members in Attendance: Vice Chairperson Gen Bergendahl, Regular Members Michael Lahan and Jacquelyn Randall, and Alternate Members Frank Jacaruso and Jan Stewart. Absent were Chairperson Olive Buddington and Secretary Margaret Aldrich. Attending staff members were Beverly Goulet, Mike Wolak, and Anne Barriere. Vice Chairperson Gen Bergendahl determined there was a quorum and called the meeting to order. Minutes: The minutes from 11-18-13 were approved as submitted. Communications: Mike shared several thank you notes from seniors who appreciated the excellent service at the Senior Center. Another note came from the Otis Library thanking us for our willingness to work with them on various projects. We also received a thank-you note from St. Vincent De Paul Place for our recent donations of fresh and non-perishable foods. Human Services Report: The time has come to say goodbye to our Outreach Worker, Carolyn McAuliffe, who’s last day due to position cuts during last year’s budget will be March 31st. We cannot say enough good things about her and wish her well in her future endeavors. Her replacement Hallie Axtell will begin April 1st. Senior Center Report: We have some good news. We received $690,000 from the State Bond Commission for upgrades to the Senior Center. We can finally get some things addressed that are long overdue. The roof, repaving the south lot and some interior work are first on the list. Our Volunteer Breakfast will be April 29th with invitations to go out shortly. We are also having our Community Yard Sale on May 17th. That usually brings in $1,000 for the Senior Center. We have hired a new registered nurse for the clinic. Her name is Leonna White and she is working out great. Her schedule is different from Nancy’s as she also works at another location. We’re having a fall prevention program by Select Physical Therapy this Thursday at 10 a.m. The State DSS will be here on Wednesday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. It’s basically a state plan on aging listening and planning session to give people an opportunity to speak on what they would like to see as far as a strategic plan that encompasses services for older adults, specifically programs that are funded by the Older Americans Act. Mike is working on several grants for the Senior Center, two from Senior Resources for the Benefits Counselor and the Podiatry Clinic. Also a grant was applied to Putnam Bank for an increase the hours of the Benefits Counselor. The State of CT Med Ride II grant is also being worked on with Montville Senior Center. Hopefully we will also be able to work on one for a new van. Chairperson’s Report/Legislative Report: None. Old Business: Just a reminder, we still have an opening on the Senior Affairs Commission if anyone knows someone who might be interested in applying. New Business: None. Next Meeting: Monday, April 21, 2014, 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