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 Sept. 15, 2014 Members in Attendance: Chairperson Olive Buddington, Vice Chairperson Gen Bergendahl, Secretary Margaret Aldrich, Regular Member Michael Lahan, and Alternate Member Frank Jacaruso. Absent were Regular Member Jacquelyn Randall and Alternate Member Jan Stewart. Attending staff member were Lee-Anne Gomes and Mike Wolak. Chairperson Olive Buddington determined there was a quorum and called the meeting to order. Minutes: The minutes from 05-19-14 were approved as submitted. Communications: None. Human Services Report: None. Senior Center Report: We had a new driver start today (our last driver Bob left last May). Her name is Shirley from Willimantic. She has been driving for a long time, often on school buses and most recently for Eastern University. It was asked why it takes so long to hire but Mike says it’s just the process. There was a spirited conversation about the possible reasons for this delay and agreed it is unfortunate because in some cases seniors had been denied rides. We did have access to a per-diem driver which did help considerably. We recently put a credit card machine in here at the Center so we can accept credit/debit payments for dues and trips. There will be no extra fee for this service but a $10 minimum was suggested. We have a new escort car on order which we should get in the next few weeks. We will retire our 2004 backup vehicle which has almost 190,000 miles on it. The current car will then become the backup vehicle. We have started a Pilates class, a new fitness program, which is going very well. Finally the money has been funneled down from the State for repairs and upgrades at the Senior Center. They hope to have the roof replaced and south parking lot done before the winter. Chairperson’s Report/Legislative Report: None. Old Business: The commission has sent their letter requesting the Senior Center become its own department but they have not yet received a response. New Business: Lee-Ann mentioned that Human Services will be having a table at the upcoming ‘International Day’, Tuesday, Sept. 23rd from 5-8 p.m., that the Rotary will be holding down at Howard T. Brown Park and they will be happy to display Senior Center brochures. They would welcome any help from Commission Members if they would like to come and help attend the table. Hilary and Hallie will be attending ‘Family Day’, this Sunday, Sept. 21st, from 11-3 p.m. at Mohegan Park. Next Meeting: Monday, Oct. 15, 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