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 September 16, 2019 Members in Attendance: Regular members: Jacquelyn Randall, Frank Jacaruso, Jr., Laurieann Messore and Rebecca Melucci Attending staff members was Mike Wolak. Member Jacaruso determined there was a quorum and called the meeting to order. Absent: Michael Lahan and Janice Stewart Minutes: The minutes from 05/20/19 were approved. Communications: Mike shared a thank you note from a senior for the assistance they received from Outreach Administrator Carolyn McAuliffe. Also, received a thank you from TVCCA for our donation of a gift basket for their annual carnevale. Mike talked about the Gen Bergendahl Golden Wishes Fund which is a one-time per year up to $250 for assistance with various needs such as food, medication, etc. Mike also introduced Carolyn McAuliffe who talked about her daily duties within her job. Human Services Report: Family day was yesterday and was a huge success. Thank you to Mike and Laurie for representing the Senior Center. Is attending a census meeting this morning at 10am. For every person missed it results in a $1,200 reduction is assistance from the Government. Shared articles from paper about senior struggles and asked the commission if they wanted to do a project/survey to gauge what our senior climate is like. We have a good Hispanic population currently at the center and we are looking to continue to increase diversity with maybe some cultural programming. Mike stated the population Carolyn works with is very diverse and best advertisement is word of mouth. Senior Center Report: Mike stated that Paul Erickson has retired from the Sr. Center, Shirley has been promoted to Lead Van Driver and an offer has been extended to a potential candidate. We are looking for per diem drivers. Mike talked about the DMV not sending registration renewals consistently and was concerned about senior registrations expiring and not getting notice. After 30 days, cars can be towed. Laurieann stated that she received one but not the other in her household. The renewal process is easy online for those who have a computer. Frank talked about the travel restrictions if you don’t have a star on your license. Chairperson’s Report/Legislative Report: Jackie talked about being busy with family business and not being able to be involved as she would like. She was asking the group to give her time. Old Business: Carolyn invited from last time and talked about her position an the responsibilities. RN continuing to do one Saturday per month and Mike is waiting on receiving of funding to hire another nurse for 5 hrs. per week. Bus storage during the winter was addressed and Mike has spoken with Pat McLaughlin about two possibilities for winter storage of the busses during snow events. New Business: Jackie talked about the new person at Backus, Kristine Johnson, with the senior living well program, is wonderful and can be another resource for our seniors. Laurie talked about the motorized wheelchair program through EZ Pawn. Letters now being accepted. Laurie spoke with two students at the Family Day about volunteering and passed info along to Mike. Laurie also talked with another woman who was 55 but her husband was only 52. Laurie asked for her own knowledge if we allowed the spouse of a person that was 55+ but spouse was younger to attend. The answer is yes we do. There was also questions regarding fees for programs. Fees are noted in newsletter. SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS: October 21, 2019 November 18, 2019 March 16, 2020 **DATE CHANGED TO MARCH 23, 2019** April 20, 2020 May 18, 2020 Next Meeting: Monday, October 21, 2019 at 9:00 a.m., at the Rose City Senior Center. Respectfully submitted, Michael Wolak Michael Wolak, Director Regular meetings of the Commission are scheduled on the 3rd Monday of Mar/Apr/May and Sept/Oct/Nov