TOWN OF SOMERS
SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES OF MARCH 14, 2006
MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 1:00 P.M. by Jim Burgess.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Elaine Bemont, Jim Burgess, Donna Doyker, Barbara Flebotte, Dorothy Hillman, Myrtle Pixley and First Selectman David Pinney.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Pat Bachetti, Joan Sizer and Arlene Yarnes.
VISITOR(S): None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of February 14, 2006 meeting accepted by Barbara Flebotte and seconded by Myrtle Pixley.
CORRESPONDENCE: E-mail received from Joan Sizer. Details are shown under heading of Senior Center.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Meals on Wheels – David Pinney submitted report stating that nineteen families have been served a total of 500 meals at a cost of $1,843 paid to the Plaza Restaurant for the month of February, 2006. $1,356 was billed to clients and there was a subsidized amount of $487 for the month. $7,944.41 is the account balance.
Senior Center – In Joan Sizer’s absence, she submitted an e-mail stating the letter she was drafting to the selectmen regarding Norma Meyer’s position and necessary training was not yet ready. She also reported that the Home and Community Health Services has been scheduled for a series of health programs right after the Wednesday lunch the first week of April and June. Topics to be discussed include cholesterol and hypertension. She also stated she has received some compliments relative to the newsletter and the information that is being provided.
Senior Lunches – In Arlene Yarnes absence, mention was made that the next luncheon will be held on March 28th at the Somersville Congregational Church.
Communications/Senior Newsletter – Barbara Flebotte reported that the last newsletter was run off by students at the high school because the town hall machine was in need of repair. Barbara will send a thank you note to Su Selly at the Central Office in appreciation of the work done for us. Articles appear in the Journal Inquirer and the North Central News. Next newsletter is scheduled for the April/May timeframe.
Senior Center Sign - Donna Doyker reported that we are in need of additional letters for the sign. She will be checking into sources for the purchase of these letters.
School Liaison – Donna Doyker reported that there are some areas where the seniors might be of help at the schools. Among these are attending computer labs where up to 6 seniors can learn basic usage of pc’s or help teach others if proficient. Another way is being a guest speaker in Mr. Brown’s life skills class. This would include life experiences with different jobs, arts, etc. Another possibility is as a guest speaker to talk of your life in the military and other experiences of interest to our young children.
Myrtle Pixley reported that Karen O’Donnell and the SAVE Club at the school are again going to sponsor a senior prom open to all seniors in town. This event will take place on May 19th at 6:00 PM.
Tax Program – This information is being handled by the tax assessor’s office.
Senior Support Services – Pat Bachetti is currently in Florida but is keeping in touch with her special patients via e-mail and cards.
OLD BUSINESS:
Policy Statement – Dave Pinney has not discussed this topic with the other selectmen as yet. We eagerly await his response.
Updated computer equipment is going to be given to Norma Meyer in order for her to be able to handle the Meals on Wheels data and other programs. This should be ready shortly.
Cholesterol screening will be done on March 31 for a fee of $10. This is being sponsored by the VNA/Somers VNA. We are hoping to invite a member of the Somers VNA to one of our meetings as a speaker to make us more aware of the services available.
Barbara Flebotte will work with Myrtle Pixley regarding the issue of partitions for the senior center so that multiple activities can be held at the same time with less noise interference.
NEW BUSINESS:
Due to multiple activities being held at the same time on Tuesday afternoon and the change in Jim Burgess’ hours from 8-12, it was decided to change the time of the Advisory Board meetings to 11:00 starting with the April 11th meeting.
Dr.Vespe wanted to know who the person/persons are that act as representatives of the seniors to the selectmen. The Board felt that this is the responsibility of Jim Burgess, the Municipal Agent for the Elderly.
Goals from Sr. Adv. Board – We are waiting for an update of the policy statement before proceeding with this.
COMMENTS:
Myrtle Pixley is the Activities Chairman of the Senior Club. A request has been for setback to be held on Saturdays. Arrangments can be made with Jim Burgess to set up dates, etc.
Donna Doyker would like to see a plant sale with various herbs and perennials being sold. These could come from the yards of some of our seniors wishing to donate them.
Donna Doyker also said she is studying Reverse Mortgages. This is an item that might be of interest to some of our seniors in the future. Caution – this is still a mortgage. Donna was also going to check with someone from the Booster Club regarding certificates they are selling and how these work.
David Pinney spoke briefly about a transportation grant that might be available to help with senior bus expenses. More information is needed on this.
ADJOURNMENT: Adjournment at 2:20 P.M. by motion of David Pinney and seconded by Donna Doyker.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Bemont, Secretary