TOWN OF SOMERS
SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES OF APRIL 11, 2006
MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 11:00 P.M. by Jim Burgess.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Bachetti, Elaine Bemont, Jim Burgess, Donna Doyker, Barbara Flebotte, Dorothy Hillman, Myrtle Pixley, Joan Sizer and Arlene Yarnes.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
VISITOR(S): Leonard Slaga and Mary Pelletier
Due to time restraints, Mary Pelletier, Wellness Clinic Coordinator of the Vernon Visiting Nurses Association, spoke briefly about the services the VNA offers. Among these are blood pressure and blood sugar clinics, flu clinics, cholesterol screening, referring patients to doctors, support groups, home safety, medication management, etc. VNA services are not free but are paid by various independent insurance programs, Medicare, and by the Somers VNA if a financial need exists. Kelly Anderson is the representative of the Somers VNA. Contract negotiations are currently taking place by the Somers VNA with the Vernon VNA and Enfield VNA regarding programs offered.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of March 14, 2006 meeting accepted by Barbara Flebotte and seconded by Pat Bachetti. Joan Sizer questioned the statement made in the minutes regarding Jim Burgess being the representative to the town for its seniors. This item will be discussed further when First Selectman David Pinney is in attendance.
CORRESPONDENCE: None
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Meals on Wheels – None available due to absence of David Pinney.
Senior Center – A lunch paid for by Dr. Vespe was recently enjoyed by many of the seniors in town. Other activities are being planned and will be announced after announcement at the monthly Senior Citizens Club meeting.
Senior Lunches – April 18 will feature a lunch being put on by the Somers Women’s Club and May 16 will be the lunch put on by the students at Somers High.
Communications/Senior Newsletter – Barbara Flebotte reported that the last newsletter was run off by the school Central Office because the town hall machine was in need of repair. Barbara sent a thank you note to Su Selly at the Central Office in appreciation of the work done for us.
Senior Center Sign - Donna Doyker reported she will check with David Pinney on more letters for the senior center sign before purchasing any additional letters. She needs info on various activities to add to the sign. Perhaps this should be discussed at each meeting.
School Liaison – Donna Doyker reported that there are some areas where the seniors might be of help at the schools. Sign-up sheets are available at the senior center if you would like to volunteer for some involvement with the middle school regarding computer labs, career choices/tradesmen, technology or life’s experiences.
Senior Support Services – Pat Bachetti is keeping in touch with her people. She is going to call Carolyn Ryder to try to better coordinate those who may need her services.
OLD BUSINESS:
Policy Statement – Dave Pinney has been discussing this topic with the other selectmen but needs to discuss this item further.
Updated computer equipment has been received and is operational. Norma will be attending training classes at the Labor Department to help her better use this equipment.
NEW BUSINESS:
Utilization of Senior Center – Barbara Flebotte prepared a chart showing the amount of time and activities currently being held at the senior center. She is open to any additions or corrections needed to this chart. More discussion on this will be held next month.
Len Slaga – Taxes - Len was here to try to interest board members in forming a study committee to look into various tax relief program options available for seniors. After much discussion, a motion was made by Joan Sizer stating that the Senior Advisory Board contact other towns in Connecticut who are doing similar studies relative to senior tax relief in order to determine the types of individuals or committees used so that we formulate an appropriate committee in the town of Somers. Barbara Flebotte seconded the motion. Pat Bachetti volunteered to make some phone calls to the various towns to help get this study going.
COMMENTS:
Next meeting of the Senior Advisory Board will be held on Tuesday, May 23rd at 11:00. Change in date was necessary due to conflict with May senior luncheon at high school.
ADJOURNMENT: Adjournment at 12:35 P.M. by motion of Pat Bachetti and seconded by Myrtle Pixley.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Bemont, Secretary