TOWN OF SOMERS
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO
THE ELDERLY
MINUTES OF JULY 11, 2006
MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 11:00 P.M. by Jim Burgess.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Elaine Bemont, Jim Burgess, Donna Doyker, Barbara Flebotte, Dorothy Hillman, Myrtle Pixley, Joan Sizer and Arlene Yarnes. Also present was First Selectman David Pinney.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Pat Bachetti
VISITOR(S): Jim and Joan Kocot
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of June 13, 2006 meeting accepted by Barbara Flebotte and seconded by Joan Sizer once corrections presented by Joan were added.
CORRESPONDENCE: Elaine Bemont received an annual report from the Commission on Aging which was presented for board members to review.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Meals on Wheels – David Pinney reported that seventeen clients were receiving meals during the month of June. Cost of meals was $1,979. $1,419 was billed to clients and $560 was amount subsidized by the town. Balance remaining in account is $6,360.01. A couple of new volunteer drivers have come forward as well as several from the town of Enfield. A plan has to be put into effect to solicit funds from local townspeople and churches for the future running of this plan. Drivers do so at their own expense. This is becoming very difficult with the high price of gas.
Joan Sizer made a motion that an appropriate article be prepared for the public newspapers and newsletter for the purpose of soliciting donations. This was seconded by Arlene Yarnes. Further consideration is to be made regarding a bulk mailing. Myrtle Pixley, Joan Sizer and Arlene Yarnes will gather the necessary information before this article is prepared. It was felt that there are people in town who would be willing to help subsidize the meals on program if they knew that a need existed.
Senior Lunches – Lunches have ended for the season. If anyone knows of a possible place for the September luncheon, please let Arlene Yarnes know. Meals will begin in October on the fourth Tuesday of the month, except for April and May, which will be held on the third Tuesday.
Senior Citizens Club – Joan Sizer reported that the picnic was held last Saturday and was a big success. An Arts and Crafts show will take place on July 15th. Several events are being planned for the fall. Details will be released when available.
Communications/Senior Newsletter – Due date for August newspaper article is the end of this week. Next newsletter will be for September/October. Barbara Flebotte would like to see photos to go along with some of the newsletter articles. She will try this in the next newsletter to see how it goes over.
Senior Center Sign – Blood Drive is the next item Donna Doyker will be putting up on the sign. Date for the drive is August 4th. .
School Liaison – Donna Doyker reported that several seniors have shown an interest in the fall programs to be held at the Somers schools. Perhaps more people will still sign.
Senior Support Services – Pat Bachetti was not in attendance today.
OLD BUSINESS:
Utilization Report – A summary of this report appeared in the last newsletter. Full report is available at the Senior Center for anyone’s review.
Senior Bus – New bus is here. Insurance coverage will be in effect in a week to ten days. Training session on the computerized lift will be held on July 25th. The old bus will be kept and it is hoped that activities can be found to keep both buses running. An article can be prepared for the newsletter advising people that the bus is available and finding ways to use it. The old bus needs some clean-up. Additional monies are available for drivers and several people have shown an interest in wanting to be a bus driver. It is the responsibility of the town employees to keep this bus clean. Perhaps it can be washed once a week while it is being parked at the Police Station.
Powers Duties of Sr. Adv. Bd – Dave Pinney and Barbara Flebotte are working this issue. Copies of the changes will be given to the board members for review prior to the next meeting.
Somers Visiting Nurse – Jim Burgess has had trouble contacting Kelly Anderson. It was suggested that he might have better luck using e-mail.
Other old business – Joan presented a problem that has arisen by different groups using the building without clearing through Jim Burgess and Myrtle Pixley. This has presented some clean-up problems. Proper clearance must be adhered to!
NEW BUSINESS:
Senior Advisory Board Title – Proper name for this board is the Advisory Committee to the Elderly. We will use this official title from now on.
Blood Drive – August 4th from 1 to 5:45. Reservations are suggested. Discussion arose as to the newspaper and newsletter suggesting that volunteers are needed to work the drive as well as preparation of food. The Club has no responsibilities regarding this drive.
Norma Meyer Hours – Norma’s hours will be from Noon to four o’clock.
Any Other – Much discussion took place regarding the
proposed increase in the dump fee from $10 to $40. Apparently the Board of Selectmen have changed the fee to $25
rather than $40. The townspeople are
up in arms over the increase and feel that the town budget which recently
passed should have had the necessary increase in funds for the transfer
station.
Barbara Flebotte and Donna Doyker recently attended a Selectmen’s meeting on behalf of the Advisory Board to discuss funding for the newsletter. It appears that the money is just not available to do the newsletter on a monthly basis. Barbara did suggest, however, that the Hartford Foundation for Public Grants provides funding for various issues regarding seniors. The Club is a non-profit organization and may be eligible for funds also. The Town would need to write a grant for town-sponsored programs, such as Meals on Wheels subsidy, funding for drivers, etc. Joan Sizer, Myrtle Pixley and Arlene Yarnes will look further into this.
COMMENTS:
Flu clinic will be held on October 24th from one to four o’clock.
Next meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at 11:00 A.M.
ADJOURNMENT: Adjournment at 12:30 by motion of Myrtle Pixley and seconded by Arlene Yarnes.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Bemont, Secretary