TOWN OF SOMERS
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO
THE ELDERLY
MINUTES OF AUGUST 8, 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, Barbara Flebotte, Myrtle Pixley, Joan Sizer and Arlene Yarnes. Also present was First Selectman David Pinney.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Donna Doyker and Dorothy Hillman
VISITOR(S): None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of July 11, 2006 meeting accepted by Barbara Flebotte and seconded by Arlene Yarnes once corrections noted by Joan Sizer were made.
CORRESPONDENCE: E-mail from Joan Sizer to Elaine Bemont/Jim Burgess asked who makes updates to information on SomersNow.Com. Updates are done by Ernie Allsup at the Town Hall.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Meals on Wheels – David Pinney reported that number of recipients stays consistent. The program lost a couple of drivers. Remaining funds are $7,852.24.
Senior Lunches – Lunches have ended for the season and will resume in October.
Senior Citizens Club – Joan Sizer reported that thirty-five people attended the Arts and Crafts Show. On the first Wednesday of September, a representative from the Enfield Visiting Nurse Association will speak to us on arthritis.
Communications/Senior Newsletter – Barbara Flebotte reported that August 12th is the deadline for items to appear in the newspaper write-up and the next newsletter. The 12th will be the monthly cut-off date from now on. Photos would be appreciated to go in the newsletter. These could be either e-mailed to Barbara or be dropped off at her house. North Central News could show any upcoming news that could not make the deadline for the newsletter. This is why we are trying so hard for the funding to get the newsletter out on a monthly basis rather that bi-monthly.
Senior Center Sign – Donna Doyker was not present.
School Liaison – Donna Doyker and Myrtle Pixley will resume this in the fall.
Senior Support Services – Pat Bachetti reported that she is in touch with six people. They had a little pizza party and has been visiting with them. She was even able to bring one to a concert held on the Somers green. Barbara Flebotte asked if she needed funds to help her with the expenses. Pat replied that she is able to handle the expense at this time.
OLD BUSINESS:
Blood Drive – Forty-six people donated blood on August 4th. Refreshments were delicious and ample and there were enough people to help out.
Four Town Fair Parade – The Advisory Board would like to see the new senior bus in the parade. Jim Burgess offered to drive the bus and spare the expense of hiring a driver. He will line up board members/seniors to be passengers on the bus. A banner will be prepared signifying the bus use by the elderly. Question arose as to whether a bus would be available to bring people to the fair on Friday afternoon/evening for the reduced senior rate. Age for senior discount has yet to be clearly defined.
Soliciting Donations – Pat Bachetti stated we should be embarrassed to think about even needing to seek donations for the Meals on Wheels program. We should have enough care in our hearts to think about our seniors and how those who cannot get out will get the food they need. Much discussion arose on this topic. Pat Bachetti will look into how other towns handle funding their Meals on Wheels Programs. Another possibility is to look into state and federal programs/grants that may help support this important program.
Powers Duties of Sr. Adv. Bd – Dave Pinney and Barbara Flebotte are working this issue. Item has been tabled until the next meeting.
Grants – There are many different kinds of grants available if someone knew where to look for them and how to go about writing one. Asnuntuck has an on-line program that someone might be interested in looking into for further information.
NEW BUSINESS:
General Comments – Joan Sizer questioned the address
shown on Jim’s business card. She asked
about the handicap door button which does not work. Jim reported that a new button is on order. Another issue was the lines in the parking
lot. Jim needs to meet with town
officials on this issue.
ADJOURNMENT: Adjournment at 12:30 by motion of Myrtle Pixley and seconded by Pat Bachetti.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Bemont, Secretary