TOWN OF SOMERS
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO
THE ELDERLY
MINUTES OF MARCH 13, 2007
MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 11:00 by Jim Burgess.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Elaine Bemont, Jim Burgess, Donna Doyker, Dorothy Hillman, Myrtle Pixley, Tony Pellegrino, Arlene Yarnes and David Pinney.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Pat Bachetti
VISITOR(S): None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of February 13, 2007 meeting accepted by Tony Pellegrino and seconded by Myrtle Pixley.
CORRESPONDENCE: None
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Meals on Wheels – David Pinney reported that the number of clients for the month of February remained at 12. Total number of meals served total 272. Cost of meals paid to the Plaza Restaurant was $1,017. Dollars billed to clients total $816 and $201 was subsidized by the Meals On Wheels fund which is comprised of donations received. There are currently two routes and the number of drivers is adequate. Susan King, a former MOW driver, is now the driver coordinator for this important program.
Dave Pinney mentioned that the Somers MOW has an opportunity to apply to be an approved vendor through the North Central Area on Aging. This agency could help fund meals if clients satisfied certain qualifications and could even pay the entire cost of the meal. Arlene Yarnes mentioned it would be a good idea to get more info on this agency and, perhaps, have someone from the agency come in and talk to us.
Senior Lunches – Arlene Yarnes stated the March luncheon will be at the Congregational Church of Somersville on March 27, 2007. The April luncheon will be at the Somers Congregational Church and will be sponsored by the Somers Women’s Club.
Senior Citizens Club – Arlene Yarnes reported a Saint Patrick’s party will be held at the March 14th luncheon. A surprise speaker will be at one of the April lunches as well as Penny Bacchiochi, who will speak about the new laws for and against our seniors.
Communications/Senior Newsletter – In lieu of Barbara Flebotte’s resignation, the Board currently does not have a newsletter editor. Jim Burgess will work with his assistant to try and publish a newsletter for the May/June timeframe. If you know of someone who would be willing to assume the responsibility of the newsletter, please let Jim Burgess know.
Senior Center Sign – Donna Doyker has currently posted information on the new senior housing. More info will be posted as it becomes available.
School Liaison – Donna Doyker/Myrtle Pixley – no new info at this time.
Senior Support Services – Pat Bachetti is away at the
present time. She should be back in
time for the April meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Advisory Board Members According to Charter – Various areas of town are currently represented by Pat Bachetti, Elaine Bemont, Donna Doyker and Myrtle Pixley. Arlene Yarnes represents the Somers Senior Center Club, Dorothy Hillman represents Woodcrest and Tony Pellegrino represents senior housing.
Municipal Agent’s Budget – MA budget has been turned in. Next year it is hoped the Board can take a more active part in helping establish this budget.
NEW BUSINESS:
Senior Club Meeting March 21st - Len Slaga will be speaking at the March 21st senior luncheon regarding the new senior housing plans for Somers.
Memorial and Fund Raising for New Senior Housing – Donna Doyker is looking into the purchase of gift bricks/tiles as a possible fundraiser and beautification project at the new proposed senior housing. More information has to be obtained on this. Donna was given the names of a couple of people who have worked on a similar project and may be able to give her some helpful information. The Board feels this is certainly a worth hile project.
COMMENTS: Len Slaga has approached the selectmen asking that the senior housing authority waive payment of taxes to the town. This money could be better used to help keep rents lower and keep the money within the housing authority.
Dave Pinney also mentioned that the grant money that pays Norma’s salary is being cut back from 18 hours a week to 16 hours per week. Norma will stay on for her regular hours and the town will supplement her wages.
ADJOURNMENT: Adjournment at 11:45 by motion of Arlene Yarnes and seconded by Tony Pellegrino.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Bemont, Secretary