VETERAN’S AFFAIRS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING APRIL 7, 2008
1. Call to Order –Bernie called the regular meeting of the Veteran’s Affairs Commission to order at 7:03 pm on April 7, 2008 in Town Council Chambers.
A. Pledge of Allegiance
B. Roll Call - PRESENT: Dominic Fulco, Sr., Kirk Allison, Ch. Bernie Corona, J. Roger Pelletier, Stanley deMello, Paul Barry.
EXCUSED: Mary-Ann Roczynski, William Miller, Arden Passaro
2. Approval of Minutes from March 3, 2008 – March meeting cancelled – No minutes to approve. Minutes from February 4th needed approval because of March meeting cancellation. Dominic Fulco made a motion to approve and J. Roger Pelletier 2nd motion. Commission unanimously voted to approve February 4th minutes as read.
3.Speaker – Ron Tadel from VITAS Innovative Hospice Care came to address the Commission. He passed out brochures and presented a brief video on the program – how the benefits are administered, and the clinical services they provide to veterans and their families in need of hospice care. Their program offers many benefits to those with Medicare, Private Insurance and Medicaid. He fielded questions from the Commission and asked that they get the word out to other veterans who may be in need of their services.
4.Old Business –
A.The Commission discussed coverage of the office hours at Town Hall for the month of April. Bernie set coverage for April as follows:
April 14th – Kirk Allison – in the 2nd Fl Conf. Room from 10am-12noon
April 14th – J. Roger Pelletier – in the 2nd Fl Conf. Room from 12noon -2pm
B.Paul Barry updated the Commission on the Traveling Wall. Location changed from Wickham Park to Rentschler field to accommodate large crowds, handicapped, etc., and will be free of charge to all who come. The dates will be from Oct. 16-19th, arriving and leaving with a motorcade. The Vet Express will be there on Friday, October 17th. The Marine Corp marching band and drill team are scheduled to perform on Saturday, October 18th. The committee is still working on adding an educational component. Paul asked the Commission members to submit any ideas that they have to the Traveling Wall Committee for consideration. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
C.Stan deMello reminded the Commission about the “Leave No Veterans Behind: Ending Homelessness Among Veterans in Connecticut” program to be held in Hartford on April 10, 2008. Asked all who are able to attend to be there.
5. New Business –
A.Bernie engaged the Commission to discuss the pros and cons of the office hours held in Town Hall. Comments made:
-need sign outside area letting people know they are there
-need to get ads in local papers, i.e. the Gazette, The Golden Ager, informing the public of their hours.
There is money in the budget to get a large scale sign made. Bernie will look into printers and the pricing and get back to the Commission.
B.Paul Barry made mention to the Commission about the States efforts to get the unclaimed remains of MIA veterans; how they are working with local funeral homes and crematories on getting the remains verified and then providing an actual burial. The State is starting this process and Paul will provide more information when it is available.
6.Adjournment – Stan deMello made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by J. Roger Pelletier. Bernie Corona adjourned the meeting at 8:07 p.m.
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