Town of East Hampton
Commission on Aging (COA)
Thursday, January 14, 2010
East Hampton Town Hall Meeting Room
Minutes
Present: Vice Chairman Lance Johnson, Nelson Maurice, Ann McLaughlin and Mary Jo Shafer. Also present: Senior Center Director Jo Ann Ewing and Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois.
Not Present: Chairperson Pauline Simko
Call to Order:
Vice Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Ms. Shafer, seconded by Ms. McLaughlin, to approve the minutes of the December 10, 2009 meeting as written. Voted (4-0).
Correspondence: None
Public Remarks: None
New Business:
Ms. Shafer notified the commission of a new dental clinic, New Brite Plaza Family Dental, in New Britain that is open to everyone.
Unfinished Business:
I-Town Draft: Ms. Shafer distributed a draft press release that is being prepared for submission to the Hartford Courant I-Towns section. Ms. Sirois will confirm the new Commission on Aging email address with the technology staff person. The email is set to be coa@easthamptonct.org. The Commission discussed changes to the article.
A motion was made by Ms. Shafer, seconded by Ms. McLaughlin, to approve the I-Town letter with the corrections discussed. Voted (4-0).
The Rivereast would like to have a photo of the Commission on Aging and the owner of Loco Perro for an article in that paper.
Feedback for DSS: None
Voluntary Database: The Commission reviewed a draft form for submission of information for the Alert Now system. There was concern that the Health Department may take issue with the Commission creating forms and requesting additional information pertaining to their database. Mr. Johnson will discuss this with Ms. Simko and will possibly attend the Chatham Health District meeting. Ms. Sirois will ask the Registrars if a voter listing including birthdates is available.
Other New Business: Mr. Maurice noted that he will provide an update on grants at the next meeting.
Housing Authority Report: Ms. McLaughlin reported that the Housing Authority is having workshops and are interviewing consultants for the congregate housing project.
Senior Services Presentation:
Mr. Johnson congratulated Ms. Ewing on her recent Humanitarian Award from the District 23 Lions.
JoAnn Ewing, Senior Center Director, provided an overview of the Generations Investing Friendships Together (GIFT) program. The program has been in place for 20 years. They also have a scholarship for High School seniors. The program has included crafting, extreme games, involvement with sojourn bears, gift baskets and a Clifford reading program, to name a few.
Ms. Ewing reviewed the File of Life program, a packet of personal medical information enclosed in a magnetic holder that can be placed on a refrigerator for easy access in case of medical emergencies. The Rotary Club and Ambulance are working on this program.
The ITN Transportation Network is looking for volunteer drivers. There will be an upcoming presentation.
Mr. O’Keefe and Ms. Ewing will be meeting with Tom Cheeseman from Middletown Area Transit. Ms. Ewing will be addressing issues with the Red Cross.
A motion was made by Mr. Maurice, seconded by Ms. Shafer, to authorize members of the Commission on Aging to seek out grant funds for the myseniorcenter.com program. Voted (4-0).
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Ms. McLaughlin, seconded by Mr. Maurice, to adjourn the meeting at 4:15 p.m. (Voted 4-0)
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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