Town of East Hampton
Commission on Aging (COA)
Thursday, March 10, 2011
East Hampton Town Hall Meeting Room
MINUTES
Present: ~Chairman Lance Johnson, Vice Chairperson Mary Jo Shafer, Nelson Maurice and Ann McLaughlin. ~Also present: Senior Center Director Jo Ann Ewing and Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois.
Call to Order:
Chairman Lance Johnson called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Ms. McLaughlin, seconded by Mr. Maurice, to approve the minutes of the February 10, 2011 meeting as written. ~Voted (3-01). Mr. Maurice abstained as he was not present at that meeting.
A motion was made by Ms. Shafer, seconded by Ms. McLaughlin, to add a presentation on substance abuse in seniors by Edwina Ranganathan from Rushford Center. Voted (4-0).
Presentation: ~
Edwina Ranganathan from Rushford Center provided a presentation on substance abuse in seniors.
Correspondence: ~None
New Business:
Discuss Informational Session with Personnel from St. Patrick’s Church:
Ms. Shafer and Ms. Ewing attended the meeting with the personnel from St. Patrick’s Church. Sister Dominic Joseph makes home visits to Catholics. The commission members shared information on the Gatekeeper’s Program with them. The Commission on Aging can submit an informational pamphlet to be inserted into the church bulletin. Ms. Shafer wrote a draft that will be edited by the members.
Discuss Workshop with Emergency Planning:
Commission members met with Emergency Management Director Richard Klotzbier to review the Emergency Plan for the town and how it relates to seniors. Ms. McLaughlin reported there is also some emergency information available on the Chatham Health website. Mr. Johnson indicated that information is also available from AARP. There was a discussion regarding an Emergency Management questionnaire and whether it can be adjusted to suit the Commission on Aging as well.
Commission Vacancies:
There are currently two applications for the Commission on Aging. The Appointments Sub Committee will soon be doing interviews to fill the vacancies.
Ms. Shafer noted that once the commission is full, she would like to change her commission duty as the publicity person to another task.
Old Business:
Building Committee Report:
Ms. McLaughlin reported that TM Builders has been approved as the contractor for the Senior Center.
Housing Authority Letter: No information
Informational Sessions:
The Commission will meet with the Congregational Church at a later date.
Budget:
A budget request of $3,000 was submitted under the Town Council’s budget.
Ms. Shafer prepared a letter asking Diane Annelli to donate her services to complete the brochure. Ms. McLaughlin didn’t think it was fair to ask for a full donation.
Housing Authority Report: ~
Ms. McLaughlin reported that they are still working on the weatherization program. There has been no word back from the State Representative or the State Senator on the congregate housing.
Senior Services Report: ~
Ms. Ewing reported that she spoke at the Rotary Club about the Commission on Aging, Senior Services and promoting myseniorcenter.com. The Rotary will be voting soon on donations that will be made. The Lions Club donated $1,000 toward myseniorcenter. Ms Ewing also provided an overview on the activities at the Senior Center for the prior month.
Public Remarks:
None
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Ms. McLaughlin, seconded by Ms. Shafer, to adjourn the meeting at 4:40 p.m. Voted (4-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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