 |
TOWN OF GRANBY
COMMISSION ON AGING
MINUTES
March 9, 2009
PRESENT: Dr. Peter Barwick, Chairman; George Bronsord, Karen Hood, Mary Keating, Incy Muir, Bruce Sullivan, Jack Vanderbilt, Rosemary Weber; Staff Present: KerryAnn Kielbasa, Director of Human Services; Sandy Yost, Program Coordinator
ABSENT: Neil Kraner
STAFF ABSENT: Nancy Grakowsky, Transportation Coordinator
Chairman Barwick called the meeting to order and confirmed a quorum at 1:33 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 2/11/09
The minutes of 1/12/09 were reviewed. ON A MOTION by George Bronsord, seconded by Jack Vanderbilt, the minutes of 2/11/09 were approved as written.
TREASURER’S REPORT
- Ms. Kielbasa reported that the budget hearing workshop will be held tonight. At this point, the Senior Services proposed budget has an 8.2% increase to offset declining grants, but it will still need to go to the public hearing.
- Services and supplies have increased by $300.00. Everything else has stayed the same.
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH:
Ms. Yost reported that the Volunteer for the Month of February will be determined at a later date.
ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE REPORT
- Sandy Yost, Program Coordinator
- Ms. Yost reported she is trying to do more activities at the Senior Center during the winter months. Today was the first in a series called, “Ask the Doctor” with Dr. Barwick. It was very successful with 12 people in attendance.
- Healthnet is providing a free show on April 17th, “The Best of Rod Stewart”, performed by Bob Mel.
The Senior Club is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner next Monday (3/16).
Ms. Yost also reported work has begun on the new database (myseniorcenter.com). Information has been transferred from the present database and staff are in the process of cleaning up the new system, i.e. all zip codes defaulted to 06035, any blank birthdates defaulted to 1/1/42, etc. Once the database is cleaned up and the ‘kinks’ have been worked out, the new system will be opened up to the membership.
- Bruce Sullivan, Senior Club Treasurer
- Mr. Sullivan reported that the Senior Club will hold a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on Monday, 3/16/09 and another craft fair will be held in October.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
- Ms. Kielbasa submitted an application to the Granby Education Foundation for a $3,000.00 mini-grant for an intergenerational program on African drumming for seniors and middle school students.
- There are two grants due on April 3rd: CT DOT for $26,998.00 and the NCAAA grants (approximately $10,000) which fund the Grandparents Group and the Ambassadors.
Ms. Kielbasa and Ms. Yost will be attending the National Council on Aging and the American Society on Aging conference next week.
Staff from NCAAA came to the Senior Center last week to conduct a focus group for their strategic plan. Approximately 20 seniors attended and the feedback was very positive. One suggestion that came out of the meeting was the need of a referral source for seniors who are in need of assistance with projects around their home, i.e. a listing of contractors, etc.
OTHER BUSINESS
As a result of the focus group with NCAAA, Jack Vanderbilt invited Lynn Svinland to come to the meeting to discuss ‘Seniors Helping Seniors’. This is a for-profit enterprise that matches seniors with seniors to help around the home. It is strictly a ‘handy-man’ type service, not contracting jobs. The cost is $10/hour, depending on the job (with a 2-hour minimum). Lynn interviews the workers and a criminal background check is conducted. The business is bonded and they have liability insurance (for the business) and workmen’s compensation. The group agreed the organization provides a much needed service but there were some concerns regarding the liability of the homeowner if someone was injured in their home.
OLD BUSINESS
None reported
NEW BUSINESS
None reported
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m. ON A MOTION by George Bronsord, seconded by Bruce Sullivan.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 13, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Kane
Recording Secretary
| |
