The Prospect Commission of Aging meeting was called to order at 10:10 a.m. by Vice Chairman Rev. Phyllis Norman.
Members Present: Rev. Phyllis Norman, Ruby DeCosta, Inez Bramhall, Joseph Thompson, Richard Kuhn, Albert Miele.
Others Present: Lucy Smegielski (arrived at 10:15 a.m.).
Pledge of Allegiance
Members welcomed back Inez to the meeting and congratulated her on her speedy return.
At the last meeting in February, it was discussed whether or not to appoint a chair for the time being. However, it was decided to wait until this meeting when there would be more members present. Reverand Phyllis Norman was chosen as the Vice Chair at the February meeting.
There is a quorem present at this meeting, therefore, a decision to appoint a Chair is possible at this time. Discussion whether or not to make the decision at this meeting or wait until the next meeting.
Motion made by J. Thompson to wait until the October meeting, seconded by R. DeCosta. Motion passes.
Minutes of February 4, 2004 meeting were read. Motion made by R. DeCosta to approve the reading of the minutes, seconded by A. Miele. Motion passes.
Director’s Report:
An ad has been put in the area papers to fill the position. It is a hard job to fill because the Center is looking for someone to answer phones, drive the bus and help with program activities. They have had a few calls and have sent applications to some that have called to apply and hopefully they will find someone soon. The Senior Center is working with only three people right now, so its been long hours lately.The Budget was submitted and was approved. There was a 3% raise for the workers at the Senior Center, and more money was put in the Budget for activities for the Seniors.
Towards the end of August, the Center should hear the outcome of the Grant from Western Connecticut Area Agency of Aging. The Grant will be for an addition at the Center. Gina Ash and workers from the State were at the Center recently and looked around to gather more information for the Grant we have applied for. They were here for the exercise class and saw the need for more room.
The addition on the Senior Center is still in planning. There is a chance that the building may go up instead of out because of the limited space. Parking is a problem for the Seniors, but Lucy said that they can park on the grass on the side of the Senior Center, however, no one does. She says the Senior are concerned about ruining the grass. However, it is allowed.
J. Thompson commented that if the Senior Center goes up another floor, will there need to be an elevator put in. Lucy said that an elevator is already in the plans even if a second floor isn’t added because of the pool room in the basement now. I. Bramhall suggested that the Senior Center be moved to another location where there is more space available. However, Lucy commented that this probably would not be feasible, as the Town could not get money to do that kind of building again for a Senior Center, when one is already built and in use.
Lucy announced that the picnic at the VFW would be held this Thursday, and already 350 people have signed up to attend.
Old Business:
Mini Bus monthly reports
Lorraine Morris came in and spoke to the commission about the reports and explained each item on the reports. The State requires that these reports are done and submitted to them. And everytine someone gets on the bus it counts as a trip. That’s why sometimes there will be a lot of trips under medical or nutrition, or some of the other categories.
New Business:
There are new puzzles coming to the Senior Center. Inez Bramhall saw a Coco-Cola puzzle in a book and thought that Carol Jones of the Prospect Dairy Bar would like to have one at her restaurant with the rest of her Coca-Cola theme. Carol bought the puzzle for the Seniors and they put it together. Lucy liked the puzzle so much that she has ordered two more of them for the Seniors to put together to keep at the Senior Center.
AARP Report:
Al Miele stated that there would be no meeting this month, however, there is a Board meeting this month that they will be attending unless it gets changed by the Board. The next meeting will be on September 10, 2004, so at the October meeting they will have a report to give.
Ruby DeCosta commented that the AARP had an inside picnic at the Franco-American Club that was a great time, and had a beautiful setting.
Prospect Senior Club Report:
Richard Kuhn commented that he has noticed he is the only man the rides the Senior Bus when they go on trips, and he wonders why that is.
It was announced that there will be a benefit dinner to support Andrew Vilardo at the VFW on August 22nd.
There is also a fundraiser for Roger Hamelin of Prospect Limosine, but details are not known yet.
There is a picnic at the VFW this Thursday starting at12 noon. There are already 350 signed up to go already. They will be calling by tables and serving the Seniors this year so that they don’t run out of food like last year.
Ruby DeCosta commented that as of July 27, 2004, there were 307 members that belong to the Senior Club. It is only $5 to sign up and become a member.
Public Participation: None
Richard Kuhn asked when the paving in the back of the Senior Center would be complete. It was decided to talk more on this subject at the October meeting.
The next meeting will be held on October 4, 2004 and another meeting on December 6, 2004.
A motion to adjourn was made by R. Kuhn, seconded by J. Thompson. Motion passes.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:50.
Respectfully Submitted,
Megan Fortier, Clerk