[NOTE: These minutes are made available to the public prior to Senior Citizen Advisory Committee acceptance.]

Senior Citizen Advisory Committee Minutes
January 15, 2004

In attendance: Chairperson, Janet Klett, Vice-Chair, Jane-Helen Ross (At-Large), Nancy Stilwell (Dir. Social & Youth Services), Kathy Bagley (Dir. Rec. and Parks), Christine Taylor (Municipal Agent), Kitch Breen Czernicki (AARP), Kathi Liberman (Housing Authority), John Cascio (Council Liaison), Adele Antoniou (At-Large), Estelle Knurek (At-Large), Mary Pezzlo (Alternate), Susan Miller (At-Large), Elizabeth Smith (Alternate) and Joselyn Valente (Clerk),

Absent: Donna Mattison (Senior Center Coordinator), Grace Piencikowski (Wethersfield Seniors Club), and Wendy Vencuss (Clergy).

  1. CALL TO ORDER:
    1. Chairperson Klett called the meeting to order at 3:03pm.
  2. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS:
    1. None
  3. MINUTES:
    1. The November 20, 2003 minutes were reviewed. No corrections were noted.
    2. Kathy Bagley made a motion to approve the minutes. Estelle Knurek seconded the motion. The motion passed.
  4. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
    1. Correspondence. Chairperson Klett received copies of two letters sent to Sen. Ciotto and Rep. Paul Doyle regarding recent changes to Conn PACE (see attached) by Christine Taylor. Kitch suggested Christine should also send this same letter should be sent to Mr. Guerrera and Mr. Fonfera.
  5. OLD BUSINESS:
    1. Glass Show Income. Kathy Bagley updated this committee on the Glass Show checking account question. It has been determined that the Jim Dwire (the Glass Show promoter) will not use a checking account with the SCAC name as he has in the past. Ms. Bagley also noted that an account opened thru the town could handle the checks retaining to this event. Mr. Dwire was not in attendance today and has not formally made a commitment for the July Glass Show. Kathy also noted that since the income this committee receives from this event reaches us in July or August, his commitment for July 2004 will reflect on this committee's 2004/2005 budget. We are all set for 2003/2004.
    2. Update on Committee Membership. All positions on this committee have been filled. And as a reminder the positions held by Estelle Knurek (At Large) and Rev. Wendy Vencuss will expire on June 30, 2004.
    3. Brochure - Kathi Liberman asked if any brochures were still available. Donna Mattison was not present to answer, but Nancy Stilwell would check on it.
  6. NEW BUSINESS:
    1. Committee Goals for 2003 - 2004 A general discussion was held to review our committee's goals. It was determined that some wording would be changed and that the order of the importance would be changed as well. Janet Klett will have the changes ready for our next meeting so a vote could be held.
  7. REPORTS:
    1. AARP - Kitch Czernicki reported that the police department had done a presentation on Senior Safety issues. The membership was not happy with the temperature of the Banquet room at the Community Center. Kathy Bagley commented that this has been an ongoing concern and that the issue stems from the overhead heating and cooling unit and also concerns for proper air circulation in a public space, we are working on it to rectify the problem.
    2. Elderly Services - Christine Taylor had very detailed information to share and provided this committee with a print out to be attached to the minutes of this meeting.
    3. Wethersfield Seniors Club - Grace Piencikowski was not available. No report
    4. Social Services / Senior Center - Nancy Stilwell noted that the new Dial-a-Ride Program has been running fine with no complaints. The statistical information they have been receiving is a great help. A few trips have been added for the mall and everyone seems pleased. Christine's report covered most of other information. Nancy also updated us on Donna Mattison's Senior Center report. The Senior Net program is expanding to cover a few new classes. There will be a digital camera class and a genealogy class. She also has a few new volunteer coaches.
    5. Council Liaison - John Cascio wished everyone a happy New Year and updated this committee on Council information. He reviewed the progress of the renovation programs for the Webb School, SDMS and Stillman building, as well as the changes to Physical Services. He stated that the BOE as decided not to bring the three kindergarten classes to the Community Center and updated us on the new businesses that are coming to the Silas Deane Highway area. Mr. Cascio said the Council has approved a position for a police officer at the High School and added a 1/2 time position for Social & Youth Services. He reported that the town's contingency fund has dwindled to approximately $184,000.00 with 5 months still to go in this present budget.
    6. Wethersfield Housing Authority - Kathi Liberman reported that the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meals were well attended and that this has been a very busy Holiday season. The Middle School students helped with the tree decorating again this year and the residents enjoyed the day.
    7. Clergy Representative - Wendy Vencuss was absent.
    8. People with Disabilities - Janet Klett reported that due to the Holiday programs there was no December meeting. The December Christmas party was a success with over 80 people attending.
    9. General Comments - Adele Antoniou mentioned that Paul Hutcheon told her at a recent blood pressure screening at AHEPA that the blood pressure screenings at the Community Center were not well attended. Joselyn reported that there are blood pressure screenings every Wednesday at the Senior Club bingo. This program is done by volunteers from two of the local nursing homes, and that the VNA is here at the Community Center one Friday a month to due blood pressures and give B-12 shots. Many people come to these screening each and every week.
  8. ADJOURNMENT:
    A motion to adjourn was made by Kitch Czernicki and seconded by Jane-Helen Ross. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 4:25 p.m.