[NOTE: These minutes are made available to the public prior to Advisory Committee for People With Disabilities acceptance.]
One member of the pubic had some concerns about the buses coming very early to pick them up and the unpleasant attitudes of the drivers. She suggested that drivers need more training. Some buses are parking in front of buildings with their ramps down while they wait for pick-ups, which could impede traffic.
There was an accident on one of the buses. A strap broke causing a passenger to fall out of their wheelchair. Chris Taylor said she was told the drivers would be given additional training. Carol Keenan suggested having new drivers go through everything the passengers in wheelchairs have to go through when riding the buses.
A MOTION was made by Joan Haines to accept the minutes of the June 20, 2007 meeting with one correction. Seconded by Jim Grise. All were in favor, MOTION CARRIED.
Four Group Homes have signed up to participate in bowling. Many residents of Wethersfield Group Homes attended the Summer Picnic. The Butternut Drive Group Home will be moving to Cromwell in October.
There was a discussion about negative comments made about the possibility of a Group Home moving to Wethersfield. People aren't always aware of how Group Homes are operated and it would help to inform residents so they are not opposed to having them in their neighborhoods.
Seniors will be holding their first meeting of the new fiscal year Thursday September 20, 2007 at 3:00p.m. Copies of the Senior Newsletter are now available.
The Senior Expo is Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at the Rocky Hill Community Center. Wethersfield residents along with Rocky Hill, Cromwell, Middletown, and Newington residents are invited to attend. If anyone needs a ride please contact Donna Madison in Social Services. State Senator Paul Doyle is running the Expo.
Open enrollment for Medicare Part D is starting. Lindsey Cullin is the new Manager of Choices and she will be conducting a presentation November 1, 2007 in the Banquet Room of the Community Center at 1:00 p.m. This presentation will describe all the new Medicare prescription drug benefits available to Medicare beneficiaries including those that have Connpace, Medicaid and group employer coverage and also those who have veteran benefits.
The CRT Energy Assistance Program has started. Contact Social Services for more information or to schedule an appointment.
A free Home Repairs Program is being held. Volunteers will repair one hundred homes at no cost to qualified homeowners in the Spring of 2008. For more information call 1-800-887-HOPE. Annual income must be $30,000 or less to qualify.
The State Independent Living Council is presenting Forging a New Vision, Independent Living In Connecticut on September 29, 2007 from 9:00a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Southern Connecticut State University. This is a Disability Conference for 2007 featuring Judith Hymen, Pioneer of the National Independent Living Civil Rights Movement as the keynote speaker. You can register on-line or by phone. The price is $20 for adults and $10 for students.
The State is working on a new nursing home pilot program that combines the aging system and disability system. The program is called the Money Follows the Person. They are giving people on Medicaid choices to be able to move out of the nursing home and into the community.
The Central Connecticut Health District is holding Cholesterol Diabetes and Skin Cancer Screenings. Information including dates and times can be found on their web-site http://ccthd.org
The Summer Picnic was held on July 27th and everyone who attended had a good time. Sixteen athletes participated in the Golf Program. There is now a new Bocce Program. One athlete was sent to the state Bocce Tournament and came in fourth place. Ten athletes were sent to the state Gold Tournament, placing third, fourth and second. Six athletes went to the National Gold Tournament in Florida and returned with two third places and a fourth place finish.
After school programs start today. The Special Olympics Unified Basketball Program and Bowling Programs are under way.
The Third Annual Roaring Thunder Motorcycle Ride was held Sunday July 29th.
A Butterbraid fundraiser is being held to support Special Olympic Programs. There is also a Hartford Wolfpack Bowl-a-thon on December 16, 2007 to raise money for local Special Olympic Programs. Contact Natalie at 721-2952 for more information.
The Pancake Breakfast is being held Saturday December 1, 2007. Proceeds also support the Special Olympic Programs.
Natalie Morrison is working with the Special Olympic State office to get Unified Sport Programs in the schools. Right now they run they are being run outside the schools.
The ninth annual 5K Run, Walk and Roll is being held at Mikey's Place on Sunday October 14, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.
Bonnie Therrien would like to know if anyone is interested in getting involved emergency preparedness for person with disabilities. Kathleen Sullivan said she would consider doing it.
The Thanksgiving Day Party is Tuesday November 13th from 5:00-8:30 p.m. and the Holiday Party is Tuesday December 18th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Mark your calendars!
This topic was discussed under Public.
All copies of the Resource Booklet have been handed out by Social Services. More copies will be available shortly.
Jim Grise is the new liaison to the Building Committee. There was a discussion of how he can best provide input during the Building Committee meetings.
A MOTION was made by Joan Haines to adjourn. Seconded by Jim Grise. All were in favor, MOTION CARRIED.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen A. Knapp
Recording Secretary