Attending: Lawrence Mansier, Anne Bolick, Severino DiCocco, William Farmer, Jean Harrington, Joel May, Virginia Silliphant, Nils Stout
Others: Senior Coordinator: Abigail Waugh
Pennington Borough: Weed Tucker
Chairman Mansier called the Meeting to order at 2:10PM. Notice was made of meeting the Open Public Meetings Act requirements. The Minutes of the December meeting were approved as read.
Election of Officers:
The annual election of officers of the Board was held. Joel May moved, and Nils Stout seconded, the nomination of the current slate of officers and they were elected unanimously, to wit:
Chairman: Lawrence Mansier
Vice Chairman: William Farmer
Secretary: Joel May
Senior Services Coordinator's Report:
Administration: Created a new format for the Coordinator Report and Quarterly Reports and compiled statistics for 2009
Events and Programs: Finalized speakers for programs through March and attended Hopewell Valley Come Out and Play meeting
Finance: Opened bulk mail, printing and Pennington Market accounts for 2010, received temporary budget appropriation from Hopewell Township in the amount of $5,000, and attended Hopewell Valley Senior Foundation meeting.
Publicity: Issues flyers, Senior Spirit, press releases, email updates and also see www.hvseniors.org
Social Services: Contacted Partners in Caring Collaborative regarding Hopewell Valley residents in need of services and assisted residents with choosing Medicare Part D plans.
Transportation: Toured Hopewell Valley with Hopewell Valley Rides driver, Kevin, in order to show him key locations (senior communities, senior center, libraries, doctors' offices and grocery stores), arranged for RideProvide staff, the new Hopewell Valley Rides provided, to speak at Hopewell Gardens, and spoke with Hopewell Valley Rides members regarding the change in vendors.
Volunteers: Surveyed Bear Tavern volunteers regarding their experiences in the past three months and sent thank you messages to all Senior Services volunteers.
Discussion of the report included a suggestion that Senior Spirit be emailed where possible and Abigail Waugh, Senior Coordinator, requested feedback on the new format of the report.
Chairman's Report:
YMCA Affair: Chairman Mansier reported attending a wine and pizza reception sponsored by the YMCA at the Hopewell Valley Winery. He reported that it was a fine, loud gathering, but provided little opportunity for networking.
Meeting with Kim Johnson: Chairman Mansier, Vice Chairman Farmer and Senior Coordinator Abigail Waugh met with Hopewell Township Committeewoman Kimberly Johnson who has assumed responsibility for the Senior Advisory Committee. They briefed her on the history, current situation and future goals of the committee, as well as the role of the Senior Coordinator. She responded with interest, stated plans to attend as many committee meetings as possible, and indicated that the new mayor, Michael Markulec, would like to meet with us as well. She also stated that she would pursue efforts to have the mayors of the three municipalities meet regarding the potential grant from Mercer County for the proposed senior center.
On-Site Wheel Chair: Chairman Mansier will approach the Lion's Club with a request to donate a wheel chair for the Senior Center
Update on Teen Center: Kim Bruno contacted William Farmer and requested a update on the thinking of the board regarding the sharing of the building on the present Capital Health System's property with the Teen group. Farmer indicated that we were resolved to continue to investigate and negotiate the feasibility of sharing the building and that we would support their efforts before the Pennington Zoning Board to change the usage designation of the building.
Committee Reports:
Handicapped Restroom: Work on the renovations has begun. The contract with Mark W. Moticha requires a down payment of $3,150 on the first day of work. The Hopewell Valley Senior Foundation will issue the check.
Explorations: Plans are underway for the Spring semester of Explorations which will begin on Monday, April 19th. The four courses scheduled (so far) are:
Princeton University Architecture, John Hlafter,
Mondays 4/19-5/24, Wellington Manor Clubhouse
Old Time Words and Expressions, Stan Saperstein,
Mondays 4/19-5/24, Hopewell Valley Senior Center
Enjoying Shakespeare II, Lawrence Mansier,
Tuesdays 4/20-5/25, Pennington Presbyterian Church
Famous Women in American History, Cindy Saperstein,
Wednesdays 4/21-5/26, Pennington Presbyterian Church
Beginners Sign Language, Sylvia Morrison
Fridays 4/23-5/28, Pennington Presbyterian Church
Weed Tucker will investigate the possibility of using the Pennington Point clubhouse as a venue for one or more of these sessions.
Public Input:
Weed Tucker, liaison from Pennington Borough, reported that P.L. 209, recently signed by ex-Governor Corzine, requires that all members of public committees take an Oath of Office. However, Annette C. Bielawski, Hopewell Township Municipal Clerk, informed Severino DiCocco that an Oath was not required. The sense of the group was that we would await further developments and/or information.
Old Business:
The Girl Scouts have not followed up on their offer to paint the interior of the Senior Center, made last November. Abigail Waugh will contact them to see if their interest persists.
New Business:
William Farmer suggested that we advertise the vacancy on the Committee of a representative from Pennington Borough to replace Bob Riley.
Vanessa Sandom suggested to William Farmer that a citizen named Susan Popkin is very interested in getting involved in senior projects. He has contacted her.
Joel May suggested that a sub-committee be named to develop ideas for new programs, projects, equipment, etc. to be submitted for possible funding by the Hopewell Valley Senior Foundation. Lawrence Mansier responded by creating a Futures Committee and appointing Joel May, chair, and William Farmer, Anne Bolick, Helen Lee, Susan Popkin (if she is interested) and Abigail Waugh (ex officio) as members.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:00PM
Respectfully Submitted:
Joel May, Secretary
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 2pm at the HV Senior Center.