MINUTES

COMMISSION ON AGING

May 28, 2013

Members present: Frank Wozniak, Rosetta Stern, Tom Grover, Bonnie Olson, Tom Brunner,

Dr. Tom Thomas, Marianne Phalen, Lynnae Zahringer, Barbara Larson-Herber, John Ainsworth, Gladys Stezenski, Rick Kane, Holly Konitzer, Pam Anderson, Meg Tauchen

Members excused: None Absent: Jamie Perez

Location and Time: Fellman Center - 9:00 a.m.

Conference Room A, 607 E. Elizabeth St.

Shawano, WI 54166

  1. Roll call was taken by Chairman Frank Wozniak and noted that the open meeting notice was properly posted.
  1. Approval of March 26, 2013 minutes. Tom Brunner made a motion to approve the March 26, 2013 minutes. Tom Grover seconded the motion. All aye, motion carried.
  1. Public Comment. None.
  1. Adoption of Agenda. Bonnie Olson made a motion to adopt today’s agenda, seconded by John Ainsworth. All aye, motion carried.
  1. Deviation from the Agenda. Dr. Tom Thomasmade a motion to deviate from today’s agenda, if necessary. Bonnie Olson seconded the motion. All aye, motion carried.
  1. Benefit Specialist Report. Pam Anderson discussed an article from GWAAR regarding “How the Sequester is Affecting Medicare.” She has taken this article to the meal sites to share with the elderly.
  1. Nutrition.
  1. Nutrition Statistics. The Nutrition Statistics were distributed to all persons present and reviewed by Holly Konitzer. The new Dietician has been hired, Regina Teska. Regina will work 8 hours per month (LTE). She reviews menus and does research to answer questions from seniors at the meal sites and also presentations at the meal sites when needed. March donations were higher than last year at this time ($3.31 ave. per meal – higher than normal). Lynnae Z. discussed federal/state budget cuts for meals (approx. $10,000 or 4%). The state will match half, so it will not be such a drastic cut this year. It is not known exactly how this may affect delivered meals. There are fewer older participants in the program. There is also a budget cut as a result of Sequestration. Shawano County was advised to prepare for a possible additional 4% cut in 2013-2014.
  1. Transportation report.
  1. Driver Escort Report. Holly Konitzer reported that in March volunteer drivers logged 60 trips for a total of 2,759 miles and 99.0 hours. Also, in April volunteer drivers logged 73 trips for a total of 2,844 miles and 112.0 hours.
  2. Menominee Tribal Transit Report. Jamie Perez was not present at meeting. No report. There was discussion regarding MTM taking over for Logisticare in August. MTM is based in Missouri. Not a lot of specifics about this transition are known at this time.
  1. Aging Unit Director Report.
  1. GWAAR Update. Lynnae Zahringer reported thatGWAAR is working on a benefits booklet and a guardianship support center. GWAAR has attorneys available that monitor state programs for Benefit Specialists.
  1. Advocacy. Lynnae Zahringer discussed cuts and census for low-income seniors. She distributed an article outlining funding changes for Wisconsin’s aging programs under the Older Americans Act. An article regarding senior volunteers was also distributed. Discussed the fact that a better system is needed to find out what services are available.
  1. 6-14-13 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Lynnae Zahringer distributed a list of the resolutions that went before the County Board last week regarding World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Shawano County. There is a display at the Library regarding this and there will be presentations on June 14.
  1. Living Treasures. Lynnae Zahringer indicated the Living Treasures presentation is to follow this meeting (at approximately 11:00 am).
  1. Department of Community Programs. Barbara Larson-Herberindicated the 5310 grant vehicles have been ordered and they anticipate delivery in October.
  1. District Representatives and AARP Reports.

Western: Frank Wozniak discussed volunteer recognition programs at individual meal sites. He also discussed the “history of aprons” presented in May.

Eastern: None

Central: None

AARP: Marianne Phalen stated the batteries were replaced in the defibrillator at the Civic Center, which was very costly ($327.00). Two $500 scholarships were given; one to a student from Shawano and one to be given to a student from Bowler. Brat fries will be held at the Red Barn on 6/12, 7/17 and 7/18 to replenish funds. There will also be a bake sale at BMO Harris Bank on 6/7 – help is needed. Card parties were held in April (22 attending) and May (20 attending). The next card party will be held in September. There will be a picnic at Mason Park on 7/16.

Member at Large: None.

City: Gladys Stezenski discussed the volunteer party that was held on May 15 with music, singing, prizes and cupcakes. Flag Day is 6/14 and Jumpin’ June Jamboree Fest will be held on 6/15. On 6/7, the new dietician will visit and the Farm Bureau women will serve dairy treats. There are still three garden boxes available. United Way wants the branches cut by the sign. It was determined that it is the responsibility of the Post Office to cut these branches.

Other Business: Lynnae Z. distributed an article on “How to Dispose of Unused Medicines” and discussed the importance of educating Shawano County residents on the importance of disposing of unused/old prescription medications. The public needs to be better informed on the importance of proper disposal of these medications.

  1. Per Diem Approval. Bonnie Olson made a motion to approve today’s COA Meeting, Transportation Committee Meeting and the Nutrition Council meeting on June 5 per diem payments. Tom Brunner seconded the motion. All aye, motion carried.
  1. Next Meeting Date. The next commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. at the Fellman Center.
  1. Adjourn. John Ainsworth made a motion to adjourn this meeting, seconded by Dr. Tom Thomas. All aye, motion carried. The meeting was adjourned.

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Bonnie Olson, SecretaryDate

Shawano County Commission on Aging