PSSN MINUTES
September 24, 2009

ATTENDEES: Linda Allen (Access to Independence), Annette Balis (Home Instead Senior Care), Eric Bloniarz (Medical Services,Inc), Rachel Danson (One to One), Chuck Eisele (ELKS – hospital), Lois Eisele (ELKS – hospital), Ronn Franczkewski (Bankers Life), Trisha Golden (Kent Health Care Center), Kathy Guckelberger (APS-DJFS), Dorothy Jones (Po. Co. Society of the Blind), Laurel Kane (Portage Home Health), Katie Kloetzly (Streetsboro Senior Center), Diane Knaser-Forsythe (Care Tenders), Jessica Koller (Anna Maria at Home), James Lenahan (Vision Therapeutic Services), Lisa Little (Home Instead Senior Care), Genel Nichols (Kent Ridge at Golden Pond), Pam Olsin (Caring Home Help), Evelyn Peck (Reed Memorial Library), Barb Pochedly (Po. Co. District Library), Jennifer Reynolds (Harbor Light Hospice), Marta Williger (Williger & Peters), Nicole Zager (Prospect House)

President Genel Nichols called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and called for introductions and announcements.
Genel Nichols announced that Kent Ridge at Golden Pond along with Harbor Light Hospice and Medical Services will host “When Dementia Comes Home” on September 24th from 6pm to 8pm. All are welcome.
Genel Nichols announced that Joggin’ Your Noggin’ has been very successful at our Portage County Senior Centers and the next event will be held on October 19th at Immaculate Conception – Young at Heart. See Becky Metzger if your agency wants to set up a resource table for $10 – they need to know ASAP… set up by 10:30am.
Annette Balis announced that Home Instead Senior Care in Aurora have moved locations and working on an open house, date set for sometime in November.

PROGRAM: Speaker Kathy Guckelberger with Adult Protective Services (APS) spoke about elder abuse reporting and ways we as professionals can do our part to better protect our elder population. Kathy stated that “we are mandated to report elder abuse, neglect or exploitation”. Kathy reports that our agencies can use Title XX funds for specific services; such as home care, adult day services, and home delivered meals. See Kathy for any additional questions and remember to call the CARES line at (330) 296-2273 for any reports of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Secretary’s report:
Diane Knaser-Forsythe made a motion to pass last month’s meeting minutes with no corrections, Jim Lenahan second the motion, and the motion passed.

Treasurer’s report:
Eric Bloniarz reported that our budget is at $4370.01.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Relations: Annette Balis reported that Santa for a Senior and the Giving Tree are both accepting names of needy seniors for the holidays and Annette reports that a Senior Dance will be held in the spring (date and time TBA).

Education Committee: Jennifer Reynolds reports no new news for the committee.

Client Services: Kathy Guckelberger reported that the committee needs members. Next meeting is the Friday October 16th at Kent Ridge at Golden Pond.

Membership: Genel Nichols reported no new news.

Old Business: Genel Nichols reported that another Joggin’ Your Noggin’ event has been scheduled for October 26th at 1pm at Shalersville Townhall. Contact Nancy Vines at (330) 296-4244 if you are interested in attending the event.

New Business: A discussion began with Marta Williger making a motion for $100 be donated by PSSN to the Harvest Ball to benefit Sally Kelly’s Senior Center. Kathi Guckelberger second motion. Before passing, Jim Lenahan motioned for more money be donated to Harvest Ball. Kathi Guckelberger motioned for $200 be donated. Before passing, Marta Williger expressed concerns about setting a precedent for future events or for other Senior Centers. Diane Knaser-Forsythe shared concerns that that large of a donation may take away from funding for Senior Celebration. Jim Lenahan made a motion to amend amount to $150. Before passing, Laurel Kane made a motion to keep amount at $100 to get our name (PSSN) out there. Meeting voted on making a $100 donation to Harvest Ball and motion passed.

Laurel Kane made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Jim Lenahan second the motion and the motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00am.

The next meeting will be held October 22nd at
Community Room at ROC at 8:30 a.m.
Coleman Adult Day Services will provide refreshments

Respectively submitted by,
Crystal Shanley
Secretary