PSSN MINUTES
November 19, 2009

ATTENDEES: Charles Armstrong (Marlene’s Low Vision), Marlene Armstrong (Marlene’s Low Vision), Annette Balis (Home Instead Senior Care), Diane Barden (The Campus of Anna Maria), Eric Bloniarz (Medical Service Company), Jane Gwinn (FCS/Senior Track), Cynthia Harrington (Visiting Nurses Association), Dorothy Jones (Po Co Society of the Blind), Michelle Kairis (Coleman Adult Day Services), Laurel Kane (Portage Home Health), Jessica Koller (Anna Maria at Home), Lisa Little (Home Instead Senior Care), Genel Nichols (Kent Ridge at Golden Pond), Pam Oslin (Caring Home Help), Evelyn Peck (Reed Memorial Library), Janet Phelps (Coleman Adult Day Services), Barb Pochedly (Po. Co. District Library), Tony Sinito (Medical Service Company), Linda Vogel (Area Agency on Aging), Nicole Zager (Prospect House), Mandy Zantow (FCS/RSVP)

President Genel Nichols called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and called for introductions and announcements.
Michelle Kairis announced that the Brunch Bunch will host another annual event Thanksgiving morning at the Kent American Legion from 8:30am to 12:00pm. All proceeds support area agencies.
Mandy Zantow announced that the Portage County Senior Center will hold its 1st annual Christmas Bizarre on November 23rd from 8:30am to 3:30pm.
Lisa Litle and Annette Balis thanked all that attended the Home Instead open house. Also announced more information regarding the Santa for a Senior program and explained how members can get involved for this year or years to come.
Genel Nichols passed around the first draft of the PSSN flyer for members to provide feedback and corrections.

PROGRAM: Speaker Linda Vogel, Area Agency on Aging, provided a CEU presentation on “Dashing through the Dough”. Linda invited the group to sing along with a song to help those get through the holidays and provided information on surviving the many family gatherings. Also discussed the book, “When holidays are Hell” written by Marianne Koplon. The group was asked to share traditions or stress relievers they use to get through the holidays. Some members shared they volunteer to ring the Salvation Army Holiday bell and others shared they dress up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus during the holiday season. Please contact Linda Vogel for any additional information or handouts.

Secretary’s report:
Annette Balis made a motion to pass last month’s meeting minutes with no corrections, Diane Barden second the motion, and the motion passed.

Treasurer’s report:
Eric Bloniarz reported that the budget is the same as last month with no new updates.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Relations: Jane Gwinn reports that committee met last on November 19th at Loyalton to discuss and finalize the PSSN holiday party scheduled for December 4th at Anna Maria. Committee also discussed a possible flyer for EMS and other safety professionals, providing information on the importance of filing a CARES reports for all senior concerns. Next meeting is on January 20th at 9am at Loyalton (also a joint meeting with Education Committee to further discuss the 10 year PSSN celebration)

Education Committee: Jane Gwinn reports that the group met last on November 6th to finalize the meeting topics for the remainder of the year and announced January’s topic of “Healthy Tips for Health Care” and February’s topic of “Low Vision State Funding Programs”. Next meeting is on January 20th at 9am at Loyalton (also a joint meeting with Community Relations to further discuss the 10 year PSSN celebration)

Client Services: Genel Nichols reports no new information.

Membership: Eric Bloniarz reported no new information.

Old Business: Diane Barden reminded those that have not RSVP’ed to the PSSN Holiday party should RSVP as soon as possible, seats are limited. Also explaining more in detail the “White Elephant” gift exchange which will take place during the PSSN Holiday party.

New Business: Genel Nichols announced the PSSN 10 year celebration will take place sometime in 2010 to celebrate the founding of PSSN along with recognizing all the founders. Genel also announced that the officers are scheduled to meet on December 1st at 8:30am to further discuss the 10 year celebration. More information to come.

Diane Barden made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Annette Balis second the motion and the motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 10:13am.

The next meeting will be held January 28th at the
Community Room at ROC @ 8:30 a.m.
Portage County Jobs and Family Services will provide refreshments

Respectively submitted by,
Crystal Shanley
Secretary