PSSN MINUTES
April 22, 2010

ATTENDEES: Charles and Marlene Armstrong (Marlene’s Low Vision), Denise Dydo-Czech (Crossroads Hospice), Gwen Geisheimer (Daniel P. Seink), Mandy Glace (Area Agency on Aging), Jane Gwinn (FCS/Senior Track), Dorothy Jones (PC Society of the Blind), Michele Kairis (Coleman Adult Day Services), Lisa Little (Home Instead Senior Care), Genel Nichols (KentRidge at Golden Pond), Evelyn Peck (Reed Memorial Library), Barb Pochedly (P. C. District Library), Bob Pontius (Angels Care Home Health), Claudette Rogers (FCS/MAP), Crystal Shanley (FCS/Senior Track), Molly Snyder (Anna Maria at Home), Matt VanNotz (Senior Helpers), Mandy Zantow (FCS/RSVP)

President Genel Nichols called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and called for introductions and announcements.
Genel announced that she is in the process of printing 300 PSSN tri-folds for the Senior Celebration welcome table, sponsored by PSSN. Genel passed around a PSSN tri-fold for an update on how each member would like to listed in the brochure – corrections to Genel as soon as possible. Genel also handed out flyers on the upcoming “Preventing and Surviving Violence” set for April 29 5-7pm at Kent Ridge. Genel also announced that the officers slate will be discussed with the current officers and committee chairs next week, with nominations to follow at the next meeting.
Claudette Rogers announced that Medicab is a new program in Portage County for those in need of out-of-the-county medical transportation. Claudette handed out flyers in contact information.
Mandy Zantow announced that if anyone is interested in volunteering for the Medicab program as a driver, please contact RSVP.
Denise Dydo-Czech announced that Crossroads Hospice will be providing educational programs at Etna House and those interested should contact Denise for more information.

PROGRAM: Meeting topic “Circle of Networking”, giving all members one minute to provide an overview of their program/agency. Program this month is based on a networking meeting for all members to speak briefly about their programs and share with the group any updates or upcoming events.

Secretary’s report:
Minutes from February’s meeting were approved with corrections to Michele Kairis stating that Coleman Adult Day in Aurora is now approved for PASSPORT. Claudette Rogers made a motion to pass February’s minutes with the corrections made, Denise Dydo-Czech second the motion, and the motion passed.
Claudette Rogers made a motion to pass last month’s meeting minutes with no corrections, Michele Kairis second the motion, and the motion passed.

Treasurer’s report :
Denise Dydo-Czech reports that there are no updates for the treasurer’s report per our treasurer Eric Bloniarz.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Relations: Mandy Zantow announced final plans for the Senior Celebration set for May 11th at NEOUCOM. Mandy shared that those who already have an exhibit table can set up between 8am-9am and those who do not have a table can donate door prize baskets. Mandy shared there is a waiting list for those who do not have a table, contact Mandy for details. Denise Dydo-Czech announced the committee’s status on the planning of the 10 Year PSSN Celebration scheduled on May 19th 2011. Denise noted that this is our “one big moment” to go all out and really present PSSN on a grand level to those supporters in Portage County. Denise passed around a sample of the sponsor list for members in PSSN to seek sponsorship for the event, since we are a non-profit program and since we are not charging ticket prices at the door. Denise presented ideas shared by the committee in past meetings about inviting past officers, founding individuals of PSSN, mayors/judges/dignitaries, senior centers, churches, chamber offices, and so forth. Denise shared that the goal of this event is to not only raise awareness of PSSN and honor our current members but to build membership too.

Discussion came up about the size of the event and having to ask for sponsorship. Michele Kairis shared that she is concerned that the mission of PSSN is not clearly noted on the sponsorship forms and that the members should have more information before encouraging members in our community to donate to this cause. Barb Prochedly suggests we add the PSSN mission statement to the sponsorship forms and encourage some sort of education or “what to say” when asking for donations. Claudette Rogers noted that our goal should be to raise awareness of our mission of PSSN since there are still many individuals in our county that work directly with seniors that still are unaware of our presence.

Denise Dydo-Czech stated she would take all recommendations back to the committee when they meet on May 19th at 9am at Emeritus (formerly Loyalton). Denise will follow up with PSSN at the next meeting.

Education Committee: Crystal Shanley reported that the Education Committee is still looking for members to join and assist in the topics discussed at the monthly PSSN meetings. Crystal shared that the committee will meet next on June 8th at 9:30am in the same room as the monthly PSSN meeting, if anyone is interested in coming. Crystal passed around a “idea list” for meeting topics from our members. Crystal agreed to review this list of suggestions with the rest of the committee on June 8th.

Membership Committee: Charles Armstrong announced that client services and membership are now joining forces and will have more information to share at the next meeting.

Old Business: see Community Relations Committee Report

New Business: see Community Relations Committee Report

The next meeting will be held May 27, 2010 at
705 Oakwood St. Ravenna at 8:30 a.m.
Area Agency on Aging will provide refreshments

Respectively submitted by,
Crystal Shanley
Secretary