PSSN Minutes from August 26, 2010

AUGUST 26, 2010
PSSN MINUTES
ATTENDEES: Carol Haas (Area Agency on Aging), Dorothy Jones (Po.Co. Society of Blind), Barb Pochedly (Po. Co. District Library), Jane Gwinn (FCS Senior Track), Laurel Kane (Portage Home Health), Paul Crosby (Rx Home Health Care), Evelyn Peck (Reed Memorial Library), Lisa Little (Home Instead), Michele Lavigna (FCS Service), Bob Pontius (Angels Care Home Health), Mike Semon (F&CS), Diane Barben (Anna Maria), Lorie Fields (211 Portage) Charles Armstrong (Marlene’s Low Vision), Marlene Armstrong (Marlene’s Low Vision), David Gluse (Anthem), Andra Polasky (Coleman Adult Day Care), Lucy Bibbee (Comfort Keepers), Annette Balis (Home Instead), Kim Lockhart (Accessible HHC), Chris Deshon (Advantage Home Health), Denise Czech-Dydo (Crossroads Hospice).
PRESIDENT – Denise Czech- Dydo called the meeting to order at 9:00AM and called for introductions. Bob Pontius provided refreshments and gave a 2 min. talk about Angels Care Home Health.
PROGRAM – Mike Semon of Family & Community Services explained the Foster Grandparents Program where seniors go to schools to assist teachers by mentoring students 4-5 hrs. a day. He also administers the Senior Companion program where seniors provide transportation, food preparation and light housekeeping to the elderly. A stipend and mileage is given to volunteers. More volunteers are needed for both programs.
MINUTES – The July 22nd minutes were distributed. A motion was made by Jane Gwinn to accept as written. Seconded by Diane Barben and passed.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Given by Annette Balis. There are 15 paid members. List read by Denise.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
MEMBERSHIP: No report. Members are – Charles Armstrong, Genel Nicolls, and Annette Balis. Pres. Denise requested that a member of the committee be present at the sign-in table before meetings to greet and register attendees. Membership applications should be available. She suggested membership forms be sent to former members.
EDUCATION: Crystal Shanley will obtain a speaker for the Sept. Meeting.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS: Jane Gwinn reported that the Harvest Ball will be Oct. 14th at the Kent American Legion. Diane Barben will sponsor the music. PSSN will contribute $600.00 and Crossroads Hospice will give $100.00. PSSN members are requested to bring door prizes to the Sept. 23rd meeting and to include their brochure inside and outside if they provide baskets. Cost for member lunches is $11.00 and payment should be brought to on Sept. 23rd. Helpers should arrive @ 8:30 AM. Seniors will sign up at their centers throughout the county.
FUTURE EVENTS: Home Instead will introduce Santa for Seniors in Sept. Annette Balis requested that members bring names of seniors needing a gift to PSSN meetings.
The Giving Tree, sponsored by the Newman Center, provides 20 gifts for seniors. Give names to Jane Gwinn. PSSN could assist if needed.
The Holiday Party will be held in Dec., date and location TBA.
The 10th Anniversary of PSSN will be May 19, 2011.
OLD BUSINESS – Lisa Little will contact Maplewood Career Center regarding web site service.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Denise Czech-Dydo announced a Gift Extravaganxa @ her home on Sept. 17th. Door Prizes and Client Gifts may be purchased.
Mandy Zantow announced that Family & Community Services and Robinson Memorial will sponsor classes for the prevention of falls. Dates TBA.
Jane Gwinn announced that because of Thanksgiving, the Nov. PSSN meeting will be on Nov. 18th @ 8:30 AM @ Reed Memorial Library, 167 E. Main St. in Ravenna. Go to the right from the parking lot and use the staff entrance near the electric box.
Jane also stated that she has medical equipment available at no charge. Items include wheelchairs, walkers and commodes. Call her @ (330)677-4124 Ext. 11.
Laurel Kane (Portage Home Health) announced a fundraiser for a Chinese baby adoption on Aug. 30 at the North End restaurant in Hudson.
Denise Czech-Dydo announced “Mix & Mingle” on Oct. 7th from 4:30 to 6:30 sponsored by the Summit Co. Senior Services Network.
Annette Balis announced a Caregivers Support Group, sponsored by Home Instead, meets the first Wed. of ea. month from 6-7PM at the Church in Aurora. Also an Eldercare Workshop on Sept. 18th, 10AM to 4PM @ the Church in Aurora.
Carol Haas (Area Agency on Aging) will make her office at Resouces on Oakwood available for PSSN Committee meetings following the regular meeting of PSSN.
Denise announced that Genel Nicolls will be doing a monthly article for the Record-Courier to announce PSSN activities. Lisa Little offered to help with publicity.
Evelyn Peck will open the door @ 8:00AM on Sept. 23rd for the PSSN meeting. Steve Russell of Homewatch Caregivers will provide refreshments and the raffle prize.
Diane Barben will be in charge of refreshment supplies.
The PSSN web address is PSSN.org. and the mailing address is P.O. Box 415, Ravenna, OH 44266.
Crystal Shanley will post minutes and meeting reminders on the web site.
Annette Balis made a motion to ajourn. Seconded by Andra Polasky.