PSSN MINUTES
August 28, 2008

ATTENDEES: Charles Armstrong ( Marlene’s Low Vision), Diane Barben, (Campus at Anna Maria), Jane Gwinn (FCS/Senior Track), Carol Haas (AAOA), Dorothy Jones (PC Society of the Blind),Diane Knaser-Forsythe (CareTenders), James Lenahan (Vision Therapeutic Services), Alison Machel (AAOA),Genel Nichols (KentRidge at Golden Pond), Pam Oslin-Hart (Kent Healthcare Center), Evelyn Peck (Reed Memorial Library),Kathi Guckelberger (PC DJFS),Marta Williger (Williger& Peters), Mandy Zantow (FCS/RSVP), Julie Malone (Visiting Physicians), B.K.Hall(Emeritus Senior Living), Jeanette Messino (The Woodlands @ Robinson), Crystal Shanley (FCS/Senior Track),Lauren Humphrey (Essex of Tallmadge), Jennifer Reynolds (Harbor Light Hospice), Eric Bloniarz (Medical Service Co.), Laurel Kane (Portage Home Health)

Genel Nichols called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and called for introductions and announcements.
Jane Gwinn announced that the: Summit County Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition Conference will be held September 25 at Summa Hospital in Akron which many PSSN members will attend and conflicts with next months meeting.
Jim Lenahan announced Sept. 4 at 3 p.m. Laurel Lake is holding a program for Seniors on Vision issues.
Genel thanked past Treasurer (Charles Armstrong) for serving as treasurer for many years and returning to fill the balance of the treasurer position one year.
Genel asked members to check the web site for info, signing in as members and meeting information. Genel advised members to check the web site to see if the September meeting will be moved due to the conflict of the Elder Abuse Prevention Conference the same day.
Program: Duane Porter from the Portage County Health Department spoke on “Take 5” promotion to inform community about the services the health department provides. Duane encouraged members to take the “Take 5” information to the community to educate people about the health department and its importance to the community.,

Secretary’s report: Diane Knaser-Forsythe motioned to accept the minutes, BK Hall seconded and the motion passed.

Treasurer’s report- Current Balance $3,346.69. Eleven members paid dues. PSSN has 24 total members. The treasurer’s report will be submitted for review.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Relations: Jane Gwinn reported the committee met to plan the Holiday Giving Tree program, Senior Harvest Bal (Oct. 30 at the American Legion) donation of ($50) for baskets, Bingo prizes for the PC Senior Center, and announced the PSSN members holiday party will be held on Dec. 5 at the Crossings at Golden Pond to be catered. Members will be asked to provide a $5 or less unwrapped gift for a senior and a white elephant gift. More information will be provided at Sept.. meeting.
Education Committee: Jane Gwinn reported that programs have been confirmed for September -Sarah Hallsky- MERSA 1 CEU, October will be Claudette Rogers- Medicare Update, November will be Arlyne Habeeb (Community Action Agency). Jane asked members for suggestions or ideas for programs for 2009.
Client Services Committee- BK Hall reported the committee is working on advocacy, educating seniors about the election process and issues. The monthly meetings may change to various sites and BK encouraged members to check the PSSN web site (PSSN. Org) for announcements. B.K announced PSSN is cheking on getting a dedicated phone number available for the community to contact PSSN
Membership Committee-. No report

Old Business: Genel reminded members to send in membership forms and payment to PSSN treasurer Eric Bloniarz.
New Business: Diane Knaser-Forsythe suggested PSSN have a membership drive.
B.K. Hall announced Community Forum dates: Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 on Mortgage crisis times and place to be announced.
Motion was made by Diane Knaser-Forsythe to adjourn the meeting, Diane Barben seconded the motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

Respectively submitted by,
Jane Gwinn
Secretary