PSSN MINUTES
October 23, 2008

ATTENDEES: Annette Balis ( Home Instead), Eric Bloniarz (Medical Service Co.), Denice Czech (Crossroads Hospice) , Karen Ginder (Altercare Post Acure Rehab. Center), Kathi Guckelberger (PC DJFS), Jane Gwinn (FCS/Senior Track), B.K.Hall (Emeritus Senior Living), Nedra Hill (Mobile Meals), Lauren Humphrey (Alzheimer’s Assoc.), Dorothy Jones (PC Society of the Blind), Laurel Kane (Portage Home Health), Michele C. Kairis ( Coleman Adult Day Services), Diane Knaser-Forsythe (CareTenders), Linda Lauck (FGP/Senior Companion), Lisa Little (Home Instead),Greg Opole (Aflac Ins.), Evelyn Peck (Reed Memorial Library), Barb Pochedly (Portage C. District Library), Crystal Shanley (FCS/Senior Track), Jennifer Reynolds (Harbor Light Hospice), Claudette Rogers ((FCS/ MAP), Jim Stilson (VIP Homecare Inc.), Mandy Zantow (FCS/RSVP)

B.K. Hall (Vice-President) called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. and called for introductions of members and announcements/updates

Treasurer’s report :Due to treasure Eric Bloniarz request to leave early Treasurer’s report was moved. Eric reported PSSN received five new memberships. Current balance on account is $3,814.69. The Treasure’s report was submitted for review.
Program: Claudette Rogers with FCS Medicine Access Program and OSHIIP provided an update on the Medicare programs. Claudette distributed information on 2009 Medicare A and B payment amounts. Claudette explained that if individuals eligible for Medicare B and D programs do not sign up when eligible they will be assessed a 1% per month fee on their Medicare B and D premiums if they sign up at a later date.
Secretary’s report: Claudette Rogers motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Denise Czech seconded the motion and it passed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Relations: Jane Gwinn reported the committee met to plan the Holiday Giving Tree program, Mandy Zantow announced the PSSN members holiday party will be held on Dec. 5 at the Crossings at Golden Pond to be catered. Members are asked to provide a $5 or less unwrapped gift for a senior and a white elephant gift. Lisa Little handed out flyers about the Holiday Party and reminded members to send in registration form and money for the luncheon to Jane Gwinn at FCS. The next committee meeting will be Nov. 19 at 9:00 a.m. at the Loyalton of Ravenna.
Education Committee: Jane Gwinn reported that the next program will be November 20 and Arlyne Habeeb (Community Action Council) will present information about Community Action Council. Jane asked members for suggestions or ideas for programs for 2009. Jane Jane announced she will contact members for the next meeting to schedule confirm programs for 2009.
Client Services Committee: Cathi Guckelberger reported on LWV (League of Woman Voters) and candidate night and partnership with other Portage County Senior Centers. The next committee meeting will be Nov. 14 at 8:45 a.m. at Anna Maria Nursing Home in Aurora.
Membership Committee-. Karen Ginder announced the committee is working to increase and promote membership.

Old Business: . Members are encouraged to check the web site for announcements, minutes and agenda items. Members were reminded that the next PSSN meeting is a week earlier due to Thanksgiving on November 20.

New Business.: Annette Balis (Home Instead) announced about the Santa For Senior Program. Annette informed members that Christmas trees in various sites (Walmart, Giant Eagle and FCS at Oakwood) around Portage County will display trees and accept gifts purchased by customers. Annette explained customers will take an ornament with a gift request and purchase the gift and return to the store. Committee members will wrap gifts at Bryn Mawr on Dec, 10 from 1-4 p.m. and deliver to area seniors. Members will have until Nov. 8 to submit names to Home Instead.
Sally Kelly (Dir. Portage County Senior Center) fell and broke her ankle and has had surgery. Members are encouraged to send cards.
Karen Ginder announced the new after hours number for Altercare in Brimfield is (330) 677-4550.
SSMA (Senior Sales and Marketing Assoc.) will meet at Altercare in Brimfield on Nov. 11 at 12 noon.

Respectively submitted by,
Jane Gwinn
Secretary