PSSN MINUTES
March 26, 2009

ATTENDEES: Charles and Marlene Armstrong (Marlene’s Low Vision), Annette Balis (Home Instead Senior Care), Eric Bloniarz (Medical Service Co.), Lori DeAngelis (PC-VNS/Hospice), Kathy Guckelberger (DJFS), Jane Gwinn (FCS/Senior Track), Carol Haas, AAOA, Lauren Humphrey (Alzheimer’s Assoc.), Dorothy Jones (PC Society of the Blind), Diane Knaser-Forsythe (Care Tenders), James Lenahan (Vision Therapeutic Services), Lisa Little (Home Instead Senior Care), Alison Machel (AAOA), Jeanette Messimo (The Woodlands at Robinson), Genel Nichols (KentRidge at Golden Pond), Pam Oslin (Kent Healthcare Center),Evelyn Peck (Reed Memorial Library), Jo Perko (Anna Maria at Home) Barb Pochedly (P. C. District Library), Claudette Rogers (FCS/MAP), Mike Semon (FGP/Senior Companion),

President Genel Nichols called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.and called for introductions and announcements.
Annette Balis announced that Home Instead Senior Care will provide an opportunity for disposing of expired medications safely May 16 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Claudette Rogers announced the MAP program provides funds and resources to pay for some diabetic supplies.

PROGRAM: Ed Eichler (Certified Diabetes Educator) with Robinson Memorial Hospital’s Diabetes Education Department provided information on diabetes both types of diabetes and the treatment for diabetes.

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

Treasurer’s report :
Eric Bloniarz reported the addition of one new member (P.C. VNS & Hospice) and presented the treasurer’s report and it will be forwarded for review

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Relations: Diane Knaser- Forsythe reported that the committee combined with the Membership Committee to plan a networking membership event at Longmeadow Care Center Thursday May 7 8:30 a.m. PSSN members are encouraged to bring potential new members.

Education Committee: Jane Gwinn announced the programs scheduled for April- Jane Bissler (Grief and Loss), May 28 (Concerned citizens for Seniors), June (Ohio Benefit Banking).

Client Services Committee: Jo Perko announced the next Community Forum is scheduled for April 4 at Coleman Professional Services. The program will be a panel of five people discussing living options for seniors. Members are asked to check the PSSN website for more information.

Membership Committee-.Charles Armstrong announced that the membership brochures are updated with current members.

Old Business: none

New Business: Genel Nichols announced she will organize a nominating committee to select a slate of officers for next year.
Eric Bloniarz announced that Medicare announced a 9.5% reduction in DME starting January 1, 2010. Eric announced there will also be a cap in oxygen coverage.

Annette Balis motioned to adjourn the meeting and Lisa Little seconded and the motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 a.m.

The next meeting will be held April 23, 2009 at
705 Oakwood St. Ravenna at 8:30 a.m.
Kent Health Care Center will provide refreshements

Respectively submitted by,
Jane Gwinn
Secretary