PSSN MINUTES
May 28, 2009

ATTENDEES: Julie Anderson (SafeMed Alert), Charles Armstrong (Marlene’s Low Vision), Marlene Armstrong (Marlene’s Low Vision), Annette Balis (Home Instead Senior Care), Ronn Franczkewski (Bankers Life), Jane Gwinn (FCS/Senior Track), Carol Haas (AAOA), Dorothy Jones (Po. Co. Society of the Blind), Travis Johns (Coleman Adult Day Services), Laurel Kane (Portage Home Health), Diane Knaser-Forsythe (Care Tenders), Jessica Koller (Anna Maria at Home), James Lenahan (Vision Therapeutic Services), Lisa Little (Home Instead Senior Care), Katie Mathies (Streetsboro Senior Center), Genel Nichols (KentRidge at Golden Pond), Pam Oslin-Smith (Kent Healthcare Center), Evelyn Peck (Reed Memorial Library), Barb Pochedly (Po. Co. District Library), Claudette Rogers (FCS/MAP), Paula Rosky (Concerned Seniors of Po. Co.), Jan Rusnack (Concerned Seniors of Po. Co.), Crystal Shanley (FCS/Senior Track), Marta Williger (Williger & Peters), Kathy Wingert (VITAS Innovative Hospice Care), Mandy Zantow (FCS-RSVP)

President Genel Nichols called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and called for introductions and announcements.

PROGRAM: Our first program included speakers Paula Rosky and Jan Rusnack with Concerned Seniors of Po. Co. sharing handouts and information on how their committee helps seniors in our community via surveys and word by mouth through churches, banks, community organizations, libraries and much more. If you have any additional interest in this committee, feel free to mail inquiries to 1440 Loop Rd, Kent, Oh 44240. Our second program included speaker Becky Dempster with Coleman Professional Services whom shared information on how to “Ask a Question, Save a Life” and how we can get involved in the education surrounding the issue of suicide in our community. Becky provided two 24 hour suicide hotline numbers to call for concerns – Coleman Professional Services (330) 296-3555 and Townhall II (330) 678-3006.

Secretary’s report:
Diane Knaser-Forsythe made a motion to approve April’s minutes, James Lenahan second the motion and the motion passed. Crystal Shanley made a motion to approve May’s minutes, James Lenahan second the motion and the motion passed.

Treasurer’s report :
None available

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Relations: Mandy Zantow reported on the joint meeting with the membership committee and there may be one new member and possible more. This committee will follow up more next month.

Education Committee: Jane Gwinn reported that the committee will be meeting on June 4th to finalize the rest of the programs for next year.

Old Business: Genel Nichols shared the Pam Olsin-Hart removed her name from the slate for nominations for secretary. Lisa Little wants to remain co-secretary for next year. Jane Gwinn made a motion to nominate Crystal Shanley for co-secretary, Mandy Zantow second the motion and the motion passed. Mandy Zantow made a motion to nominate Crystal Shanley for secretary, Pam Oslin-Hart second the motion and the motion passed. Voting will take place at next months meeting. Genel Nichols reports that PSSN sponsoring of “Joggin’ Your Noggin’(program by Alzheimer’s Assoc.) was approved for all Po. Co. senior center sites. ($300) The first event will be held at the Ravenna Senior Center, July 15th at 9:15am. Genel Nichols reports that the Randolph Fair will take place in August and we are still on the waiting list for a resource table. Genel Nichols reports that the she may need last minute commitment from our committee members to man the table and also to provide informational resources.

New Business: James Lenahan announced that Sherrod Brown’s representative, Elizabeth Thames, will be speaking at next months meeting about ideas for seniors. We are encouraged to bring questions and ideas to discuss in an open forum setting. Laurel Kane moved to invite the Concerned Seniors of Portage County to that meeting since some of the concerns may be shared. (This was discussed but no one seconded the motion). Genel suggested moving the meeting next month to another location to accommodate a larger group. Crystal Shanley suggested meeting at Reed Memorial Library and agreed to follow up with Evelyn Peck (Reed Memorial Library). Genel advised the membership to check the PSSN website for information as to the meeting location for next month.

Pam Oslin-Hart motioned to adjourn the meeting and Annette Balis second the motion and the motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30a.m.

The next meeting will be held June 25,2009 at
Location to be announced on the website
KentRidge at Golden Pond will provide refreshments

Respectively submitted by,
Crystal Shanley