Re: Opening and Welcome

Chair Gonzales called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.                                                               

Re:    Approval of Minutes

Chair Gonzales asked if there were any corrections, additions or deletions to the January minutes.  None were noted and the minutes were approved as read.  Chair Gonzales also welcomed Cal Chisever, a senior Rockville resident.  Mr. Chisever said he is semi-retired and quite interested in many of the issues that affect the senior population.

Re:    Club Reports

Chair Gonzales read a brief report that had been submitted by Audrey Beck on behalf of the Young in Heart Club.  Chair Gonzales noted that the meeting was being held today and there are plans to discuss their service project for this club year, a Mailbox Project for the Children’s Inn at N.I.H.  The goal is to collect 75 small stuffed animals and each member has been asked to bring in one small stuffed animal to the March 19th meeting. They will also have a report on the Closet Clutter Sale and a call for volunteers for the nominating committee. It was also noted that there would be a Birthday Party in honor of the club’s 59th birthday with food and entertainment.                                                          

Kathy Neale, reporting for the Rockville 150th Anniversary Task Force, said she had been unable to attend their last meeting but she had been advised that the group has selected and approved a logo and that all media projects are going well.

Stuart Crump, reporting for the Willing 3 C’s said their January meeting had been cancelled due to the weather and that the February meeting was scheduled for Saturday, February 21st.  The group has planned a pot luck and program to celebrate Black History Month.  

Doug Bly, reporting for the Bethany House Club, said their last meeting had been February 2nd with more than 40 residents in attendance.  Doug credited the larger than usual turn out to the fact that the club has printed flyers in the Chinese language.  Doug went on to say that there had been entertainment and a Treasurer’s Report with $1606.31 in their treasury.  In closing, Doug noted that he had asked the group in the Commission liaison’s attendance at the meetings has proven to be a help or a distraction to the overall goal of their meetings.  Doug said the consensus appeared to be that the members felt it was an appreciated recognition of the clubs existence and that they wanted to continue the relationship.

Pete Sante, reporting for the FFF Club, said 20 members had attended their last meeting where there had been a discussion on upcoming trips.  Pete noted that he had given the members an update on the F.O.R.S. and S.T.A.R.S. programs as well as an update on the analog / digital television upgrades.

Re:    R.S.I.

Pete Sante, reporting for R.S.I. , advised they had met February 17th where there had been a lengthy discussion on finances and their fundraisers, the most recent of which was the Silver Diner Gift Cards worth $25 that the Board would realize a 20% profit once they were all sold.  It was noted that seniors would receive a 10% senior discount at the Diner when they went for a meal.  Pete also mentioned that the Board members are planning a trip to the new Recreation Center at Thomas Farm as well as visits to Rockville Civic Association meetings where they will begin to develop relationships with those groups.

Pete went on to say that the Shredding Event would be held March 14th where the first hour would be reserved for seniors.  He also mentioned that R.S.I. has planned a “Town Meeting” that will be held March 26th in the Carnation Room with the program in English, Spanish, Chinese and Farsi.   It was noted that most Senior Center members do not realize that a membership in R.S.I. is a combined benefit of the Center membership and R.S.I. would be explaining the relationship to attendees as well as the purpose of the board and their mission.

Re:    U.S.M.

Ciriaco said he had attended the February 17th meeting where most of the discussions had been on senior issues, specifically, two large bills that deal with ‘health care for all’: House Bill 951 and Senate Bill 813.  (See attached)                                 

Ciriaco said they were also working on House Bill 998 / Senate Bill 918 that deal with ‘Visitability’, regulations on builders to put universal design in new construction in the state.
More information may be obtained on www.maryland.gov .

Re:    Old Business

Doug Bly, reporting on the Senior Center Expansion Task Force, said the group would be meeting February 20th so there will be a report on their progress at the March Commission meeting.

Norene Stovall noted that she had recently picked up a ‘Welcome Packet’ at the Center front desk and had noticed that there was a new map of the building. It was noted that apparently someone had listened to her suggestions and taken action. With that, Noreen said she had been working on an improved (color coded) layout of the areas of the Center, as she had believed her earlier requests had gone unnoticed.  After a brief discussion, it was moved and seconded that Noreen’s map be double checked for accuracy and submitted for consideration and inclusion in the packet.                                   

Re:    New Business

Kathy Neale handed Pete a copy of an e-mail she had forwarded to Bridgett, the new station manager for Rockville’s Channel 11, regarding Pete’s acknowledgement to participate in an interview regarding Rockville’s history and 150th Anniversary celebration.  Alexis McKenzie added that she had been in touch with Bridgett about putting on a show featuring seniors.  She also said she was working on changes in the lounge and that VisArts agreed to work with her to exhibit art in the lounge. The intent is to make it a more relaxing and pleasant setting. Alexis mentioned that the FY ‘10 budget has been turned in to the city.

Re:    Staff Report

Lorraine reminded the Commissioners that she was in need of a Commission Article for the April newsletter.  Noreen volunteered to write an article as she asked for pertinent topics that she might consider however, Ciriaco said he had promised Alexis he would deliver an article shortly.  The article would include some of the information discussed in today’s meeting.                                                                                                  

Lorraine said mentioned that the annual budget hearings are coming up with the Mayor and Council, asking the Commissioners if there was anything that any of them would like to have considered at the open hearings

Lorraine also noted that there was a new Nutrition Program underway at the Center, that as of February 1st Montgomery County Public Schools was no longer preparing and
Senior Citizens Commission serving the noon meal, that Nutrition, Inc. of Washington D.C. had been subcontracted to handle lunch.  She said that she had heard some good things about the food and that there had been a few kinks that were being worked out as everyone hoped progress would continue to be made.  In closing Lorraine said she was still working with the new company to try to get an evening (Supper Club) meal on the program.

Lorraine said the Morning Glory Café / Snack Bar was no longer being handled by R.S.I. and Center staff is working to make some changes on the menu, hours of operation, etc. in an effort to help improve the services of the operation.

Lorraine said a new Aging in Place Home Maintenance Coordinator has been hired, Mark Barrick, who will begin March 10th.  She went on to say that he is a Master Fire Fighter at the Rollins Avenue station and that he has first hand, hands-on knowledge of home maintenance and security.   

With no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 11:20 am.