Minutes
Aging and Disability Commission - Minutes - Feb 17, 2026
Feb 17, 2026
A public record published by the Town of Simsbury (simsbury-ct.gov). mySimsbury indexes it and makes it readable; it is not the official copy. View the original file.
AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION Regular Meeting – February 17, 2026 – 6:00 P.M. Youth Room, ENO Memorial Hall Minutes PRESENT Ed LaMontagne, Jan Beatty, Margaret Haldeman, Deb Glass, Terry Henault, Valerie Finney, Libby Easton-May, Mike Jennings, Jen Seiderer, Claire Corbett, Lisa Miceli (Library Liaison), Kathleen Marschall (Senior Center Coordinator), EXCUSED Anne Erickson, Diana Yeisley (BOS Liaison), Kylie Stillman (Student Representative) ABSENT Kate Robbins, Cheryl Cook, Sandee Fleet, CALL TO ORDER Chairman Ed LaMontagne called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. PUBLIC AUDIENCE / PUBLIC COMMENT There were no members from the public present and no public comments were received. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES Regular Meeting – January 20, 2026 Motion: To accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on January 20, 2026 (Libby motioned/Jan seconded). Status: Approved. REPORTS Board of Selectmen (BOS) Report • Budget presentation scheduled for February 18th. • Aging & Disability (A&D) budget increase request submitted for $7,500. • BOS workshop scheduled for February 28th. • Charter Revision discussion scheduled for February 18th. • Working with the Town Manager on grants for Souper Thursday and Mobi Mats. Senior Center Report – Kathleen Marschall • March/April newsletter distributed: https://www.simsbury-ct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif9751/f/news/mar- apr_2026_newsletter_final.pdf • Souper Thursday scheduled for March 12th. Aging and Disability Commission February 17, 2026 Page Two • Women’s History Month programs: o Rosie the Riveter – March 29th o Amelia Earhart – March 31st • Intergenerational concert and pizza – March 26th, featuring three rock bands from Falcetti Music. • AARP Tax-Aide services underway. • U.S. Postal Service postmarking changes discussed. • Weather-related program rescheduling: - Let’s Start a Conversation About Your Care Wishes – March 2nd, 1:00–2:00 P.M. (Eno Hall). - Tapping into the Past: Tavern Life in Early Connecticut – April 26th, 2:00–3:00 P.M. (Library). Library Report – Lisa Miceli • Human Library – March 28th (co-sponsored with DEI Council). • Sustainability Fair – May 2nd (co-sponsored with Sustainability Commission). • Pride Picnic – June 1st (co-sponsored with Senior Center). • Social Connections – May 3rd. • Continued partnership work on the Age-Friendly Community Plan. Age-Friendly Community – Jan Beatty Focus areas include transportation, accessibility, housing, and community engagement. • Subcommittee to meet (Libby, Mike, Valerie, Jan, Ed) with the 18 community partners to review and provide feedback on the Action Plan (Library, Public Safety, Housing, Simsbury Community Media, Town Government, etc.). • Webinar addressing transportation issues attended. -West Hartford applying to become an Age-Friendly Community. -Glen Cove, NY model discussed — high school students assisting older adults with technology; potential initiative for Simsbury. • Aging-in-Place Expo planned for Fall 2026. • Updated resource list in progress. -Jen Seiderer will create a highlights page for distribution and posting. • Tom Fitzgerald and Diana Yeisley working on AARP grant application for Mobi Mats (March 4th deadline). • Ed LaMontagne to meet with SPAC (Simsbury Performing Arts Center) regarding accessibility improvements. OLD BUSINESS Souper Thursday – Deb Glass & Terry Henault • Next Souper scheduled for March 12th with an inclement weather date of the 19th. Social Connections Event • Scheduled for May 3rd, 2:00–3:30 P.M., at the Simsbury Library, featuring LeBahn Patisserie. Coffee with Commissioners • February 10th discussion topics included: -Fitness trail. -Affordable senior housing. -Memory caregiver support (recommend representation at the Aging-in-Place Expo). -Cheese Day (Food Pantry) income question – refer to Social Services. • Upcoming dates: February 24th, March 10th, March 24th, April 7th, and April 21st. Aging and Disability Commission February 17, 2026 Page Three NEW BUSINESS Sensory Movie – Claire Corbett • Exploring potential spring event at Apple Cinema. Gatekeeping of Events – Claire Corbett (with Jen Seiderer) • Sensory Santa customized gift logistics discussed (geography and administrative burden). • Discussion held regarding eliminating customized gifts. Parenting Children with Disabilities Support Group – Claire Corbett • Meets the fourth Thursday of each month. • Special Education experts invited for March and May meetings to discuss special needs dependents. Aging-in-Place Expo – Jan Beatty • Tentatively targeting September at the Library (date to be determined). • Subcommittee requested suggestions for participants and vendors. Summer Fun Fest – Margaret Haldeman • July 18th • Considering afternoon or mid-day timing. • Potential venues: St. Catherine’s and First Church. • Diana approached Cane’s Chicken regarding participation- not sure of the status Nominations for Commission Officers – Terry Henault Terry presented the following slate of officers for 2026. • Chair: Ed LaMontagne • Vice Chair: Jan Beatty • Secretary: Margaret Haldeman There were no nominations from the floor. A motion was made to accept the slate of officers as presented. Status: Approved. OTHER • Simsbury resident Kris Barnett shared accessibility concerns throughout town. -Suggested initiatives: ▪ Window clings displaying a phone number for curbside assistance. ▪ Braille signage along the Rail Trail. ▪ Business education on ADA best practices. ▪ Partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Partnership. ▪ Improved handicap parking signage. ▪ Promotion of accessible businesses. • The April meeting will be held on April 14th (second Tuesday) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 7:15 P.M. NEXT MEETING March 17, 2026 – 6:00 P.M. Location: Eno Memorial Hall