Minutes
Aging and Disability Commission - Minutes - Mar 17, 2026
Mar 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.
1 AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION Regular Meeting – March 17, 2026 – 6:00 P.M. Youth Room, Eno Memorial Hall Minutes PRESENT Jan Beatty, Margaret Haldeman, Deb Glass, Terry Henault, Libby Easton-May, Jen Seiderer, Claire Corbett, Anne Erickson, Jennifer Kirkland, Diana Yeisley (BOS Liaison), Lisa Miceli (Library Liaison), Kathleen Marschall (Senior Center Coordinator), Kylie Stillman (Student Representative) EXCUSED Valerie Finney, Ed LaMontagne, Sandee Fleet ABSENT Kate Robbins, Cheryl Cook, Mike Jennings CALL TO ORDER Vice Chairman Jan Beatty called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. PUBLIC AUDIENCE / PUBLIC COMMENT There were no public comments. GUEST ATTENDEE Eli Seiderer, Simsbury High School Junior (See notes under Age Friendly Community) ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES Regular Meeting – February 17, 2026 Motion: To accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on February 17, 2026 (Diana Yeisley motioned/Anne Erickson seconded). Status: Approved. REPORTS Board of Selectmen (BOS) Report – Diana Yeisley Budget workshop completed 2 • moving forward to the Board of Finance • Public hearings scheduled for April 7 (continued April 21 if needed). • Referendum anticipated in May (TBD). • $7,500 proposed for Aging & Disability. Charter Revision: • Recommendations returned to the Charter Revision Commission. • Public hearings to be scheduled. • Referendum anticipated in November. Grants Submitted: • AARP Flagship Grant (~$15,000) for Mobi-Mats. • North Central Area Agency on Aging (NCAAA) grant ($7,500) for Souper Thursdays. Senior Center Report – Kathleen Marschall • May/June Newsletter to be finalized March 30. • AARP Tax-Aide services available through April 14 at the Library (appointments required through the Senior Center). Library Report – Lisa Miceli • Strategic Planning Process underway: • Community survey available (approximately 200 responses to date; goal of 1,000). • Listening sessions to be scheduled. • Human Library event scheduled for March 28, 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. Age-Friendly Community – Jan Beatty • Multigenerational technology assistance initiative thoughts proposed by Eli Seiderer (guest): • Student volunteers (including Eli Seiderer and Kylie Stillman) to provide support. • Potential schedule: twice weekly, after school (3:00–4:00 P.M.). • Handouts for common issues such as Wi-Fi access, passwords, email, screen settings, and social media. • Advertising through the Senior Center and Library; possible location at Eno Memorial Hall. • Discussion about garnering student support providers, potential times, and locations (after Senior Center lunches?) to continue • Grant submissions (noted above); awards expected by May. • Subcommittee members beginning to meet with community partners to discuss age- friendly Action Plans. • Aging-in-Place Expo set for Friday, September 18, 12-3 at Library. OLD BUSINESS Souper Thursday • March 12, 2026 event had approximately 50 attendees 3 -Many positive comments about the food and gift cards Coffee with Commissioners • March 10 session attended by Deb Glass, Libby Easton-May, and Valerie Finney. • Ongoing schedule: second and fourth Tuesdays, 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.; next will be March 24 with commissioners Anne Erickson and Terry Henault Social Connections Event • Scheduled for May 3, 2026, 2:00–4:00 P.M. at the Library (LeBahn Patisserie). • Simsbury HS Volunteens will assist. • Additional Aging and Disability commissioners invited to attend. Sensory Movie • Scheduled for April 25 at 2:00 P.M. (Friends of the Library Room; 1:30 P.M. setup). • Feature: Elio. • Refreshments and giveaways planned. Summer Fun Fest • Scheduled for July 18, 2026. • Location: First Church. • Planning items: • Determine event timing (poll attendees). • “Save the Date” announcement. • Invite YMCA participation. • Activities to include magic show, balloons, and Touch-a-Truck. • Food options to be determined. NEW BUSINESS FY 2026–2027 Budget • $7,500 proposed; currently under Board of Finance review 5th Annual Yale Symposium for Disability & Accessibility • Jen Kirkland to attend symposium (April 6-11) and report at next commission meeting Caregiver Support Group • A response from an Age-Friendly Community partner suggested the idea of organizing a support group – among the agencies to consult for ideas: • UConn Center on Aging • Alzheimer’s Association Senior Center Presentation / Conversation • Scheduled for June 9, 2026, 6:30–8:00 P.M. • Topics/participants to include: “File of Life: Putting Your Wishes on Paper”, Police Department, Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance, McLean, Fire Department, John Carmon, Elder Law Attorney. 4 Required Sexual Harassment Prevention Training • Although most have now responded, commissioners were reminded to complete training and submit certificates to Human Resources Intern at Town Hall. Accessibility Coordinator Proposal • Discussion of creating a role to centralize accessibility efforts: • Ensure ADA compliance and enhance accessibility initiatives. • Potential initiatives: ▪ Decals/plaques for accessible businesses ▪ Follow-up on non-compliance ▪ Accessibility education ▪ Website accessibility review • Clarification of role versus ADA Compliance Officer discussed and to be continued. April Meeting • Scheduled for April 14, 2026. OTHER • Social Sparks Club: Program supporting social engagement for young adults with disabilities. • Upcoming event: April 23 – “Cooking with Carter” ($25 per participant). • Transportation options list compiled and to be promoted via social media in accordance with Town guidelines. • Re-proposed program on legal options for individuals with disabilities (guardianship, probate, conservatorship). • Parenting for Disability support group continues to meet regularly and is well attended. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:22 P.M. NEXT MEETING April 14, 2026 – 6:00 P.M. in Youth Room, Eno Memorial Hall.