Meridian Senior Center
Advisory Board Meeting
Monday, October 13, 2014
Meeting Called to Order
The Meridian Senior Center Advisory Board meeting was called to order by President
Arnie Johnson at 9:31 a.m.
Roll Call
Members present: Richard Fox, Peggy Frisch, Maxine Harper, Darla Jackson, Arnie
Johnson, Jim Massa, Mildred Novotny, Janet Quensen, Jack Whitmyer, and Cherie
Wisdom.
Members absent: Jim Massa and Mary McNeely
Catherine Ash, Okemos Schools Superintendent
Carol Pixley resigned from both her position at the senior center and the advisory
board on September 22.
Minutes to Last Meeting
The September minutes were reviewed. Maxine Harper made a motion to accept the
minutes as presented. Arnie Johnson seconded the motion, and the motion was
unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report
The treasurer’s report from September was reviewed. Jack Whitmyer made a motion
to approve the report. Arnie Johnson seconded the motion and the motion was approved.
September New Membership Report
The number of members is currently about 350, which is normal for this time of the year.
The highest point of membership is in April, when people return from Florida for the winter.
A list of 20 new members was distributed.
Quarterly Attendance and Event Report
The attendance and events report from July 1 – September 30 was presented.
New Business
A. Madison’s Trainings
Madison will start an internship at the senior center beginning October 27. She is
in training for the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program counseling, and
is also trained in Michigan’s Coordinated Access to Food for the Elderly, which
connects low-income seniors with food assistance.
B. MASC Conference
Cherie will attend the Michigan Association of Senior Centers in Mt. Pleasant
November 5-7.
C. Nominations for a New Board Member
Peggy Frisch gave an overview of the nomination and election process, and
encouraged members to nominate those that they believe could be an asset to the
board. A letter will be sent to Carol Pixley, thanking her for her service.
Old Business
A. Safety Policy for the Senior Center
Cherie will meet with volunteers from the advisory board to compile a safety policy
based on other senior centers’ safety policies. Richard Fox, Jack Whitmyer, and
Janet Quensen offered to meet regarding the policy.
B. Storage Room
The loveseat was cleared out of the storage room, creating more space. Cherie will
work on organizing the storage room over the holiday break.
Senior Center Update
A. Senior Center Closings
The senior center will be closed November 4 for the election, November 27-28 for
Thanksgiving, and December 22–January 2 for the holidays.
B. Health Fair
There was no fall open house, but the Health Fair will be held November 19 from
12:30-4:00.
C. Thanksgiving Dinner
A free Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at the senior center on Tuesday, Nov 25th
at 5 p.m., furnished by Okemos Health and Rehabilitation.
D. Rotary Luncheon
The Haslett-Okemos Rotary will be holding a meeting at the senior center,
December 16 at 12:30. It will be a luncheon, and the usual $3 donation will be
suggested.
E. Holiday Luncheon
In previous years, the holiday luncheon would be held at a restaurant; however
this year, the holiday luncheon will be held at the senior center by Morton’s
Catering, and should cost around $13 per person. It will be held on December 18.
Darla Jackson – Meridian Township
The November general election will be held on November 4. Currently, the deer
management plan is allowing certain individuals to hunt on selected Meridian Township
properties. Construction on the new Central Fire Station is underway. The senior center
will be working with human services staff to provide food baskets to 3 senior households
for both November and December, to provide gifts to a family in need, to have a giving
tree that has the holiday wishes of area low-income seniors, and to collect coats, hats,
gloves, and boots for children.
Round Table Discussion
There was discussion surrounding which board members are eligible to vote. After
discussion, it was determined that ex-officio members should be able to vote, but staff
should not. The bylaws will be changed to reflect those points, and will be approved at
the November meeting.
Millie Novotny made a motion to approve $600 to be spent on food for holiday baskets
and gifts for the family “adopted” for the holidays. Arnie Johnson seconded the motion
and motion was approved.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:48 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Darla Jackson
Recording Secretary