Minutes of the Meeting of the Staying Put
Board of Directors September 8, 2008
A meeting of the Staying Put Board took place on Monday, September 8, 2008 at 4 PM at the New Canaan Library.
Jane Nyce reported that August was quieter with fewer requests and more parking spaces in town. That is to say, fewer people in New Canaan. SP did have successful social events in August, the highlight of which was the trip to Dan Axelrod's studio.
There is an increased need for phone calls to supply sense of community as well as safety-checks to members. Dr. David Brown and Barbara Johansen will spearhead professional training on September 23rd for SP volunteers who want to get involved with phoning and visiting.
Jane said that 234 individuals have now become members, representing 164 households. Of over 190 requests for service, approximately 75% were fulfilled successfully; the rest (25%) were fulfilled in other ways, e.g., a grandchild who fixed the computer instead of a recommended SP provider. These 25% were "incomplete" rather than "unfulfilled" because the help was made available by the office, but the issue was resolved by some other means. Requests usually involve rides, plumbing, handyman issues and home visits. SP always needs more volunteer drivers. John Engel will ask the real estate office for their lists of lawyers, financial advisors, and insurance advisors. Officially SP does not make any recommendations in these services for liability reasons; however, it would be good to have the names on hand, as those recommended by the local realtors not by SP. Jim Hollyday suggested putting together some panel discussions with experts in their fields. A panel on Medicare might also interest members.
Events for September include the Sheffield Ferry ride on September 9th. The talk at Lila Coleman's home on September 18th will be given by the Doctors David and Charlotte Brown instead of Huck and Barbara Wood as previously announced. Dinner at Backstreet's in Darien will be the third Tuesday of the month (September 23rd). There will be a tour of the Pepsi Sculpture Garden on October 15th.
Other ideas for gatherings include a public awareness event like the one held last fall, and a First Birthday Party for SP members to be held in January, 2009.
Jane said that the weekend telephone coverage by board members has been successful..
A member survey asking for Staying Put feedback on what works, what doesn't and where we need to grow in the coming year will be mailed the week of September 15th.
Fundraising season is already upon us and will last through April. Most organizations hold fundraising events in the spring and in the fall. Several board members will research and frame an event, possibly with a speaker for next spring, when the sunbirds have returned from Florida. A formal dinner dance would have to recruit from the 30-50 year old crowd, and should include invitations to the adult offspring of SP members, whether they live in the area or not.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
The next Board meeting will be Tuesday Oct 14 at 3:30PM in the New Canaan Library.
Respectfully submitted,
Lyn B Chivvis, Secretary
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