Senior Citizens Commission - Minutes - 04/22/2026

Waterford Senior Citizens Commission 
Meeting 
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 4:00pm

Present: Joyce Vlaun (Chairwoman), Rick Beaney, Anne Darling, Dina Lopes (Vice-Chair), Dan Rissi (Vice-Chair), Susan Marelli, Cathy Gonyo, Marilyn Lusher, 

Absent:  Tom Kennedy, Senior Liaison

Also Present: Dani Gorman (Human Services Administrator), Terry Wheeler (Assistant Director Senior Services), Heidi McSwain (Human Services Coordinator) 

Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 4:00pm 

Establish a Quorum: Quorum was established 

Public Comment: None   

Approval of the minutes of the March 24, 2026 regular meeting: Marilyn Lusher made a motion to accept the minutes. Second by Rick Beaney.  Dan Rissi abstained. Motion passed (7-0-1)

Correspondence: Thank you note from Bernard Breen acknowledging the outstanding response he received from Senior Services.  Impressed by programs and services offered.

Committee Reports: 
Budget: Budget hearing dates were given to commission members. Next budget meeting is 5/6/2026 at 7pm at Town Hall
Nomination Committee: Commission members Dina Lopes and Dan Rissi were reappointed to the Senior Citizens Commission by RTM 4/6/2026 for 3 years respectively.
Planned Giving Sub-Committee:  Dani shared that she shared an email from the Finance Director asking for blanket approval for the remainder of fiscal year for money transfers still to be made.  Motion by Marilyn Lusher, second by Cathy Gonyo.  Discussion ensued about the invoices still needing attention that include multiple senior van repairs, and an upcoming dishwasher repair.  Call for vote by Chairwoman, motion passes, unanimous.  
Transportation:  Transportation meeting was held at 2pm before the regular meeting.  Final edits and discussion was had.  New policy and procedures will be ready for discussion and approval at next month’s regular meeting.
Policies Ad Hoc Committee:  No report

Director/Assistant Director Report:  Dani shared an upcoming event honoring Jo-Ann Schweid with a garden plaque and lunch 5/8/2026 @12:30.  Vietnam Veterans Memorial program will be held Memorial Day weekend at Veterans Memorial.  Information to come soon from the First Selectman’s office.  Offer made to candidate to fill vacant Office Assistant position.  Interview Panel Members are Dani Gorman, Human Services Director, Terry Wheeler, Assistant Director Senior Services and Heidi McSwain, Human Services Coordinator.  Job posting was sent to HR to fill Office Support Technician due to resignation.
Report from Assistant Director:  Excited for The Cactus Jack Foundation fundraiser which some of the money will support senior services department.  April is volunteer appreciation month and our volunteers were showered with flowers, cookies, and gratitude for all they do.  Many thanks to Vice-Chair Dina Lopes for making and personalizing custom aprons for kitchen and event volunteers.  Pop – Up intergenerational pickleball event.  About 32 participants including many of our pickleball regulars, and the Waterford High School National Honors Society.  Commission member Sue Marelli participated and had a great time!  A lot of interest in making this a yearly event.  Lastly, the Senior Picnic is June 17th.  Several commission members signed up to volunteer for the event.

New Business: Nominations for board.  Joyce Vlaun expressed her enjoyment in her role as chair.  Graciously offered to volunteer and continue as Chair for another year. Vice-Chairs were also interested in continuing their role.  Anne Darling led nomination voting and nominated Joyce Vlaun. Joyce Vlaun accepted.  Marilyn Lusher nominates Cathy Gonyo, Cathy Gonyo declines.  Marilyn Lusher nominated Anne Darling, Anne Darling declined A call for nominations was taken from the floor.  Anne Darling made a motion for Joyce Vlaun to serve as Chair another year.  Second by Susan Marelli.  Motion passes unanimously.  Anne Darling asks for Vice-Chair nominations.  Marilyn Lusher nominated Rick Beaney and he declined.  Marilyn Lusher nominated Susan Marelli and she declined.  Marilyn Lusher nominates Dan Rissi and he accepted.  Vote for second Vice-Chair is unanimous.  

Adjournment: Rick Beaney made a motion to adjourn at 4:54pm. Motion was seconded by Susan Marelli 
Motion passed (8-0-0)

Respectfully submitted 
Mindy Stone 
Acting Recording Secretary