Senior Citizens Commission - Minutes - 08/25/2026

Waterford Senior Citizens Commission 
Meeting 
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 4:00pm

Present: Joyce Vlaun (Chairwoman), Dina Lopes (Vice-Chair), Susan Marelli, Cathy Gonyo, Anne Darling, Rick Beany, Marilyn Lusher, Tom Kennedy, Senior Liaison and Richard Muckle, Selectman

Absent:  Dan Rissi (Vice-Chair)

Also Present: Dani Gorman (Human Services Administrator), Terry Wheeler (Assistant Director Senior Services), Heidi McSwain (Human Services Coordinator), Rob Brule (First Selectman), Jennifer Bracciale (Senior Services Clerk), Mary Beth Shea (Senior Services Office Support Technician) and Casey Startz (Senior Services Assistant)

Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 4:02pm 

Establish a Quorum: Quorum was established 

Approval of the minutes of the May 26, 2026 regular meeting: Marilyn Lusher made a motion to accept the minutes. Second Susan Marelli.  Motion passed unanimously 

Public Comment: No public comment

Correspondence: Received many donations for Sean Kane, a former Waterford Senior Services Director.  

First Selectman: Discussed rising costs of living and the effects it has on seniors. 

Committee Reports: 
Budget: No report
Nomination Committee: No report
Endowment Fund Request: No report
Planned Giving Sub-Committee: Deferred quarterly report and reimbursement till next meeting on September 29, 2026
Transportation: Update that transportation policy will be in place and active by October 31, 2026
Policies Ad Hoc Committee:  No report

Director/Assistant Director Report
Dani reported that Senior Services Programs have been exceptionally busy with many participants this summer. The two picnics were a huge success and is grateful for all of the volunteers that help make all these events possible. Senior Services is continuing to provide assistance programs and preparing for the transition into the fall season. Waterford Cares has also been very busy, especially with helping seniors with air conditioning concerns during the extreme heat. Senior Services will be welcoming two new Meals on Wheels staff members, while one of our staff members is moving on. Transportation is continuing to work on improvements and will be distributing the new guidelines and procedure along with reregistering to keep up to date. We are considering launching digital access to the transportation services to improve accessibility. It has been a busy and wonderful summer and staff is continuing to move forward into the fall with the same enthusiasm to help support our senior community. 
Assistant Director Terry Wheeler reported that the new Loop is in the process of being completed for fall programs. There is no longer a mailing list unless requested. The Loop will be available in the Community Center, Town Hall, and the Library and in senior housing. It is also posted on the town website under the Senior Services Department. The calendar that many seniors love, of the Loops activities and programs will be available once again.
New Business: Joyce Vlaun made a motion to reconfigure the Senior Lounge to add a space for mental health and wellness in the community center and allowed a budget of $7,000 from donations. Marilyn Lusher second. Motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment: Joyce Vlaun made a motion to adjourn at 5:39pm. Motion was seconded by Cathy Gonyo
Motion passed unanimous

Respectfully submitted 
Casey Startz 
Acting Recording Secretary