June 22, 2018
THA RECAP
PERIOD: January 1, 2018 –June 30, 2018
Snow Removal – We had several students and adults from Trumbull to help residents remove snow this year when I posted our needs on social media.
Wait List – There were approximately 60 applicants for housing at Stern Village during our application period. After our screening processes, 47 applicants were placed on the Wait List.
Resident Volunteer Breakfast – This was my fifth consecutive year for Harriet’s Volunteer Breakfast to thank THA residents for all they do. The food was provided by Creative Culinary.
Hand Dryers for Community Room & Congregate Restrooms – These were installed in January as a “green initiative” and will save us money since we no longer need paper towels for these bathrooms.
Newtown Savings Bank – Newtown Savings Bank gave the THC $20,000 for the purchase of new, energy-efficient windows for the Congregate. I applied for this grant in the fall of 2017.
2018 Small Cities Grant – First Selectman Vicki Tesoro and the Town of Trumbull applied for another Small Cities Grant for new, energy efficient double pane windows for Stern Village. I worked closely with Lisa Low, Consultant (selected by the Town of Trumbull), to fulfill all the required documentation. This included going in front of the Town Council to explain why we need the windows.
Laundry Room – New, energy-efficient, front-loading washers and dryers were installed in all the laundry rooms. Laundry card systems were installed in the Community Room and Congregate Building.
Office Doors – Glass doors were installed in Paulette and Daisy’s offices in order for them to see out and residents to look in.
Student Interns at the Congregate –We’ve had some amazing student interns from Sacred Heart University work with our Congregants and help Daisy. This year Amber was our student intern and she is also working for us a few hours each week during the summer.
1st Annual Valentine’s Day Party – This was a huge success. Residents wearing red were eligible for a drawing for various items that were donated. The Nichols Garden Club provided us with beautiful, floral arrangements for the 4th year. The Girl Scouts made cards for our residents and Ms. Molly’s Kindergarten Class provided goodie bags, decorations and hid kindness rocks around the Village.
Trumbull Helps – When kindness matters, we think of the wonderful volunteers from Trumbull Helps. Jeff Kunkel helped discard a large tree that fell down in front of the walkway to the Community Room. Jeff and other volunteers from this organization helped residents clear the snow from their vehicles and hosted wonderful dinners for our residents, and helped serve our residents.
Town of Trumbull at the State Capital – Harriet Polansky, Executive Director, represented Stern Village at Trumbull Day at the State Capital.
Senator Chris Murphy and First Selectman Vicki Tesoro – Senator Murphy visited Stern Village to inform our residents of several policies he created and initiatives he is spearheading. Senator Murphy and First Selectman Tesoro answered questions from our residents regarding issues that affect the elderly and young disabled.
Grief Counseling – Victor Olsen, Director of the Mary J. Sherlach Counseling Center ran grief counseling sessions for our residents.
New THA General Counsel – The THA Board of Commissioners approved the hiring of Cody and Gonillo, LLP, to represent the THA in legal matters.
Critical Needs Application for the Congregate – We applied for approximately $200,000 to the Connecticut Housing & Finance Authority for a new generator, a new sprinkler system, kitchen ventilation and new boilers for the Congregate.
Donation from ServPro – We received a $300 gift card from ServPro that was used to purchase additional lawn furniture outside the Community Room.
Medicare Savings Program (MSP) – With the help of our THA residents, we were quite vocal about the Medicare Savings Program by making calls, writing letters and sending petitions to Trumbull Legislators. The program was reinstated.
Annual Mother’s Day Breakfast – 50 residents enjoyed a delicious breakfast hosted by Creative Culinary.
Annual Father’s Day Luncheon – 30 residents enjoyed a delicious lunch sponsored by Ed Henrich of United Healthcare.
Housing Tax Credit Contribution (HTCC) Funding – We were awarded $500,000 in HTCC Funds, which will go towards the Capital Improvement Project.
Harriet’s Monthly Tuesday Teas – Harriet Polansky’s monthly meeting with the residents is still going strong. Each month she discusses timely issues, concerns, and happenings at the THA. Residents bring up questions and help brainstorm on things that affect the residents.
Harriet’s Picnic with the Residents – Harriet Polansky has started having lunch with residents at our new picnic table twice a month.
Housing Authority Insurance (HAI) Group– Provided us with a large screen, Smart TV, Wii Game System, Games and a DVD player for the Congregate. They also created 6 raised community gardens filled with vegetable plants and herbs for Stern Village. They also provided us with 3 laptops for our residents.
Trumbull Integrity Award– Heather LeMoult was this year’s recipient for the Trumbull Integrity Award, started 3 years ago by Senator Marilyn Moore.
Additional Funding for the Congregate– We received additional funding from DOH for the Congregate. The amount is $7,251 which is put towards our operating expenses.
Stern Village Management Plans 2018-2019 – Our Annual Management Plans for Stern Village were approved by CHFA.
CHFA Technical Department – CHFA accepted our plans and specs for the Stern Village rehabilitation project.
Bocce Ball Court– JR Vano, Eagle Scout from Troop 65 – Long Hill United Methodist Church constructed our new Stern Village Bocce Ball Court, a wooden bench with a back, a personalized scoreboard, and they gave us a set of Bocce Balls and another set of horseshoes for our horseshoe pit. JR’s dad, Grandfather, and Stern Village Resident John Balawender also helped.
Ongoing Activities
-Bingo is played 3 times a week and held every 3rd Saturday in the Congregate.
-Adult Coloring with Gus is every Thursday.
-Men’s Club is every Tuesday morning.
-Art Therapy with Allison Spitzer-London is held bimonthly.
-Garden Art Therapy with Long Hill Garden Club is monthly, Fall – Spring.
-Musical entertainment is held in the Congregate twice a month.
-Pokeno is held every Thursday in the Community Room.
-Chair Exercises is held at the Congregate.
-Fun with Crafts
-Stern Village Knitting Club meets every Thursday in the Community Room.
-Movie Night is held bimonthly in the Community Room.
-Wii Game night is held every Thursday in the Community Room.