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Simsbury Aging and Disability Commission reviews modest budget boost, AARP grant and accessibility plans
Summary
At its May 19 meeting the commission noted a $250 increase to its FY2026–27 budget, announced an AARP Flagship Grant to buy Mobi-mats, and discussed access improvements at the Simsbury Performing Arts Center, library initiatives, and a slate of summer community events.
Chairman Edward LaMontagne called the Simsbury Aging and Disability Commission to order at 6:04 P.M. on May 19 in the Youth Room at Eno Memorial Hall and recorded attendance. The commission approved the minutes from its April 14, 2026, meeting.
Board of Selectmen Liaison Diana Yeisley reported that the town budget passed. She said the commission’s budget for FY2026–2027 was increased to $7,500, a $250 rise from the prior year, and that the town had received an AARP Flagship Grant of approximately $14,000 to purchase Mobi-mats (the award covers the mats plus storage, placement tools, shipping and tax). Yeisley also described ongoing accessibility planning at the Simsbury Performing Arts Center, including plans for an accessible van and parking services and coordination with the Simsbury Police Department on drop-off layout. She added that a North Central Area Agency on Aging grant application to support Souper Thursdays advanced to the next review round with notification expected in July.
Library staff reported that the Third Annual Sustainability Fair drew about 1,200 attendees and that the Library is piloting a one-year Little Free Food Pantry proposed by seventh grader JJ Hanrahan in partnership with Simsbury Social Services; the pantry’s estimated purchase cost is $129 and the Library is accepting donations to cover that amount. Library software upgrades that could cause intermittent service interruptions are expected through June 3, and the Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale collection begins May 27.
Commissioner Jan Beatty said work continues on Age-Friendly Community initiatives, including research into a Technology Support Program and a Caregiver Support Group; Social Services is reviewing a final draft of a Resource Guide magnet before printing, and an Aging in Place Expo is scheduled for Sept. 18, 2026.
Program updates and event recaps included a sensory movie on April 25 (about 14 attendees), a May 3 Social Connections event with 36 participants, and a May 14 Souper Thursday that served 46 people (61 had registered) with a meal from Antonio’s and a Big Y gift card raffle. Plans for a Summer Fun Fest on July 18 at First Church were discussed, with activities such as a Sensory Touch-a-Truck and a proposed community art project. Commissioners set remaining 'Coffee with Commissioners' dates for May 26, June 9 and June 23 and discussed local concerns raised on May 14, including parking, additional benches, potential shelter installation and sharps disposal instructions.
Accessibility issues around Eno Memorial Hall were highlighted: commissioners said the south-side ramp is too steep for accessible use and that additional curb cuts would eliminate parking spaces, noting that extra funding will be required for improvements. The town proclaimed June as Accessibility Awareness Month; a brochure titled 'Peace Love Accessibility' was shared and an Accessible Parking Awareness Day was proposed for July 13.
Under new business commissioners reviewed a budget handout and discussed printing costs; Commissioner Jen Seiderer suggested printing and distributing ADA guides and one-page informational resources. The File of Life program—designed to help residents maintain important medical documents to prevent unwanted interventions and to guide health providers—was scheduled for June 9; several commissioners planned to attend and registration is available through the Library.
Other business included a request that commissioners review a report by Commissioner Jennifer Kirkland on the Yale Symposium for Disability & Accessibility and a Disability and Voting informational video; Kirkland will lead recommendations regarding voting access for people with disabilities. Gerontologist Tam Cummings is scheduled to present 'Power of the Mind' on June 5 at Avon Public Library. Commissioners were also told Summit Adaptive Sports received a Simsbury Greater Together grant and will partner with Social Sparks to offer adaptive kayaking and paddleboarding, plus other adaptive activities.
The meeting adjourned at 7:23 P.M.; the commission’s next meeting is set for June 16, 2026, at 6:00 P.M. in the Youth Room at Eno Memorial Hall.
