Politics & Government

Summit Addresses Issues Facing Simsbury Seniors

Seniors gathered at Eno Memorial Hall to learn about local services during the first Senior Summit.

Did you know that the town of Simsbury has affordable housing options for seniors? Did you know about the rent-rebate program or the Senior Tax Relief Program? Simsbury seniors were given a crash course in senior services Tuesday during the first-ever Senior Summit.

A panel of 17 representatives from state and local agencies, businesses, and organizations gathered at Eno Memorial Hall to help about 80 seniors understand the many services available to them locally.

Panelists shared information about healthcare, senior housing, transportation, veteran services, social services, probate court, taxes, and many other services and activities available to Simsbury seniors.

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The event was hosted by Deputy First Selectman John Hampton, First Selectman Mary Glassman, Selectman Lisa Heavner and State Representative Linda Schofield, as a way to hear questions and concerns from the senior community.

"As the senior population dramatically increases we want to make sure that the town of Simsbury is prepared," Hampton said.

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Each of the panelists took a moment to introduce themselves and the organization they were representing. After the introductions, seniors had an opportunity to ask questions and get feedback from the panelists.

"We find that a lot of seniors have questions that they are probably afraid to ask and don't feel safe asking them. So this was kind of a safe place to ask questions, to gather experts in all disciplines to answer their questions," Hampton said.

Rita Pachla said she found the summit useful but she had a tough time keeping up while taking notes.

"I just wish they had listed the agencies and all the names of the people," Pachla said. Pachla also said she hoped for a better audio setup at any future summit events because she had difficulty hearing the panelists.

"I would like to see more one on one conversations," Jan Hughes said. Hughes felt she would have gotten more out of the summit if she could have sat down with the panelists after the introductions to discuss her questions in more depth.

Don Zaylor had heard about the Senior Tax Relief program but said he had no idea how extensive the program was. Although he doesn't qualify, Zaylor thinks the program is necessary.

"You have to have a pretty good income to live in Simsbury, this is not a cheap community," Zaylor said.

Elinor Englander didn't necessarily learn anything new at the summit, but felt strongly that it was a beneficial program.

"I think having a panel like that with such a wide range of experts who are so available is great," Englander said.

Hampton said the town plans on hosting the summit on an annual basis.


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