1987 Reading Housing Authority Annual Report

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READING HOUSING AUTHORITY 22 FRANK D. TANNER DRIVE J READING. MASSACHUSETTS 01867 ANNUAL REPORT During the past year, the Reading Housing Authority has been busy with the many programs under its jurisdiction. Richard S.' Dempster is the current Chairman, the elected Board members are Leonard F. Westra, Philip R. White, Jr., and Patricia J. Swain. The new State appointee is William McIsaac. Some of the highlights, by program, during the past year include: 667 Program (Housing for Elderly /Handicapped) - The Reading Housing Authority owns and manages 80 units of elderly /handicapped housing at Frank D. Tanner Drive, all of which are currently occupied. The Executive Office of Com-, munities and Development recently awarded the Authority 4 Modernization Grant in the total amount of $280,000.001 which will be used to update and impove the buildings and apartments. The contract has been signed and work should be commencing in early Summer 1987; The combined efforts of the Reading Board of Health, Council on Aging, and the Authority presented a "Life - Cycles" program for Senior Citizens at the Tanner Drive recreation hall. This workshop was designed to explore changes in lifestyles as we get older. The Community Building hosts many recreational programs for area elderly by the Council on Aging; blood pressure screening clinics are run by the Board of Health monthly; Book reviews sponsored by the Library are held monthly; Meals on Wheels, Friendly Visitors and Outreach have been providing much - needed sup- port for the frail elderly during the year. Tea Dances, dance lessons and monthly Tannerville Club meetings are en- joyed by many residents. 689 Program (Housing for People with Special Needs) - The Authority has been very pleased with the program run by Eastern Middlesex Association for Retarded Citizens (EMARC) at 74 Bancroft Avenue. The residents are enjoying the programs conducted by the Reading Garden Club and especially appreciated the holiday decorations which the Garden Club had provided. The Authority is pleased to extend its sin- cerest thanks to all who have donated time and /or money, whether large or small. We thank you for welcoming our new residents to Town. 705 Program (Family Housing) - Contract signing is imminent and groundbreaking is planned for late March 1987. The road to final approval has been long, but the Board is sure that the final result will be a great benefit to the community; an asset to the neighborhood; and a source of joy and pride to the new residents.