HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-19 Council on Aging Minutes� OrR,O
Town of Reading
0 e� # Meeting Minutes
RECEIVED
TOWN CLERK
READING, MASS.
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Council on Aging
Date: 2015 -10 -19
Building: Pleasant Street Senior Center
Address: 49 Pleasant Street
Purpose:
Attendees: Members - Present:
1011 MAR IS P It 2L!
Time: 6:32 PM
Location: Arts and Crafts Room
Session:
Thomas Procopio, Sandy Shaffer, Kevin Walsh, Jolyn Ek, Steve Oston, Sally
Hoyt, Margaret Havey, Brian Snell, John Parson, Marilyn Shapleigh, Jane
Burns (Admin)
Members - Not Present:
Pooja Parsons (Assoclate Member), Cara Leonard(Associate Member)
Others Present:
Kevin Bohmiller, Gina Snyder, Ron D'addario
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Marilyn Shapleigh
Topics of Discussion:
Call to Order: 6:30 by Thomas Procopio
Senior Energy Program: Gina Snyder, Ron D'Addario reported on an Energy Efficiency
Grant Program that Is currently in place in Winchester and could be considered for Reading.
They handed out a "Proposed Reading efficiency Grant Program for Seniors-in -need" draft
proposal at the meeting which outlined work done to date to research options that might be
appropriate for Reading. As a next step, they would like to gauge interest in a program of
this type among Reading's senior residents. To start a dialogue, a Lunch & Learn at the
Senior Center was proposed during which representatives from Reading Municipal Light
Department (RMLD) could talk about the free energy audits which are currently available as
well as other programs such as the rebates on energy efficient appliances. The Council had
no point of disagreement with continued research on a potential program. lane Burns said
that she would determine the next available open slots for a Lunch & Learn (most likely in
December) and let Ms. Snyder and Mr. D'Addario know by the end of this week.
Kevin Bohmiller, Veteran's Agent: Now working fulltime in the town hall. He provided a
brief overview of services he provides, Including home visits. Successes so far have
included re- energizing the scuttlebutt program; about 20 -30 men have been attending and
many stay for lunch. He reported that the Honor Flight is encouraging any veteran who is
interested to apply and left a pile of applications for senior center distribution.
Acceptance of Minutes from 9/14/15: Accepted.
Elder Services September Report (Admin): Presented & accepted.
Financial September Report (Admin): Presented & accepted.
MVES Update (Brian Snell): Merger was effective 10 /1. The big 40"' anniversary party sold
out. Brian did not attend the last MVES meeting.
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Old business:
Update on Needs Assessment initiative: Elder Services is in the process of compiling the
166 responses on survey monkey and 224 on paper copy. Jane Burns reported highlights of
preliminary findings. A final report will be prepared and distributed. The next step is to
give the data to MAPC; they will put together the report. On Dec 6th a focus group will be
conducted at Reading's senior center with Council on Aging directors from surrounding
communities. The purpose will be to share information on programs offered, square footage
of space available to conduct programs, and staffing size. With this information, MAPC will
be able compare like communities and put together a full needs assessment.
RCN - possible videotaping opportunities: Kevin Walsh is editing two projects: Dementia
and Living Options in Reading. He is also planning to follow up on the Tax Assistance video.
Nurse Advocate Update: Interviewed 2 candidates for position last week —both very good
candidates. One was called back today to Interview with the town manager. Target start
date for a new hire is 12/1/2015.
New Business:
Aging in Reading- Library Program: A - part series on aging in .Reading was put together by
adult services librarian Andrea Fiorello. It will be held at the Unitarian Church hall because
no space was available elsewhere. Starts Wed at 10 -11:30 am.
Birthday Lunches - Funding Request: $32 was spent last month on birthday lunches and it
was requested that this be paid out of the Burbank fund. Brian Snell made a motion to
approve up to $100 to be dedicated to the birthday lunch program from the Burbank fund
so that it will not be necessary to request funding lunch by lunch. When the $100 has been
spent, Jane Burns will request additional funding to cover expenses. The motion was
seconded by Kevin Walsh. All 30 members voted to approve.
Thanksgiving Meal Delivery: Jane Burns is calling Christopher's to see if they are interested
in providing the Thanksgiving dinners. 5 -6 volunteers will be needed to deliver on the
Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Thomas Procopio and Kevin Walsh volunteered. Jolyn Ek
might be able to help too.
Center Improvements - Funding Request: The great room is being painted and looks
beautiful. A mat closet needs shelving. Facilities does not have funds for a nice organizer.
The cost should be $100 -$400; Jane Burns is getting estimates. Thom Procopio moved to
approve up to $400 for improvements out of Burbank. Sally Hoyt seconded. All were in
favor (9 - Kevin Walsh had left the meeting at this point). Also, the roman shades are old
and dirty and don't match. We need to update the window coverings. We do not have an
estimate yet, but Jane Burns requested feedback on the COA's level of interest in potentially
spending several thousand dollars from the Burbank fund for this project. The general
consensus of the CAD members was that it's worth finding out what it would cost.
Standards of Independence; This has been finalized. Copies were distributed to members.
Question was raised about inter - generational programs. Brian Snell inquired about Interest
in having a high school tech club provide smart phone 1- on -1 'how to' help to seniors.
lane Burns explained that this has been tried in past, but kids are so in tune with gadgets
they don't realize what basics they need to explain and it's fallen Flat. A formalized snow
shoveling program would however be very helpful. Jane sent email to the high school
principal regarding a snow shoveling program and is currently waiting for answer.
John moved to adjourn. Adjourned at 8:18
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