HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-12-12 Council On Aging Minutes
Council on Aging Board Meeting
Monday December 12, 2011
Reading Senior Center Game Room
Present:
Steve Oston, Carol Oniskey, Margaret Havey, Carole Scrima, Erica Deane, Marguerite
Bosnian, Sally Hoyt, Dolly DeRosa, Jean Prato, Kevin Walsh, Jane Burns (Staff)
Guests:
Bill Hech
Call to Order:
6:30 PM
Minutes:
Accepted and Approved for November 2011
Elder Services Report:
Accepted and Approved for November 2011
Financial Report:
Accepted and Approved for October 2011 and November 2011
Old Business:
Board members discussed Thanksgiving meal deliveries and found recipients to be appreciative
and with high praise for Marie Ammer, Social Worker.
Administrator provided the Board with an update on the elder service van. The van required
extensive body work and has been out of service for two weeks. The senior center borrowed a
van from Peter Sanborn Place for six days and rented a van from Stoneham Ford for an
additional four days. The rental from Stoneham Ford was not ideal because the van was not
handicap accessible. Administrator asked that the Board brainstorm ideas and options so that
the senior center is better prepared in the future to provide an appropriate replacement van.
Administrator also stated that if the Board hopes to increase senior participation at the center,
expanding transportation options for the seniors will need to be addressed as well. Chair
discussed the option of creating a sub-committee to address this specific elder service need.
Administrator stated that the new stereo in the elder service van has a one year manufacture
warranty and the antennae that is to be installed has a six month warranty unless damaged.
Jean Prato provided the Board with an update regarding the donation of a monthly birthday
cake to the senior center. Jean stated that both Market Basket and BJ’s Wholesale would
consider the donation; however a letter must be submitted on letterhead to their respective
headquarters. Administrator stated that she will submit a letter to both Market Basket and BJ’s
to request the donation.
Chair requested the Board review the Consultant’s report from 2004 and asked that the Board
be familiar with the report and bring questions and comments to the January meeting.
Chair provided an update in regards to the COA Board openings and stated that the Board is
now full with 10 active members. Kevin Walsh was accepted and approved by the Selectmen
and therefore filled the last available seat on the Board.
New Business:
Chair introduced Bill Hecht as the new MVES Reading Representative. Mr. Hecht briefed the
Council on his background as well as discussed his goals as the new MVES Representative.
Chair to forward COA’s monthly agenda to Mr. Hecht and Mr. Hecht stated that he intends to
attend Council meetings quarterly, or as necessary, in an attempt to promote communication
between the COA and MVES.
Chair stated that he intends to meet with the Finance Committee to discuss how the Burbank,
Schroeder and Patrons Funds are invested and will report back to the Board.
The Christmas meal delivery routes were distributed to volunteering Board members. One
additional volunteer may be needed and any interested Board members were asked to contact
Carol Oniskey.
Administrator stated that MVES has an open seat available and that she would be willing to fill
the seat if the Board deemed it to be appropriate. Steve Oston nominated Jane Burns, Carol
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Oniskey 2 the nomination and the Board voted 9-0 in favor for Jane Burns to fill the open
MVES seat.
Administrator briefed the Board on the Nurse Advocate’s request to reduce her days and hours
in Reading due to her desire to also work in the town of Lexington. The Nurse Advocate is to
nd
begin a 6 month trial period on January 2 with a reduced scheduled of two days a week, as
opposed to previously working four days a week. The Nurse Advocate’s hours have been
reduced from 21 hours a week down to 14 hours a week with the exception of the second week
of each month when she will work 16 hours. The revised schedule will include outreach on
remote sites during evening hours and the Nurse is to check her phone messages and emails to
ensure her client base is not affected. The Board voiced great concern over the reduced
schedule.
Administrator discussed need for janitorial hours at the senior center.
Administrator updated the Board on new senior center activities and events such as: A Giving
Tree that is currently up at the senior center, a Mardi Gras party in February, An Easter Bonnet
and Top Hat Parade at Easter time and a Barn Babies traveling petting zoo to come in the
spring of 2012. The Board agreed to support and be involved as much as possible in the events.
Adjournment: 7:57 PM
Next Meeting: January 9, 2012
Respectfully Submitted, Erica Deane, Secretary