HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-09 Council On Aging Minutes
Council on Aging Board Meeting
January 9, 2012
Reading Senior Center Game Room
Present:
Steve Oston, Carol Oniskey, Carole Scrima, Erica Deane, Marguerite Bosnian, Sally Hoyt,
Dolly DeRosa, Jean Prato, Kevin Walsh, Jane Burns (Staff)
Absent:
Margaret Havey
Call to Order:
6:30 PM
Minutes:
Accepted and Approved for December 2011
*December minutes to be amended for misspelling of MVES representative/guest Bill Hecht
Elder Services Report:
Accepted and Approved for December 2011
Financial Report:
Accepted and Approved for December 2011
Old Business:
Chair updated Board on Towns Trust Fund investments and stated that the funds earned 3.1%
on the Burbank last year and that this year to date we have earned 1.6%. Board agreed that we
should be aware of less return in future decision making and spend accordingly. Chair stated
that he intended to seek out an individual from the Town to attend a future COA meeting in an
attempt to clarify for the board how we can better utilize the trust funds in the future in regards
to their individual returns, guidelines and limitations.
Christmas meal deliveries were discussed and the Board agreed that all went well.
Administrator to pull together a proposal for an Easter meal delivery for Board to review at
next meeting.
Administrator updated the Board on the birthday cake donation and stated that letters were sent
out to Cupcake City, Market Basket and BJ’s requesting the donation; however to date a
response had not yet been received. Council member Jean Prato offered to donate the January
birthday cake. Board discussed possibility of requesting a birthday cake donation monthly as
opposed to asking a bakery to commit to a year worth of donations.
Administrator stated that her first meeting as a MVES representative will be this month.
Administrator updated the Board on the Nurse Advocate position and stated that the amended
schedule was currently being implemented. Administrator stated that she had been assured that
the 21 hours will remain in the budget regardless of the schedule change and that the Nurse
Advocate would be able to restore her hours at any time.
A transportation update was provided by the Administrator and the MVES TRIP Metro North
program was discussed as a possible transportation alternative for Reading Seniors.
Administrator and Council member Kevin Walsh to attend meeting in regards to TRIP program
and report back to Council.
New Business:
Board discussed alternative transportation options available to Reading Seniors. (i.e. van rental
for back-up, sharing a van with local communities, TRIP or other MVES programs, FISH
program) Administrator requested assistance in researching alternative transportation options
and services from volunteering Board Members. Council member Kevin Walsh agreed to meet
with MVES representative and Administrator in regards to TRIP. Council members asked to
contact Administrator if interested in assisting in this area.
Consultants report from 2004 was reviewed and Board discussed key issues such as attracting
baby boomer generation and eliminating senior center stigma. Ideas such as baby-boomers
volunteering at the senior center, fundraising for seniors or acting as greeters were discussed.
Administrator to review volunteer report with Council at February meeting to assist Council
with understanding as to where we have volunteers and where we need volunteers.
Adjournment: 8:00 PM
Next Meeting: February 13, 2012
Respectfully Submitted, Erica Deane, Secretary