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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-05-12 Council on Aging Minutes Town of Reading i Meeting Minutes i Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Council on Aging Ulf NU 28 PM 3: 02 Date: 2014-05-12 Time: 6:30 PM Building: Pleasant Street Senior Center Location: Arts and Crafts Room Address: 49 Pleasant Street Purpose: Monthly Volunteer Board Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: Steve Oston, Jane Burns (Admin), Tom Procopio, Margaret Havey, Christine Hansen, Carol Oniskey, Kevin Walsh, Donavin Bentley,Sally Hoyt, Sandy Schaffer Members- Not Present: Erica Deane Others Present: Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Carol Oniskey Topics of Discussion: Acceptance of Minutes from March 30, 2014 *Note- The April 2014 COA meeting was cancelled Elder Services Report for March 2014- Accepted &Approved Administrator March Highlights: Administrator reported 50+ people attended the"Welcome Spring Breakfast"-this may become a yearly event. The Chronic Pain workshop was introduced as one of the 6- week programs that will be in effect at the Pleasant St. Center. The DKJ Event- "Navigating the Journey- Caring for your elderly parents" was well attended and a very worthwhile evening. The nurse advocate has begun the"SHINE" training program. It is expected to take a full year to be secure in the position. Elder Services Report for April 2014- Accepted &Approved Administrator April Highlights: The"Healthy Eating Program" is our current 6- week program In effect at the Pleasant St. Center. Administrator advised more programs will take place in cooperation with Reading Recreation and the Pleasant St. Center. The intergeneration Pizza & Bingo was a huge success. Financial Report for March 2014- Accepted &Approved Financial Report for April 2014- Accepted &Approved Page I 1 Old Business: Administrator updated the Board as to the successful deliver of Easter meals. The feedback from seniors and drivers was that all went well and food was very good. Christopher's Restaurant has been a wonderful partner with Elder Services, having done Easter meals at cost- $5/per meal. The annual Volunteer dinner in April was well attended and successful. Jason Lewis (our new MA. State senator) attended, as well as 3 Board of Selectmen members- all stayed for the entire evening. A Massachusetts state grant has been secured for the future new van of the Pleasant St. Center. The amount of the grant is $46,495.00. Elder services needs to match funds in the amount of$11, 624.00. A motion was made by Kevin W. to expend $11,624.00 from the Burbank fund to purchase a new van for the Pleasant St. Center. The motion was 2n' by Tom. P. The motion passed in favor 9-0. New Business: Administrator met with Chrystal Garden Club to discuss decorating ideas for the Great Room. Administrator informed the Board that there Is $225.00 available from a "memory fund"that will be used. The Garden Club recommended a flag theme, and will purchase 4 decorate flags, and poles that can be interchanged according to the season. Future decorating initiatives include, a "conversational area"with the possible purchase of a few new chairs. Donavin suggested the possibility of working with the high school art department to paint a "mural", or some type of artistry in the Great Room The Administrator will explore that option. The Virtual Dementia Tour has been postponed, and will be scheduled as a fall event in September or early October. This will be an evening event for caretakers and loved ones of seniors with dementia/Alzheimer's disease. The Administrator explained to the Board how the evening program will take place. A facilitator will lead the discussion and event with 3 volunteers from the audience helping to show the difficulties of living with Alzheimer's and/or dementia. The evening will also highlight services available, such as- day care, home care, facility care, and support groups. The Administrator notified the Board that Melissa will be certified in Alzheimer's care- further discussion to take place at the June COA meeting. Kevin reported on current programs airing on RCN. Lists of those programs were in a flyer passed out to the Board. Some of the listed programs can also be found on YouTube- exact web addresses will be updated. Kevin has asked the Board to give thought to Ideas for future programs. RCN Is looking to highlight shows featuring health and financial issues for seniors, as well as programs taking place at the Pleasant St. Center. Kevin also addressed the issue of RCN program guides so that it Is easier to find particular programs. He will continue to work on this. The Chair spoke to the Board about how seniors can get discounts and find out about who/where discounts may be available. He circulated a flyer to the Board about a website that posts discounts. Future discussion on discounts will take place at both June and September meetings. The Administrator and Chair advised the Board about current COA tralnings, and the benefits of attending one of the seminars. The Administrator will be checking on the possibility of having Reading as a host site in the fall. The Chair advised the Board of 3 upcoming reappointments/term endings- Sandy S., Kevin W., and Carol O. The Chair also advised the Board of upcoming elections at the lune meeting. Officers to be elected Include the positions of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary. Page 1 2 There is another 10& Birthday event coming up on June 2P. One of the Selectmen will do a presentation, and a gift basket on behalf of Elder Services/COA will be presented.. A motion was made by Christine to expend $40 from the Schroeder Fund for the 100th birthday basket. The motion was 2"d by Margaret H. The motion passed 9-0 in favor. The Friends & Family Day will be held on June 14th this year. The event helps to give out information about the services available to seniors in Reading. The Administrator would like volunteers for 1/2hr- 1 hour shifts at the booth. The event hours are 11am. To 2 pm. The Board continues to donate a basket/gift certificate for the event. A motion was made by Tom P. to donate $50.00 from the Patrons Fund for a basket for Friends &Family Day. The motion was 2"d by Sandy S. The motion passed 9-0 in favor The Administrator spoke to the Board about funding the Lobster Roll event or another summer event in July. The Board agreed to continue with the Lobster Roll event. A motion to expend $1000.00 from the Patrons Fund to fund the Lobster Roll event was made by Margaret H. The motion was 2"d by Sally H. The motion passed 9-0 in favor Adjournment: 7:55 pm Page 1 3