HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-10 Council on Aging Minutes Town of Reading
a Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - council: Nil NOV 28 Ph 103
Council on Aging
Date: 2014-03-10 Time: 6:30 PM
Building: Pleasant Street Senior Center Location: Arts and Crafts Room
Address: 49 Pleasant Street
Purpose: Monthly Meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
Steve Oston, Margaret Havey, Christine Hansen, Tom Procopio, Donavin
Bentley, Erica Deane, Sally Hoyt, Jane Burns (Admin) -
Members - Not Present:
Carol Oniskey, Kevin Walsh
Others Present:
Sandy Shaffer, Gretchen Latowsky
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Christine Hansen
Topics of Discussion:
Acceptance of Minutes from February 10, 2014
Elder Services Report for February 2014 - Accepted and Approved
Financial Report for February 2014 - Accepted and Approved
Old Business
Administrator provided the Board highlights of new programs conducted in February at the
Pleasant Street Center. Valentine's Day was a program featuring love letters, local and
famous. Love stories were submitted by Reading seniors. Two love stories touched the
hearts of those in attendance Roberta Alpert and Sally Hoyt.
The National Honor Society, Reading Memorial High School, conducted Game Day at the
Center during school vacation. The 18 honor students designed, printed, publicized and
conducted the games. The intergenerational event was very well received. The Board
concurred with the Administrator that the event would be a nice addition to next year's
calendar during school vacation.
All The President's Women was performed through a grant from the Reading Cultural
Council
Administrator provided the Board with a follow-up relative to a minor flood in the basement
of the PSC on February 14, 2014. The catchment tanks outside the building caused water
to enter next to the elevator shaft. The DPW pumped and dried out the area. There was no
damage however, long-term planning with engineering about sealing the catchment tank is
necessary.
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Administrator provided the Board with a review of the statistics relative to volunteer hours,
meals and services. The reliability of the stats necessitate training on the My Senior Center
program. Steve Oston volunteered to participate in the training as a Board member.
The Administrator updated the Board as to the grant application for a new 12 passenger
van. The grant was submitted. Notification to grantees will be in lune or July. A
preliminary discussion ensued among the Board as the goal of keeping the old van as a
back-up or for local trips.
Administrator Informed the Board of upcoming 100 year old birthdays of Reading seniors.
Administrator provided the Board with an update relative to the Volunteer Appreciation
Dinner scheduled for April 22, 2014 at Parker Middle School. The Administrator furnished a
handout detailing the annual volunteer appreciation costs, attendance, gifts, meals and
projections for this year. The Board discussed catering choices, gifts and essentials for the
event.
A motion was made by Tom Procopio to expend $1200.00 from the Patrons for Older Adults
fund for food, gifts, programs and tableware. The motion was 2nd by Margaret Havey. The
motion passed with 7-0 In favor.
Administrator updated the Board as to design and decorating of the Center in conjunction
with the Crystal Garden Club.
Administrator detailed the Welcome Spring breakfast scheduled for march 21".
The Chair renewed a recurring topic, the role of the Council on Aging. Board members were
encouraged to attend events highlighted in Pleasantries, assist staff and other volunteers,
furnish feedback to the Board and plan for future events. A review of the mission statement
and description of the Council was discussed.
NEW BUSINESS
Administrator discussed with the Board the Holiday Meals Program, specifically Easter, April
20, 2014.
A motion was made by Margaret Havey to expend $450.00 from Schroeder Fund for meals
for Easter 2014. The motion was seconded by Sally Hoyt. The motion passed with 7-0 in
favor.
The Chair discussed the Esubscribe feature of the Town website in an effort to ensure The
Pleasantries was circulated widely throughout the community. Administrator noted that
subscriptions are among the giveaways during the Annual Street Falre.
Administrator informed the Board of a collaborative project relative to the File of Life with
the District Attorney's Office. A discussion ensued relative to the valuable information for
first responders assisting families, children and seniors In crisis. The board discussed
reintroducing the File of Life during Friends and Family Day along with brochures relative to
fraud, scams and elder protective Services in partnership with the District Attorney's Office.
Adjournment: 7:48 pm
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