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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-29 Board of Selectmen HandoutTOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Tuesday, April 29, 2008 • 1 need to schedule a 2 to 3 hour training for the Board of Selectmen on "Model Alcohol policies and best practices". The Board of Selectmen has a list of possible dates, including taking a Tuesday evening on May 6 or 27 (you are not cur ' rently scheduled to meet on the 6th, and your agenda for the 27th is pretty full), or doing a Saturday morning. • The Motiva gasoline service station on Walkers Brook Drive has had an additional "release" and is dong an environmental analysis. I met with Town staff with the owners representatives and indicated that I would evaluate what recourse the Town has in terms of their continued operation at that location, given the number of spills and releases that have occurred there over the years. Town Counsel is looking into this for me. • The Reading Housing Authority has abandoned their plan to build 4 units of affordable housing on Pleasant Street, and plans on putting the property up for sale. ill • Town Planner has put together an affordable housing inventory which the Planning Division w then keep up to date. • The Police Department has put together accident data for the intersection of Main and Franklin as requested by Representative Jones 0 DHCD has approved the Town's 40R zoning bylaw, and we are in the process of requisitioning our first payment under this program. We will be recommending the establishment of a separate stabilization fund for this money, since we could owe it back to the State if the project does not move forward. The bids are being 0 Bids have been taken for the artificial turf field at Parker Middle School. evaluated, but it appears that the bids are somewhat over the resources available. 9 Follow-up on 3 vacant properties 0 GIC consultant Dates and Events: • Reading Recreation will hold its Summer Sign-up day on Saturday, May 3rd at Coolidge Middle School from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. • Vehicle Glass Etching — May 3 - DPW 9 to 2 • Cultural Council Reception — May 6 -;7:30 Senior Center • Household Hazardous Waste day — May 17. Reading DPW. • RPD Open House — May 1 - 11 to 1 • Memorial Day — May 26 • Friends and Family Day — June 21 • Potential Special town Meeting — June 16 or June 30 �N�o so crri NOTES ADVISORY o BOARD :L y2 A PUBLICATION OF THE ATWRAADVISORY BOARD APRIL 2008 $15 zmILLION FOR DSA IN HOUSE BUDGET; AMENDMENTS FILED The Massachusetts House of Representatives began debate this week on its $28 billion state budget bill.'•lure titan 1,500 amendments were filed in an effort to influence specific line items within the General Appropriations Bill. The House Budget provides S 15 million in state -wide Debt Service Assistance, otherwise known as Sewer Rate Relief. Chairman of the MWRA Caucus Representative Mariano (Quincy), along with Representative Clark (Melrose), filed an amendment to increase the line item by $10 million to $25 million; over 30 co- sponsors have signed onto this amendment. Additionally, Representative Stanley (Waltham) filed an amendment seeking to increase Debt. Service Assistance to $30 million. Debt Service Assistance provides rate relief for cities and towns across the slate. In FY08, the Sewer Rate Relief line item statewide allocation was $23 million; in FY07, it was $25 million. Each year, the MWRA Caucus works to maintain adequate funding for this important program. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE At its April 17 meeting, the M4VRA Advisory Board approved Comments and Recommendations on the AftPRA's Proposed Capital Improvement Program ('IP) d: Budget for FY09. Highlights of the Recommendations include the following: • In light of cost increases said to be as much as S80 million, reassess the cost effectiveness of the Cambridge Sewer Separation, Brookline, Butfinch Triangle and Reserved Channel CSO control projects and report to the Board of Directors regarding options for these projects- • Establish a "cap within the rap" for CSO Control Program. • Develop a section on Business and Operations Support for inclusion in the Master Plan, including an updated version of the plan for Management Information Systems and the Energy ManagementlAltemative Energy program. • Include in the capital Project Performance Reports an analysis of spending, as compared to the baseline capital spending cap for the active cap period. Also include re- projections of capital spending. L —7 LOCAL OFFICIALS MEET WITII EPA Earlier this month Advisory Board Executive Director Joseph Favaloro, MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey, MWRA Chief Operating Officer Mike Humbrook, and numerous mayors and municipal officials met with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Robert Varney in Washington DC. The meeting was called by Congressman James McGovern and the Massachusetts Congressional Caucus. The focus of the meeting was conveying concerns and frustrations that unfunded environmental mandates have placed on communities. Participants pressed EPA to consider affordability, greater cost - benefit analysis, and the need for a more collaborative effort between EPA and communities. In his comments at the meeting, Ivlr. Favaloro urged the EPA to recognize that cities and towns are not the enemy and must be treated as partners. ADVISOR, BOARD SENDS LETTER TO Gov The Advisory Board reached out to Governor Patrick in response to his recent economic stimulus proposal, urging him to expand his proposal to include funding for water and sewer inftastmcture needs. Providing funding for water and sewer projects is a natural parallel to investing in bridges; they both are critical components to ensure Massachusetts has an infrastructure that can support business and job growth. In addition to including water and sewer needs in the economic stimulus bill, the Advisory Board urged Governor Patrick to seize an opport mity to update and expand the Bottle Bill. By including a deposit on bottled water containers, the Commonwealth could actively re- invest in the public water and sewer infrastructure. The additional deposits from an expanded Bottle Bill should go into a dedicated fund to be used by entities that maintain and replace water and sewer infrastructure. This would create a win -win solution for communities, for ratepayers and for the environment. UPCOMING MEETINGS htAv9:Exactsrn'ECo.I+UnEE/ 830:4u -Bosrix MAY 14: MWRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS / 10 AM - C11j9LESTOWh MAY 15: ADVISORY BOARD MEenNn 11:30 A. +r -CAN'. `ATTHE MAY MEE rNO, THE ADVISORY BOARD RILL HOLD A' EI.F.CnON FOR ITSAPPOn ME TO TILE MWRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Ijyou have any grrestions regarding mpiav raised in this nehvs /enter or any otter AfWR,4 issue, please wntacr. Christine Havelone- Byler, Government S Media Coordinntor • Phone: 617.742.7561 • Fax: 617.742.4614 Email: clirisfine.hevcione -byter@mWrastate.ma.us Web Site: 1m1,,iwTaal j so..ryboard.,cnm C , 6'sr 04, v Sent: Monday, April 28, 2008 10:28 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: RE: Guest Intervention Services training for board Tuesday evenings, 5/6 or 5/27 For Saturday dates, they can come: Sat. June 7th Sat. June 14th Sat. July 12th Sat July 19th Part I The first training details: Goal of first session is "To increase capacity for policy strengthening and modification though consultation with Guest Intervention Strategies (GIS) to provide a three-hour training on model alcohol policies and best policy practices for local licensing boards for the RCASA Policy Action Team (PAT), Police Department, Board of Selectmen/Licensing Authority, and licensees— also open to towns bordering Reading to strengthen regional capacity to reduce underage drinking". Prior to the first training, they have requested a copy of all local regulations and policies associated with liquor so they can customize the training. Part II- dates to be scheduled after 1st training This two-hour session will serve as a follow-up training for the Board of Selectmen and Police Department Part III- date to be scheduled after 2nd training This session is a two-hour follow-up consultation to the RCASA PAT (phone conferences as needed) The cost of GIS services for all 3 sections is $1,500 so we want to get good attendance if feasible. Note: They will be offering training for Lowell Police Dept. from 9-12 on May 2nd that RCASA reps could attend to get a feel for how .it works if you would like a preview. They will be in Newburyport on May 27th and offered the same invite. EFIrd-M-1611" April 18, 2008 9:30 AM South Main Street Meeting Meeting Summary Attendance: Peter Hechenbleikner(TR), Carol Kowalski(TR), Ben Tafoya (BOS), Camille Anthony (BOS), Andrew Loew (DEP), Catherine Finneran (DEP), Joanne Fagan (DEP), Peter Milano (MOBD), Jack Russell (EDC), Frank Fin(TR), Tania Hartford (MassDevelopment), and Abby McCabe(TR). Peter introduced the current status and circumstances surrounding the three sites at 306, 281 and 285/287 Main Street (address for the old Tux Shop is listed as both 285 & 287). All three sites have been vacant for the last two to three years and are privately owned. The two sites on the easterly side of Main Street are adjacent to one another and Walkers Brook is another factor as the foundation for 285/287 Main is built into the brook. The owner of 285 has expressed interesting in selling the site and there is one potential buyer at this point in time. Joanne Fagan from the regional office of Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) suggests getting a Licensed State Professional (LSP) as a first step for 281 Main (the old Artist Shop). Joanne informed the group that all three sites are categorized by DEP to be in Phase 4 of the clean -up processes, which is pretty far a long and includes excavation and remediation. Petroleum has been found in the soil at 285/287 Main and pesticides are the chemical found on the 281 site with a clear source causing the contamination. Joanne believes there is enough information on the site that Developers will still be interested in purchasing the sites for development. Redevelopment of these sites is allowed as long as construction does not inhibit the cleanup. An Administrative Consent Order for 281 Main was filed in March 2008 establishing a filing deadline of December 21, 2008. Peter from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) suggests communications with Developers as a first step. Many developers would be interested in these sites as they are at a good location on Main Street and in close proximity to route 128 and can support parking. Peter noted that expedited permitting is available to buildings that are at least 50,000 square feet. One meeting member pointed out the possibility of conflict between the two adjacent properties at 281 and 285 Main over cleanup responsibilities. Joanne informed everyone that DEP follows the contamination area and not the property lines. MassDevelopment provides low -cost remediation loans as well as construction loans, but usually for larger scale projects focusing on manufacturing and some housing. They do not provide assistance for retail uses. Catherine from DEP noted that funding is available for assessment and cleanup from the Environmental Protections Agency if the Town is willing to purchase the property. The Town is not currently interested in purchasing the sites but is considering re-zoning so that they are more attractive for development. Changes to the setback requirements have been explored as an opportunity to move the buildings closer to Main Street to be further from the brook and provide parking in the rear. Combining the two adjacent lots to create a larger site is another option to be considered. Ideally the Town would like to see continued commercial use or mixed use of these sites. Date: April 23, 2008 Time: 10:00 Project Number: NEX- 2005105.00 Project Name: Reading — Reconstruction of West Street Meeting Location: Reading Town Hall GPI Rep: Geoffrey Howie John Diaz Others: Name Title & Organization Peter Hechenbleikner George Zambouras Edward McIntire Lieutenant Mike Cloonan Officer Matt Edson Town Manager —Town of Reading Town Engineer - Town of Reading Director of Public Works — Town of Reading Acting Chief of Police — Reading Police Traffic Sergeant — Reading Police This meeting was the regular scheduled PTTTF (Parking Traffic Transportation Task Force) Meeting for the Town of Reading held at Towel Hall. GPI was asked to attend the meeting and present the Signalization of the School Zone Crossing at the Barrows Elementary School along West Street as it currently stands in the design and also discuss some options for this crossing that may be investigated as the design advances with MassHighway. A summary of the major issues discussed is detailed below with action items and responsible parties shown in bold. 1. GPI described the current School Zone Crossing design at the intersection of West Street with Kirng Street and Winslow Road. Prior to the 25% Design Submission, it was decided that the crosswalk that would constitute the School Zone Crossing would be located at the intersection of these roadways instead of at a mid -block location in the vicinity of Edgemont Avenue and the Barrows Elementary School. The system that is currently included in the design involves the installation of the standard School Zone Flashers along each West Street approach to the School Zone as well as a crosswalk on West Street located on the north side of the intersection with Pedestrian Push Buttons that, when pushed, activate LED's within a School Crossing Sign that illuminate to warn that pedestrians may be crossing. GPI stressed that the system currently proposed does not require vehicles to stop at the crossing. It is only meant to warn vehicles that someone may be crossing at they the vehicle may need to stop. At this point, the Town seemed to be in Agreement that a system that would require vehicles AR� Greenman — Pedersen, Inc. 105 Central Street, Suite 4100, Stoneham, MA 02180 Tel: (781) 279 -5500 Fax: (781) 279 -5501 M-Al nninot nnm • Ah 0 Wo T ' ky� to fully stop would be needed at this location due to the information relayed back, to the Tow" from the Crossing Guards at this location. GPI then presented the options that may be proposed at this location to meet this requirement. GPI cited the MUTCD regarding School Zones and stated that full signalization of the intersection would most likely be warranted at this intersection. The requirements that would need to be met include a minimum of twenty (20) students crossing during the peak, time and that the gaps along the roadway that is being crossed are less than the number of students Crossing during this time. GPI stated that a Pedestrian Count would be needed along with a Gap Study during the same time to fully warrant the traffic signal at this location. The Town authorized GPI to move forward with the necessary study to warrant the traffic signal and, if warranted, to include the traffic signal in the upcoming 75% Design Package. GPI shall coordinate the days and times of the studies with the appropriate parties within the Town and perform them before school lets out for the summer. 2, The Town then requested that the School Zone Flashers at each end of the School Zone be equipped with speed limit displays similar to the flashers along Franklin Street for the Wood End School. GPI shall visit this location to get a sense for what the Town requires and include them in the upcoming 75% Design Package. GPI also mentioned that MassHighway may consider these items Non - participating since they are not standard equipment for their signals or School Zones. 3. Following the School Zone discussions, GPI then presented the proposed traffic signal work at the other locations within the West Street Project. 4. The signalized intersection of West Street at South Street and the Archstone Development was then discussed. It was mentioned that at the recent Design Public Hearing, some of the abutters along West Street stated that the traffic backs Lip from the traffic signal at South Street all the way to Woburn Street. GPI shall investigate the timing at this traffic signal and make recommendations to the Town. GPI inquired into the school hours for the Barrows Elementary School for the aforementioned Pedestrian Counts. It was decided that the counts be done from 7:30 to 8:30 in the morning and between 2:00 and 3:30 in the afternoon. This latter time frame would also cover the pedestrian movements from the Parker Middle School. The Town also stated that counts should not be done on a Wednesday since the schools have early release. GPI shall coordinate the dates for the counts with the appropriate parties and obtain the count information. 6. The Town then asked about Video Detection for each of the traffic signals within the project. GPI stated that MassHighway normally approves this type of detection and that it has been used with reasonable success on a number of projects. The Town authorized GPI to propose video detection at each of the signalized intersections within the project. GPI shall include video detection in the upcoming 75% Design Package. Greenman — Pedersen, Inc. 105 Central Street, Suite 4100, Stoneham, MA 02180 Tel: (781) 279-5500 Fax: (781) 279-5501 1AAAAA1 Mnin=f r- 7. The Town then reminded GPI that the traffic signal equipment that is proposed as part of the West Street Project should be black. Also, the traffic signal equipment located within the Historic District (West Street at Woburn Street and Wescroft Road) should be ornamental as well. The Town shall provide GPI with the details of the ornamental equipment that is preferred. GPI shall include the black equipment as well as the ornamental equipment in the upcoming 75% Design Package. 8, The Reading Police Representatives suggested a "NO RIGHT ON RED" sign for the signalized intersections. These signs basically flash this text when a Pedestrian Push Button is activated to prohibit vehicles from turning on red and possibly conflict with a pedestrian. It was then suggested that the intersections of West Street with Woburn Street and Wescroft Road and King Street and Whlslow Road be equipped with these signs. The Reading Police stated that the intersection of Route 62 and Haverhill Street in North Reading is currently equipped with this sign. GPI shall visit this location to determine the type of sign to propose and include the signs in the upcoming 75% Design Package. 9. The Town then suggested that the existing detection at the intersection of West Street with South Street and the Archstone Development should be changed to video detection as per the other locations within the project. Although this equipment was recently installed, the Town feels that the work that is proposed in this area shall damage the detection and therefore new detection would be required. GPI shall include video detection at this location as well in the upcoming 75% Design Package. 10. Mr. Zambouras updated everyone on the recent TIP Day Meeting with the Boston MPO that was attended by both he and Mr. Howie from GPI. GPI then stated that it was their intention to submit the 75% Design Package by the end of May. There are still issues that need to be resolved with the Drainage Design and Environmental Permitting, but many of these issues would not need to be addressed by the time the submission is made. This concluded GPI's involvement in the PTTTF Meeting. Greenman — Pedersen, Inc. 1 105 Central Street, Suite 4100, Stoneham, MA 02180 Tel: (781) 279 -5500 Fax: (781) 279 -5501 —AAA, nninot —M some title Hechenbleikner, Peter .. . ....... _ From: Denise Baker [dbaker@mma.org] Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 7:01 PM To: Town Manager Subject: MMA REGIONALISM CONFERENCE NOTICE Importance: High NNE Massachusetts Municipal Association Programs and Events _W4 he Voice OrCitles and owng mma.org MlUA -REGIONALISM CONFERENCE NOTICE Statewide Conference on Regionalism for Local Government Contact: 4/25/08 Denise Baker 617-426-7272 ext. 105 Massachusetts Municipal Association MMA-Northeastern Municipal Leadership Academy Statewide Conference on Regionalism for Local Conference in the 21st Century — Revisiting the Paradigm in New and Refreshing Ways" Friday, May 16, 2008 College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Reoister TQda Y 4/29/2008 Page I of 3 some title DEAR MUNICIPAL LEADER, The Massachusetts Municipal Leadership Academy, a collaboration of the MMA and Northeastern University, is pleased to present an important and informative statewide conference "Regionalism in the 21st Century" on Friday, May 16 at Holy Cross in Worcester, from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. The forum is designed to promote thoughtful and detailed discussion on regional collaboration, to highlight what is working, to share information on opportunities for the expansion of regional efforts, to identify obstacles to overcome. This workshop is for all interested local officials and municipal staff. The modest $25 registration fee will cover lunch and all conference materials. The meeting details and agenda are printed below, Space is limited, so please register.today. All registrants will receive a confirmation and directions. We look forward to seeing you on May 16th! Agenda 8:00 -8:45 a.m. Registration, Coffee and light breakfast 8:45 -9:00 a.m. Welcome Bruce Tobey, MMA President Barry Bluestone, director, Northeastern University Center for Regional and Urban Planning 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Current State of Regionalism: Massachusetts and Beyond 10:00 — 11:00 a.m. Regionalism that Works and Why 11:00 a.m. - noon Regional Collaboration Success Stories Noon — 1:00 p.m. Luncheon Program David Begelfer, executive director, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties Public /Private Sector Problem Solving on Regional Issues 1:00 — 2:00 p.m. New Frontiers in Regional Innovation 2:00 — 2:45 p.m. Open Discussion Register Todav Forward this email This email was sent to townmanager @ci. reading. ma. us, by dbaker mma.org 4/29/2008 Page 2 of 3 13 Town of Reading • Lowell Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942 -9071 Email: townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us MEMORANDUM TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner DATE: April 29, 2008 RE: Selectmen's Forum TOWN MANAGER (781) 942 -9043 The Selectmen's Forum was held on April 22, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Present were Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen Camille Anthony, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner. The following topics on the agenda were discussed: • Downtown construction process — how are we doing? • Three buildings on south Main Street — what can the community do to get them redeveloped? (Camille or Ben will make a report to the Board of Selectmen at their next meeting) • Appointments to Boards, Committees and Commissions. • Town Meeting coming up on April 28. • Curb /sidewalk pedestrian improvement and Community Preservation Act. In addition there were four phone calls as follows: 1. What is the status of the tennis court construction? 2. How does the affordable housing/40B process work and how close are we to accomplishing our 10 %. 3. Is the Town going to readdress the issue of sidewalks snow shoveling — the caller lives on a corner lot. 4. What is the status of the MWRA and the water tanks — why is this project not dead on arrival; are we obligated to provide for storage; what are we doing about the traffic from Addison Wesley Pearson? l� 5. The Board also talked about the intersection of Hopkins and Main Street and the confusion that exists at that location. Staff will review it and have a recommendation for the Board. When is the Market Basket opening and why is the driveway from the Market Basket to Walkers Brook Drive a right turn only? /S Do you ever wish someone could explain your medical problems in plain, simple .English and give you time to ask questions until you have a good grasp on your situation? Do you find after meeting with your doctor or leaving the hospital you are unsure of what treatments or medications are for and how to manage them? Do you ever feel overwhelmed or frightened about how you will manage in the future as you get older? PF Do you find it confusing to understand all the health services and options for care —the costs and benefits of each and which might be useful to you? These are all common concerns and now Reading has i. rse in Elder Services to help! This new position within Reading Elder Services is dedicated to helping Reading seniors manage their health care needs. The addition of a registered nurse to the Elder Service team allows the department to better meet the needs of seniors'who often find health issues impact the quality of their lives. Helping seniors understand their health care needs and plan strategies for managing these needs both in the short term and future is the goal of this new program. The main responsibilities of the nurse advocate include: • Education o Teaching seniors about their health problems, medications and treatments as well as preventative health care strategies. o Informing seniors about the services and options available to meet their needs. • Counseling • Supporting life style changes and planning for future needs • Assisting in the evaluation of care options eJ To make an appointment to meet the nurse or to introduce Dianne Luther, R.N. to a friend, neighbor or family member, call 781 -608 5271. Nurse Advocate - Reading Elder Services This new position within Reading Elder Services is dedicated to helping Reading seniors manage their health care needs. The addition of a registered nurse to the Elder Service team allows the department to better meet the needs of seniors who often find health issues impact the quality of their lives. Helping seniors understand their health care needs and plan strategies for managing these needs both in the short term and future is the goal of this new program. The main responsibilities of the nurse advocate include: 0 Education ® Teaching seniors about their health problems, medications and treatments as well as preventative health care strategies. Informing seniors about the services and options available to meet their needs. Counseling • Supporting life style changes and planning for future needs • Assisting in the evaluation of care options 0 Advocacy 9 Understanding a senior's perspective, desires and priorities and ensuring these are understood by others 0 When necessary assisting with the coordination of services and communication among providers When necessary helping to navigate the complex healthcare system The program is interested in identifying the most frail seniors in Reading, especially those who live alone and do not have someone nearby. for support. By being available to support seniors more proactively, the program will help seniors to remain healthier and more independent. Similar programs have demonstrated that such interventions can even reduce disabilities and n1rP%rP.-nf or r1,-1AV ingtifiltinnAli7atin-n :) make a referral to the program and introduce Dianne Luther, R.N. to a patient, client, friend,, neighbor or family member, call 781-608-5271. PRESS RELEASE October 2007 Contact Information: Dawn Folopoulos Reading Elder/Human Services 781- 9426658 Nurse Advocate Responds to Community's Call For a Health Resource for Reading Seniors Reading Elder Services is delighted to welcome Dianne Luther, R.N. to our community as a nurse advocate for senior citizens. This new position, approved by town meeting in the spring of 2007 responds to an important need within the community. According to Dawn Folopoulos, Director of Elder Services, "Health problems have a major impact on the quality of life for senior citizens and we are excited to have Dianne as a member of our team because she will be able to help them with these issues." As our society ages and medical needs become increasing complex, the need for someone to help. seniors plan for their needs and coordinate services becomes critical. "Dianne will be helping seniors understand their medical problems, medications and treatments, Based on their unique needs, she will help them develop strategies for living safely and fully. This will include anticipating and planning for their future." notes Ms. Folopoulos. As Dianne Luther notes, "Aging and all the associated changes that accompany it, are often overwhelming. I will be able to explain health issues in laymen's language and also help seniors determine what service options are best able to meet their.health needs, financial means and goals for this stage of their lives." Some of the things that Dianne indicated she could help seniors understand and manage include problems with mobility, vision and hearing changes, conditions that effect energy level and independence like heart, respiratory and bone /muscular problems. Dianne's role will not include any "hands,on" care. As a rule she won't be taking blood pressures or doing treatments. Instead she will help seniors understand their health problems and decide how best to manage them. This could include recommending services, helping develop a list of questions to discuss with their doctor or discussing how to make life style changes. "First and foremost, I want to understand what a senior I'm seeing is most concerned about, what their goals are, how they want to feel or what they want to be able to do that they can't. Once this is established, together we can figure out a plan for making life better," shares Dianne. Planning how chronic health issues will effect their care needs in the future is something Dianne really wants to focus on. According to Dianne, "Once a senior understands a health problem and knows what to expect, it is not as intimidating. Then it's possible to think about how this will impact their future. Health providers don't often have the time to help their patients plan ahead for their future needs. With the chronic health issues that most seniors are facing it's critical to plan ahead. Preparing for the future almost always guarantees you more options and allows you to maintain more control over how your life plays out in this stage." Dianne brings 20 years of nursing experience to this position. The greater part of her career has been in caring for senior citizens, in a variety of roles with a special interest in Dementia and Alzheimer care. Her career began as a staff nurse involved directly in patient care and gradually advanced to managerial roles. Advocating for seniors, supervising their care and coordinating their services with an interdisciplinary team were among her duties in long term care and assisted living settings. More recently, she had worked as a public health nurse in an expanded role often serving as a resource in her community. In addition to providing education and counseling, Dianne will be available to act as an advocate for seniors trying to navigate what has become a very complex healthcare system. Most seniors today have multiple medical problems, numerous medications and almost as many doctors and other providers. Treatment often includes not only acute hospitalization but also rehabilitation in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This makes their care so complex that, "...(even) doctors are reluctant to be hands -off when it comes to a loved one's care. What a patient needs most, many doctors agree, is a sentinel — someone to take notice, be an advocate, ask questions." (Time magazine article entitled What Scares Doctors? May 1, 2006). This is especially true for seniors who are flail and don't have family or friends nearby. National and local statistics demonstrate that individuals over 85 years old are the fast growing segment of our population. They have the most chronic health needs and are the most frail. In addition, the availability of family members to care for frail members has changed significantly. Family members live further away and more often work outside the home making them less able to provide help. Both Dawn and Dianne note, "Of the 4,293 seniors living in Reading, 586 are over 85 years old. We are especially interested in reaching out to those seniors who are the most frail, live alone and do not have someone nearby for support because they are the most vulnerable." As Dawn further noted, "Fifty -eight percent of 200 seniors who responded to a survey done in 2006 assessing the need for a nurse advocate, lived alone and 71% where over 75 years old. The respondents told us what they needed and 81% said they would take advantage of a nurse advocacy program. We know the need exists in Reading and finally we have the resources to make a difference." By being available to support seniors more proactively, Dawn and Dianne hope that this new program will help seniors to remain healthier and more independent. Similar programs have demonstrated that such interventions can even reduce disabilities and prevent or delay institutionalization. This new program is another example of Reading's commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents. If you would like to make an appointment to see Dianne or if you would like to introduce a friend, neighbor or family member you are concerned about to Dianne, please call 781 - 608 -5271.