HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-08 Council on Aging MinutesI
Council on Aging Board Meeting
March 8, 2010 w. P S S.
Reading Senior Center Game Room
201,0 JUN 15 A, 11. 3q
Present: Stacey Bertocchi, Steve Oston, Marguerite Bosnian, Margaret Havey, George
Lonergan, Gina Nelson, Carol Oniskey, Carole Scrima and Dawn Folopoulos (Stab.
Excused Absence: Erica Deane and Sally Hoyt
Call to Order: 6:35 PM.
Minutes: Approved for February 8, 2010.
Administrator's Report: Approved.
The Administrator reported that noise levels are too high in the vicinity of the
Senior Center receptionist's desk. As a result, it is difficult to conduct telephone
calls or understand telephone messages. A remedy currently under consideration
is to install a glass sound barrier around the reception's desk. A preliminary cost
estimate for the glass barrier plus installation is $5,000. It was agreed that Board
members would inspect that area and continue the discussion of potential
solutions at the April meeting.
The Administrator met with Fincom liaison Matt Wilson. Primarily they
discussed the impacts of the unfilled Coordinator of Volunteers position, vacant
since early last year. The Administrator reported that both recruiting of volunteers
and matching of volunteers with senior's needs was slower without a dedicated
coordinator, and that the current staff was certainly feeling the pressure of
additional duties. Wilson stated his willingness to attend COA meetings if
requested by the Board.
Financial Report: Approved.
The Board discussed the budget with the Administrator and arrived at a consensus
that if certain unbudgeted repairs were needed for the Senior Center, e.g., the
Great Room audio system, the Board would consider providing the funds from the
Burbank Trust.
• The Board voted 8-0 to approve a motion to purchase jelly beans and a gift card
for the annual guess the number in the glass jar contest. Funds in the amount of
$30 will be withdrawn from the Burbank Trust account.
• The Board voted 8-0 to approve a motion to purchase low vision playing cards
and bingo cards for seniors who want to participate in Senior Center games, but
who have difficulty seeing standard sized cards. Funds in the amount of $65 will
be withdrawn from the Burbank Trust account.
Old Business:
• No further updates on the Older Patrons of America funds pending acceptance by
Town Meeting.
New Business:
e, The Board was in favor of participating again in the Friends and Family Day, to
be held on June 19. Various ideas for presentations and handouts that would
attract more visitors to the Elder and Human Services tent were discussed.
Specific plans will be made at the next meeting.
• Discussion continued on various collaborative projects for which the Board could
take responsibility that would be beneficial to our senior community. The list now
includes:
o Visits to and assessment of Senior Centers in neighboring towns
o Travel planning (day trips) for our seniors
o Evaluation of the glass sound barrier concept and alternatives
o Establishment of a walking club for seniors in Reading
o Assessment of in-town transportation for seniors: needs and concepts.
Adjournment: 8:10 PM.
Next meeting: April 12, 2010.
Respectfully Submitted,
Steve Oston, secretary