HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-20 Council on Aging MinutesCouncil on Aging Board Meeting
Monday, October 20, 2008
Reading Senior Center Game Room
WE C I E
RE i" D S.
.2000 DEC 2b P 3= 9
Present: Stacey Bertocchi, Sally Hoyt, Steve Oston, Carol Patterson, Carole
Scrima, Barbara Powers, Marguerite Bosnian, Margaret Havey, George
Lonergan, Dawn Folopoulos (Staff), Carole Oniskey (guest), Marilyn
Serrentino (Guest)
Call to Order: 6:50 PM
Minutes: approved and accepted for 09/22/08
Administrator's Report: approved and accepted for September 2008
• Replacement of the Scuttlebutt leader and the size and character of the
Scuttlebutt membership were discussed
• Steve offered to find a bridge instructor for the Senior Center
• Staff briefed the Council on the energy costs task force public hearing,
and the Council discussed its impacts on the elderly in Reading.
Concerns for those not qualifying for benefits were expressed.
Financial Report: The financial packet for September will be distributed
shortly and a vote for approval will take place at the next Council meeting.
• A motion was made to approve Burbank Trust funds to supplement
costs of fuel for medical escorts in an amount not to exceed $1,200 for
a six-month trial period. There has been a drop off in the level of
participation for this program, probably due to the high price of
gasoline. Reimbursements for drivers would be at the federally
recommended level (for tax purposes) of 58.5 cents per mile. Motion
carried by 9-0.
• It was moved to obtain funding from the Burbank Trust to purchase
and install two ceiling fans in the Senior Center Lounge. An amount
of $1,200 maximum was requested. Motion was approved by 7-1.
Old Business:
• Stacey reported on -the status of the shade for the Game Room-Lounge
door. She discussed options with a local contractor: a light vinyl shade
for $220 (installed) and a wood blind that matched the existing decor
for $345 (installed). It was moved, seconded and approved by 8-1 to
take $345 from the Burbank Trust for this purpose.
• Staff reminded the Council about the Aroma Cafe meeting on 21
October on Baby Boomer career transitions and options for
retirement.
• Staff explained details of the Burbank Trust financial report.
• An article from the Reading Advocate was distributed that described
the Council's discount handbook and requested inputs from local
business. Staff reported some responses already to the newspaper
article. Steve passed around the updated database of eligible retailers,
now reduced to about 125 entries. A suggestion was made to include a
new local restaurant. The Discount subcommittee will meet on
10/27/08 at 3 PM at the Senior Center.
• Steve contacted the Finance liaison, Jay Tangney, who expressed an
interest in attending future Council meetings.
New Business:
• Council and non-Council members have volunteered to deliver hot
meals on Thanksgiving morning to Reading seniors.
• The Council rejected an offer to meet with the Reading Woods
developer on topics suggested by the developer. Staff will talk to the
developer instead. The Council was willing, however, to learn more
about facilities planned for the benefit of elder citizens.
• Marguerite will examine options from a catalog for acquiring token
gifts bearing the Senior Center logo (to replace pencils and jar openers
now in use).
Adjournment: Moved to adjourn at 8:20 PM.
Next Meeting: November 17, if there is no Town Meeting that evening.
Respectfully Submitted,
Steve Oston, Secretary