HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-05-09 Council on Aging MinutesCouncil on Aging Board Meeting
Monday, May 9.2005
Reading Senior Center
Arts and Crafts Room
Betty Cronin opened the meeting at 6:30. Present were: Betty Cronin, Carol Patterson, Dick
Anderson, Carole Scrima, Sally Hoyt Edwina Kasper, Ruth Goldberg, Dottye Foxon, Barbara
Powers, Kristin Kinsella and Dawn Folopoulos, Administrator. Also present were Pat, the van
driver and Anna Dixon, Silver Haired Legislature.
Motion to accept April 11 minutes and April 25 Special Meeting approved.
Peter Heckenbleikner, Town Administrator, attended the meeting to discuss the Consultant's
Report. Peter briefly reviewed the process involved in hiring the consultant and mentioned how
well Richard Cardillo filled in as interim director.
Peter went over the recommendations for improvement of services in the Consultant's report. It
was recommended that Elder Services Social Worker, Marie Ammer, coordinate services for
clients between agencies, thus limiting direct involvement with the clients. Mystic Valley Elder
Services, Reading Response, Visiting Nurse Assoc. and Community Parish Nursing would be
delivering the needed services. It was felt that MVES should provide most of the services as
they do in other towns within their region.
Vote to accept Consultant's Reports by Sally, 2nd by Carole Schima.
Marie would also be responsible for improving communications and services with other town
agencies, Police, Fire, etc.
It was noted that CPN did not get the $100.000 requested from the town, but they have a very
good chance of getting a $75,000 grant from the state. The House and Senate have to approve it
and then it goes to the Governor to be signed.
The Hospital Trust Committee has eliminated the idea of a hospital in Reading and are
discussing other options for the Trust. It will still provide rides to dialysis, chemo, etc. to those
meeting the financial guidelines, under the Reading Response.
Dawn gave her report - discussed having MVES take over the Meals on Wheels and the Mealsite
Program. Dawn will look into the financial aspects of the change.
Financial Report accepted - no questions.
Thanked Sally for taking over Dottye's role at the Hospital Trust Meetings. Nothing specific
agreed on except that the idea of a hospital in Reading is not feasible. The town would have to
go to court to alter the terms of the will.
The Board approved spending up to $200.00 for an additional page, if needed, for our June
Pleasantries, which will be mailed to all seniors. Ruth made a motion, 2nd by Edwina.
Dawn requested money to have a Senior Center page in the fall Town of Reading Recreation
Guide. Dottye made motion that we appropriate $150.00 for this purpose.
2nd by Carol.
On June 25 from 10 - 4 there will be a Friends and Family Day in Reading. Lowell St. in front
of Town Hall will be blocked off. We will discuss suggestions for a table at the next meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 - motion made by Kristin and 2nd by Dick.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara A. Powers, Secretary