HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-05-10 Council on Aging MinutesMay 109 2004
Council on Aging Meeting at the Reading Senior Center
49 Pleasant Street an , U!N ~ ~ " ~ ~
Reading, Ma 01867
Present: Dick Anderson, Betty Cronin, Dottye Foxon, Ruth Goldberg, Edwina Kasper,
Kristin Loring Kinsella, Carol Patterson, Barbara Powers, Sally Hoyt, Carole Scrims and
Richard Cardillo, Administrator.
Betty Cronin called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Betty introduced the two new
Board members - Sally Hoyt and Carole Scrima.
•
The minutes of the April meeting were approved with corrections -
paragraph 2 should read approved payment of entertainment bills from the
Burbank Fund up to $500 for FY2004.
•
Richard presented the Administrators Report = accepted
•
$15,000 committed from the Trust Accounts to retro-fit van and buy
Bingo Board
•
Bingo Board arrived - will be mounted over reception desk - should be
installed sometime this week - discussed ways to publicize the new Board
to get more attendance at the games.
•
Richard praised the Property Tax Program - very successful - a good deal
for the Town - He feels we should raise the money from $500 to $750 per
person - Approved additional $1500 from Burbank Fund for Property
Tax Program for FY2004 - Motion by Dottye, second by Carol - all
approved - A second motion was approved for $15,000 for FY2005.
•
Dick suggested we ask the town to contribute $5000 toward the Tax
Program next year since it is such a help to the Town.
•
Betty asked board members to attend the Senior Center Open House on
Tuesday, June 22 at 10:00am if possible.- free food from Cafe 607 - this
is a good opportunity for seniors to meet and chat with the board
•
The railing has not been installed as promised, but Richard was told it
should be in this week.
•
The parking space situation at the Senior Center is of great concern to the
board members since the Transfer of Property to the Housing Authority
was passed and there is apprehension about losing some spaces we now
use. Richard will get the facts about the Housing Authority and the spaces
they will need and our options. Sally suggested a liaison with the COA
and the Housing Authority. Richard will invite the Housing Authority
Director, Lynn White to attend our next meeting. He feels we need to
make our needs known before the architect begins his plans.
•
The interior doors were installed and are very satisfactory. John T. will
draw up plans for the reception window.
•
Dottye will take care of purchasing a plaque listing the donors of the doors
- Lionel and Elena Dube.
•
The lower level exterior door will be repaired soon.
f
• A Policy for Elder Transportation to Election Polls was discussed and
approved with the addition of using the Schroeder Fund to rent a van if it
proves necessary. Motion made by Carol - Seconded by Dick. Motion
carried unanimously.
• New Business - Betty would like to ask the Reading Chronicle and
Advocate for complimentary copies to be send to the COA office to be
checked for accuracy. Items are not always included in the papers and
something's are not always correct.
• Copies of the invitation to MVES's "Reception and Speak Out" were
given to Board members. Dick explained MVES' fundraising, effort to
raise money to be used for home care for seniors just slightly over the
income limit. Sally talked about bill to help seniors who are a little over
income limit. Brad Jones proposed a bill to give $100,000 to Reading's
Community Parish Nursing. The only hitch is the money will come out of
the State Home Care Fund.
• Betty mentioned the invitation from Nazareth Academy in Wakefield to a
free matinee of "Fiddler On The Roof' by their students.
• Carole met Helen Lanigan from United Home Care who would like to
attend one of our board meetings. Richard will call her.
• Dottye brought up the subject of summer meetings. We agreed to have no
meeting in November and December because Pamela was so busy with
Adoptive Family Program. and therefore we would meet in the summer.
Our next meeting is June, and it was agreed we will not meet again until
September. Also discussed closing the Senior Center on Friday afternoons
in the summer as there is no van transportation and it is slow then.
• Ruth brought up a few issues: stair treads for safety, light out front of
Center, disposable toilet seat covers and a Code of Behavior in Senior
Center - there was an instance of inappropriate behavior at a Scuttlebutt
Meeting.
• Edwina said someone made a remark. that we should present the other side
of the Prescription Drug Program. Cheryl Gresek from Rep. Tierney's
office is a Democrat and gave their version of the bill. Richard will ask
Senator Richard Tiset Republican if he could meet with interested seniors.
• Since this is a very confusing. issue Richard would like to ask high school
student to help seniors go on-line help them find the best prescription
program for their own needs.
• Next meeting is Monday, June 14 at 6:30 pm.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30.
Respectfully submitted:
Barbara A. Powers
Secretary