HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-08 Council on Aging MinutesI/
Council on Aging
September 8 2003
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Senior Center
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Reading, MA 01867
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Present: Edwina Kasper, Betty Cronin, Gay Williams, Dick Anderson, Dottye Fokon, Ruth'
Goldberg, John O'Neill, Kristin Loring Kinsella, Carol Patterson, Pamela Brown (Administrator).
Absent: Barbara Powers
Dottye Foxon called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
• The minutes for the June meeting were approved -motion by John O'Neill, second by Betty
Cronin, and carried.
• Two new board members were welcomed - Kristin and Carol. We are delighted to have
them as additions to the group.
• Highlights of the Administrator's Reports for June, July and August were reviewed
• A program with a representative from Congressman Tierney's office began in early
summer - the program permits seniors direct access for case management work.
• The Red Hat Society gatherings have provided a great deal of fun.
• Pamela reported that the Mystic Valley Volunteer coordinator and our coordinator of
volunteers and Pamela, are working toward synergies in their work
• The bill paying service is being transitioned to Mystic Valley.
• The nutrition program with Wingate was very positive.
• Medical escorts were trained in properly assisting clients (via Wingate resources).
• The Library is going to maintain the book nook and lead book discussion groups.
• Scrap booking was the `Center's first evening program - participants enjoyed it but there
was not a lot of interest; will try again in the spring.
• The Center has a new contract with the cleaning service (same provider). The
contractor is not doing a great job hence Pamela starts her days at the Center making
rounds with a check-off list. We will hear back from her again next month to see if there
is any progress
The report was moved for acceptance by Betty Cronin, seconded by Edwina Kasper and
carried.
• Pamela reviewed the Financial Report. Motion to accept the report was made by John
O'Neill, seconded by Dick Anderson; motion carried. Pamela has been asked to get a
statement of principal versus income on the Burbank Trust Fund.
• Pamela reported that the Elder Service proposal for medical transportation submitted to the
Hospital Trust was`accepted - thanks go out to Pamela, Dick and John. Pamela will make
quarterly submissions to Beth Klepeis with payroll information for the Social Worker
and Principal Clerk vis a vis the Medical Transportation Program. Credits will be
posted to the salary line for the Social Worker and Principal Clerk. At the end of the
year the underspend'ino in the two salary lines will be transferred to the Coordinator
of Volunteers salary line (meaning that fewer funds will be withdrawn from the
donation account, the earlier plan to fund the coordinator salary).
• Patrons - Pamela is going to a Board meeting this week to talk about the need for a new
van. She hopes to explore with them the possibility of using their 501 (C) status to apply to
the Federal Government for grant money (as well as to the state).
• Low Vision - Someone from the Carroll Center came out and looked at the Center's
computer room. We would need numerous changes in equipment, and each individual
would need to have a one on one assessment (cost approx'ly $75).
• Needs Assessment Survev - Dottye indicated we had received a highlighted report from
Neal De Chiollo. The next step appears to be to target those in the 70-85 age bracket, and
both members of the household if more than one. This group seems to use the Center and
senior services the most.
• Railing for walkway - Pamela reported a $350 donation from Walmart. Peter H. instructed
that the railing will be put up and paid for out of the Elder Services donation account. John
O'Neill asked that we get clarification about who has control over the Elder Service donation
account.
• Elections - The slate consisted of Gay Williams, Chair; Betty Cronin, Vice Chair, Barbara
Powers, Secretary. Motion made by John O'Neill, second by Dick Anderson, carried.
• Other business:
• Adopt a Family, handled by the Human Service piece of the department will soon be
underway.
• Meeting dates for Oct. and Nov. were set - Oct. 7, Nov. 10 (to end by 7:25 pm)
• Mailing of the newsletter will shift in cycle to Mar-Jun-Sep-Dec
• There was discussion of£transportation (medical escorts - the volunteers) ...to include
Longwood residents.
• The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cray wale;
Gay Williams, Sec'y