HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-11-05 Council on Aging MinutesCouncil on Aging
November 5, 2001
Senior Center
Reading, MA 01867
M SS.
Present: Dick Anderson, Barbara Powers, Ray Cabot, John O'Neill, Joanne O'Brien, Ed
Merullo, Betty Cronin, Edwina Kasper, Gay Williams, Pamela Brown (Director). Absent:
Dottye Foxon
• Betty Cronin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
• The minutes of October's meeting were accepted with a correction regarding the_$500
knitters' money and lamp repair income, both of which should be (and will be moved) shown
in COA donations account rather than Human Services donations. (motion by John O'Neill,
second by Edwina Kasper).
• Pamela reviewed the Financial Report. The handout reflects expenses through October 23rd
The fuel expense line is high because Pat, (van driver) has been putting on a lot of mileage.
Pamela will check into reasons for the "volunteer coordinator" expenses being over 50% of
budgeted expense - it may be that this position is partially funded by grant money. In Fund
25/Dept 543, "Other expenses" of $658 are professional membership fees and training
expenses - there is no budget for this so it is possible that coverage for this comes from grant
money. In Fund 25/Dept 547, Donations, Pamela noted that this account grew by about
$6000 last year. The Fund 25/Dept 548 Shopping Assistant donations pay for mileage
incurred by Enid Schmuch. A separate attachment on the status of the funds (Schroeder and
Burbank for COA interest) was distributed, reflecting values at the end of June, 2001. There
are non-income additions, $414 of which was late Burbank money and $2851 as yet to be
identified by folks in town hall --if this is not form the Burbank estate, it likely does not
belong here. We will receive similar reports as they are available each quarter. Joanne
O'Brien moved to accept the report, seconded by Gay Williams; approved.
• There was no activi report prsented since we were meeting earlier than usual. Pamela will
mail out later.
• Regarding the Computer Room and Training, Pamela reported that there are 4-5 likely
participants for the next class (for beginners) to be taught by a rep. from the RMLD. The
computer room is open from 9 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Mon-Thurs. There was some discussion of
using this class as a PR opportunity - pictures of the class to promote classes, room use, etc.
Pamela suggested she would like to see the coverage address both the history of the computer
room development (recognizing the contributions of Lois Bond and Bill , as well as the
funding (Burbank Trust and RMLD)) and the classes. Bill has agreed to be a media contact
and we drafted Ed Merullo to speak for the COA. Rather than a plaque, we have settled on a
framed announcement regarding the funding of the computer room - a date will be added and
the verbiage printed on quality paper.
• We spoke too about the Holiday Baskets and Adopt a Family Programs. So far there are 75
children in the Adopt a Family recipient pool (last year was 110). Enid Schmuch will
distribute gifts to senior - coming from various women's groups in town. The Holiday Food
Baskets (non seniors) and Adopt a Family, fall under Pamela's responsibility area in her role
as Human Services Administrator. She has no similar sounding board in the Human Services
area as she does in Elder Services. It is possible that some folks might volunteer to revisit the
process with Pamela (particularly of matching adopters and adoptees) for future years.
Regarding Thanksgiving meals for seniors, Pamela reported that Harrows cannot help during
the holidays (though would like to some other time), and that Boston Market is not open on
Thanksgiving Day, although could help us the day before (turkey plus 3 sides). 128 Ford
donates money for the meals for seniors. Pamela with help from Marie Ammer will identify
seniors who will not be with family for Thanksgiving so we know how many meals we're
dealing with. Pamela will check too with the supplier for Mystic Valley - if they are open
for business on Thanksgiving that might be another food source. We will deliver either on
Wednesday before Thanksgiving (if no meals available on the holiday) or on Thanksgiving
Day.
• In Other Business...
• We revisited the terms and conditions of the Burbank Trust Fund. We need to give
thoughtful consideration to ways to utilize the interest income from the Trust. We expect
to be asked to fund the Tax Work program for the town again, and may use this in
outreach efforts in the new year, but will be mindful of other opportunities. There was a
suggestion that we may need to set aside money for the purchase of the next van. (Will
the town NOT fund this?) We also discussed medical transport and alternatives when
there are conflicts with normal van use (the Schroeder Fund, meant for frail elders, might
be an appropriate resource). Peter Heckenbleckner has suggested several possible uses
of Burbank money - fixing doors on the lower level of the Senior Center that are rotted, a
lighted flag pole at the Center, and an emergency generator so the Center could serve the
town as an emergency support center. There was no interest in pursing these at this time.
• Dick Anderson recently attended a meeting of the Mass. Home Care Board and went to 2
seminars - one on elder housing options and one on marketing - and noted the speech by
the President of Mass. Home Care as a highlight - our own John O'Neill!! He is still in
touch with Brad Jones on the Circuit Breaker legislation, but getting a current mailing list
of seniors in Reading is proving a challenge. We wondered about census data that the
town collects. Pamela will look into this after the first of the year, but cautions that town
lists would likely not be available to politicians.
• Pamela reported that she had been unable to attend the Mass. COA meeting, and would
appreciate suggestions regarding meetings that are important, so we can be sure to have
some representation.
• The next meeting will be December 10`h, at the Senior Center
• The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gay WLUUamW
Gay Williams, Sec'y