HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-09-10 Council on Aging MinutesCLERK
Council on Aging , MASS
September 10, 2001
Town Hall''- v:a `"k CP cj
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867
Present: Dottye Foxon, Ray Cabot, John O'Neill, Joanne O'Brien, Ed Merullo, Betty Cronin,
Dick Anderson, Barbara Powers, Edwina Kasper, Gay Williams, Pamela Brown (Director)
• Dottye Foxon called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
• The minutes of July's meeting were accepted unanimously.
• Our newest member, John O'Neill was introduced.
• Pamela reviewed the Financial Report - we believe the printed report to be for August,
though it may not include the full month's expenditures. She will check into this and let us
know. We need to acknowledge the $5000 donation from RMLD toward the computer room.
It was moved by Ray and seconded by Joanne, that we purchase a plaque to recognize the
Burbank Trust and the RMLD for equipping the computer room - leaving space for
subsequent donations should they be made. Acceptance of the Finance report was moved by
Betty Cronin and seconded by Barbara Powers; a unanimous vote followed.
• Pamela spoke regarding the July and August activity reports and highlighted the following:
• We are fortunate to have had two substitute van drivers (both volunteers in various other
elder programs). Pam Boyd has now been hired as the regular driver.
• Pamela is working with the local newspapers to include additional information about
elder programs, such as meal site menus.
• Jane Robinson's watercolor class has 12 seniors registered to participate.
• The knitters group has been very active - has a sale up coming - knitting for Project
Linus and various local hospitals.
• Pamela spent time on several occasions at the Reading Food Pantry - there are 57 seniors
and families being serviced there.
• There followed a discussion of other venues for information dissemination. Pamela
indicated that the Ramblings newsletter is mailed to the two local papers. We have in the
past, discussed mailing to businesses, as well as discussed a mass mailing to seniors in
town (there are 3100 residents over 65). Barbara mentioned that in Wakefield the
newsletter (published monthly) is mailed quarterly to all over 60, and that it does generate
a lot of interest/response. We also discussed use of the Reading Cable Channel - which
Pamela did use to advertise the knitters' sale. Dottye recommended that we make this an
agenda item for the next meeting - consider a mailing, to whom, what age cut off, how
often, what would the cost be and how would it be funded, do we solicit
advertisers/sponsors, etc. Acceptance of the reports was moved by Joanne, seconded by
Barbara; vote was unanimous.
Nominations for elections followed. Betty nominated Dottye Foxon for the office of Council
Chair, with a second by Dick. No other nominations were made and the vote was unanimous.
Ed nominated Betty Cronin as Vice Chair with a second by Gay; no additional nominations, vote
unanimous. Betty nominated Gay Williams as Sec'y/Treasurer, with a second by Joanne; no
further nominations, vote unanimous. Dottye reminded the group that all share equally in the
responsibility for the Council, and recommended that we adopt a leadership rotation plan into our
by-laws such as exists in other town organizations; she will research and report back.
• Dick Anderson gave an update regarding the Circuit Breaker legislation (officially Circuit
Breaker Property Tax Relief Program). Brad Jones would like to do a mailing to all Reading
residents over 65 years of age in order to get the word out to seniors about the program - he will
fund the cost. People born in 1936 or earlier will qualify this year for a special tax break from
the state. People who own homes with town valuation of less than $400K, renters, and folks
with income under $30K will qualify. The largest exposure for missing qualified seniors is those
who do not (need to) file state tax returns - they will still be eligible for the tax relief.
• Ed Merullo reported that there had been two meetings concerning the computer room, which
opened for action this summer. Steve Oston will teach a 3-4 week class which is fully enrolled
with 5 students. Several lifted up suggestions that one on one mentors from the high school (or
middle) be enlisted to assist seniors. We need to find other teachers - maybe solicit local
businesses to "donate" employees' time in this effort. Dick also suggested that we might install
Turbo Tax for MA at the center to assist with the Circuit Breaker tax calculation.
• In other business Pamela mentioned that there are staffing challenges within Community
Development (the umbrella in which Elder and Human Services resides). The full time clerk
who largely supported Recreation has resigned and the clerk for Health Services will be leaving
soon. The shortage is impacting efficiencies in all groups within Community Development, as
everyone has to pinch hit. Ray Cabot spoke about a recent phone scam and Dottye suggested
that Dick Robins or Pat Iapicca at the Police Department would be appropriate contacts.
• Betty Cronin moved to adjourn at 8:31 p.m., seconded by Joanne O'Brien; all voted in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Gary W LUG amp
Gay Williams, Sec'y