HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-05-07 Council on Aging MinutesP
Council on Aging
May 7, 2001
Town Hall
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867
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Present: Joanne O'Brien, Ed Merullo, Betty Cronin, Dick Anderson, Barbara Powers,
Edwina Kasper, Gay Williams, Ray Cabot
Excused: Mary. Andreola, Dottye Foxon
Guests: Russell Dean, Assistant Town Mgr., Marie Ammer, Social Worker
• Betty Cronin called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
• Minutes from the Feb. meeting were read and approved. Motion made by Joanne,
seconded by Gay.
• Russell reviewed the financial report with us - motioned for approval by Joanne,
seconded by Gay, approved by all.
• The administrator's report was given verbally by Russ and by Marie. Russ indicated
the search for candidates for the vacant elder Services position is on-going. Interview
appointments from the initial candidate pool have been set up. Earlier interviews
were encouraging, but not fruitful. Marie spoke about the use of the Center by groups
for meetings, and about the soon-to-be computer center. Two computers will be set
up initially (by the end of this month) and the hope is that we can work with the
Technology Club at the High School for basic training of seniors new to computers.
There was discussion of the need to set up policy regarding the use of the computer
lab - Ray Cabot and Ed Merullo volunteered to do some research on other Centers
with such equipment. Russ will bring a draft policy on email - working from the
town's policy - for the Board to review, this will need to be different since the
existing policy addresses employees and the new one will address individuals using
town property. Marie also reported that fuel assistance applications numbered 74 this
year (up from 7 last). She also noted that there will be a white board in the Center
listing activities, and that a cover (weather protection) will be added to the outside
bulletin board. Volunteer Recognition reception is this week. Betty has been doing a
great job of working on the Ramblings, and is updating the publication Elderberries.
Acceptance of the report moved by Gay, seconded by Dick, and approved.
Dick reported on his recent activities with MVES: Equal Choice (seniors to get help
and stay in home vs. going to nursing home), discussion of current census
information for Brad Jones' mailing re: Circuit Breaker tax reduction program,.
prospect for addition to Peter Sanborn Place, and the Gov't Pension offset.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.