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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-10-08 Council on Aging MinutesCOUNCIL ON AGING October 8, 1984 Secretary's Report The Council on Aging Board of Directors met at the home of Chairperson Knapp, 56 Prespect Street, on October 8, 1984. Present: Lorna Knapp, Chairperson, Rheta McKinley, Administrative Secretary, members, Dick Felone, Betty Knox, Marcia McFarland Gray, Ann Marie McCarron, Mary Segallo, Jane Soule, Sebastian Tine, and Associate Member, Frank Lemaire. Absent: Corinne Pecoraro and S. Lester Ralph. Chairperson Knapp called the meeting to order at 7:30. The motion was made, seconded and VOTED to ratify the slate of officers nomin- ated at the July 11 meeting. The roster is: Lorna Knapp, Chairperson, Betty Knox, Vice Chairperson, Marcia McFarland Gray, Secretary; the office of Treasurer was open. Betty Knox nominated Jane Soule for the office of Treasurer. The motion was made, seconded and VOTED to appoint Jane Soule Treasurer of the Council on Aging Board. The new members of the Board were introduced and welcomed. They are: Ann Marie McCarron, Mary Segallo and Jane Soule. Chairperson Knapp asked the status of the warrant. Rheta reported it had been forwarded to Molly Ziegler and was ready to be presented to the Town Meeting. It was suggested that some of the Board members be present at the Town Meeting when it was brought up. If the regular Board meeting falls on the day of the Town Meeting it was suggested that a Board meeting be held at the school at 7:00. Rheta stated that the warrant carried a figure of $15,000. but John Agnew called and said not to mention a specific figure as it would be difficult to increase the amount if more were needed. Rheta reported that the van was out of commission due to a broken transmission. It is being repaired and until the work is completed there will be no trans- portation for seniors. ANNUAL DINNER Rheta reported that Austin Prep has offered the use of the school for the annual dinner for the Sunday before Thansgiving (November 18). A voluntary committee was set up to work with Rheta; the committee consists of Lorna Knapp, Ann Marie McCarron and Dick Felone. It was decided to invite Abe Berson, Molly Ziegler, the new State Representative, and the florists. The cutoff figure was set at 500. PROGRAMS Rheta reported that the programs are progressing exceptionally well. There is a waiting list for most of the classes and an additional knitting and crocheting class had to be added to accommodate the demand. The new oil painting teacher, Barbara Folger, is working out well. A new arts and crafts teacher, Bea Erickson, is well-liked by the students. The ceramics class is so popular that Rheta advises that another class be added next year. Many of the participants are first-time enrollments. Two new dance teachers have been hired. Steve White has two classes on Thursday, and Dick Delery has a begin- ner's class on Mondays. Rheta stated she came across a letter from Ray McDonald, written around 1980, stating that the council is not allowed to keep the interest accrued on the council's recreation account. It was decided that Lester Ralph be contacted regarding the legality of this request. It was also suggested that Rheta confer with other councils to determine how they handle interest received. There was a discussion as to the inadequacy of the van to accommodate the many calls for it. There are more people requesting transportation to the meal site than it is possible to provide. The idea of contacting local taxies to help out on three of the most busy days was discussed. Mrs. Sprague's taxi and Doris Ward were mentioned as two possible sources of transportation. There is between $300. and $500. available that could be used for this purpose but after that was exhausted the service would have to be discontinued. For that reason, and inadequate insurance, it was thought best not to initiate the plan. Plans for a new senior center were discussed. Rheta stated that government block grants were available to every community and that senior centers were on the priority list. She has been advised that when applying it is advisable to hire a professional block grant writer. The former Woburn Street School was mentioned as a possible site. Collaboration with the Congregational Church, should they purchase the Community Center, was also suggested as a possibility. Rheta and Ann Marie attended the first meeting of the Hospital Fund Committee. They presented their ideas and were well received. Another meeting was set up for two weeks hence but Rheta was unable to attend due to her accident. Ann Marie attended and gave a brief rundown of the meeting to the Board. A budget committee was appointed consisting of Lorna Knapp, Ann Marie McCarron and Jane Soule. The next Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 13, at 7:00 o'clock in Room 129 of the Reading Memorial High School, prior to the Town Meeting. The motion. was made, seconded and VOTED to adjourn at 9:00 P.M. Respectf-ul ubmitted, Cam- ~ : Aloyse elli n p Recording Secretary