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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-09-09 Council on Aging MinutesPage 1 of 3 pages COUNCIL ON AGING BOARD MEETING, SEPTEMBER 9, 1985 MEETING MINUTES Members present: Dick Felone, Penny Richards, Jane Soule, Sebastian Tine, Betty Knox, Aloyse Jellison, Frank Lemaire, Woody Baldwin, Rheta McKinley Minutes of the previous meeting were approved. There was no financial report. Rheta's Report Rheta's report was distributed, read and portions were discussed. On the subject of the Council's new van, Dick had high praise for driver Florence Farelli, and her dedication, care, concern and commitment to the people who use the van services. Rheta mentioned Florence's assistance in the office when she is not busy driving the van. Rheta mentioned a senior that has been hired to work at the meal site, and added that she hopes to have him come into the office and assist there as well. There was a discussion of apparent space limitations at the Community Center location, and that a multi-purpose room for pool, cards and TV does not work well, since each activity seems to interrupt the other. Both Rheta and Dick expressed hopes that the senior center will not end up being placed at the Pearl Street school. The Tea Dances were briefly mentioned, and the various locations that sponsor the dances were mentioned. Rheta's report was accepted. Shopping Assistance program Rheta mentioned that there were presently five participants in the Shopping Assistance program, she hopes to have more participants as time goes on, particularly with the bad weather coming. The grant money for this program runs out in the spring of 1986 (there was a questions of to whether it was March or May of '86), the program is listed in Elderberries and is mentioned by the Friendly Visitor. Penny suggested getting a quote or comment from a present user of the service, for inclusion on the weekly newspaper column. Old Business Restructure of office: Dick called this a priority, and said that Rheta's position must be upgraded. He suggested that by discussing her duties, Rheta could be instrumental in drafting a job description that would be useful in following through on having the position upgraded. Aloyse was asked to head a Council meeting minutes Page 2 of 3 pagesc 1 sub-committee to look into this job upgrading. Dick cited her involvement with the Board and her prior experience in the office. Sebastian firmly stated that he wanted to see an administrative program that would have the office open and responsive to the public five days a week, on a full-time basis. It was suggested that a proposal be drawn up for this kind of office structure based on what the Board saw as the needs of the office and the community the Board serves. Jane suggested contacting other communities of similar size and population to see what their office structures are. Aloyse and Penny will work on this and report to the Board. Center relocation: Rheta listed the School Committee's objections to placing the center at the Pearl Street School, such as additional traffic, noise, and a new driveway. REAP is using rooms at the High School that might have been available for the senior center. Sebastian feels a separate center would be more appropriate since the tenants of the new facility might have objections to the seniors coming and going to and from the center. Rheta stated that she feels the Council should have a representative to the Town, to be in on the planning and decision making on space needs. She feels the Council will get what ever space is left after other groups are taken care of, since the Council is not being included in the plan making. Aloyse suggested looking into renting or buying the St. Agnes building and Dick mentioned Galahue's Market on Salem Street. Dick asked for volunteers to work on a sub-committee for relocation, to maintain a laison.with the Selectmen to advise the Selectmen of what the Council's feelings on relocation are, and to generally "watchdog" the relocation proceedings. Sebastian suggested visiting other towns to see what courses of action they followed in securing their senior centers. A suggestion was made to get approval to solicit merchant, corporate and private donations towards the purchase of a building for a center. Sebastian suggested finding a building or location that might be for sale and then soliciting funds, since it would be difficult to raise funds for an abstract location, that donations would be more easily made with a concrete goal or location in mind. Members of the sub-committee to work on the relocation will be Frank, Lorna and Woody. A brief discussion of by-laws took place, Woody again mentioned that the Council has no by-laws that he has seen, and he is willing and anxious to work on this issue. Dick agreed that by-laws are a priority item, but suggested that between upgrading Rheta's position and the relocation of the office and center, that the by-laws wait until these other important issues are settled. New Business Annual Dinner: the dinner will be held on Sunday, November 24 (Sunday before Thanksgiving) at Austin Prep. An ecumenical service will be held prior to the meal, or attendees may attend services at their own church. Dick urged all Board members to make the date and attend. Rheta will be calling for assistance at our next meeting. She is working on having Council meeting minutes Page 3 of 3 pages entertainment. A discussion was held concerning the fact that the Board needs two members to be brought to full strength. Dick asked that a letter be sent to the Selectmen asking that John McDonnell and John Montgomery be appointed. Both of these gentlemen have filled out cards at the Town Clerk's office, expressing interest in our Board. Creative Arts for Kids: this group is looking for Council on Aging support of their programs, through donation of funds for participation. Rheta pointed out that their programs are expensive, $45 per course, and that some conflict with program the Council is presently running. Sebastian asked about intergenerational arts, and Rheta mentioned that the Barrows school is interested in having a tea with the seniors coming to spend time with the children of the school. Dick suggested inviting a representative of the Creative Arts of Kids group to our next Board meeting. The Winchester Hospital will run a Health Fair on October 23 at the Coolidge Junior High School. Woody volunteered to help man a booth for the Council. Our booth will contain brochures and information on Council programs. Continental Wingate: This group has asked the Council to write a letter to the State's Determination of Needs Office, requesting that the facility that CW proposes to build in Reading be built to CW's original specifications. CW's original proposal was for a 123 bed facility; the state approved an 82 bed facility; CW wants permission to build to hold the full 123. Woody asked why the weekly Council on Aging newspaper column only listed a few of the tours that are available for seniors. Rheta stated that it would be impossible to list every tour and that (Inly Sorrell (sp??) and Gateway and Council sponsored trips are presently being listed. This was discussed and it was agreed that in the future, only Council sponsored events would be listed. Respectfully submitted, Penny Virds Acting Transcriber