HOLDEN COUNCIL ON AGING
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Conference Room - Senior Center
Present: Richard Mansfield; Jacqueline Kelly; Rev. Jerry Heslinga; Louise Charbonneau; Barbara Anger; Albert Ferron; Cheryl Owoc; Susan Sullivan; Maureen Buffone; Carmello Bazzano.
The meeting was opened at 1:02 p.m. by Chairman Mansfield. The minutes from the December 7, 2006 meeting were approved and accepted. It was reported that Dorothy Holton will not continue on the Board. Jim Oliver was not present at the meeting.
F.H.C.O.A. REPORT
Barbara Anger reported that the Valentine's Day Cookie Sale will take place on February 9th. A flyer will be included in the next newsletter. The Meals on Wheels drivers are anxious to get badges, which Louise will be creating. The cart sales continue to be steady, with proceeds totaling up to $377.00 for a 1-week period during the holiday season. Sales will slow down after the first of the year, but the cards will remain a constant.
COORDINATOR'S REPORT
Coordinator's report was presented by Louise. Cindy Beck is in Massachusetts General Hospital for her three-month treatment and will return the week of the 8th. Louise outlined January's scheduled events. The Senior Center will be closed on Monday, January 1st, as well as Monday, January 15th. This month's movies will be Mission Impossible II and Superman Returns. The Spelling Bee will take place on January 18th, and town employees have been asked to participate. The Elder Driver Program will be held on January 22nd, International Day features Austria on the 25th and Reminiscing with Cindy on the 29th. February's programs will be cut back a bit.
The new software for "My Senior Center" has arrived. The staff will be trained over the next few weeks, and cards will be distributed next month. HCOA members will also be receiving cards. A labeler has been purchased so that names can be inserted on the cards.
Donation envelopes were included in the light bills, and the Welcome Aldrich fund has been increased by over $5,000.00. Louise has acknowledged every donation.
Leominster Credit Union had donated mittens and hats, and Wachusett Food Pantry and some classes at Davis Hill School had donated personal care products for Seniors, which Naomi and Paula delivered to 37 Seniors. Wachusett Regional High School's art classes made 65 wreaths which were delivered by Naomi and Paula, as well. The American Legion donated five $25.00 gift cards for Seniors, and a personal letter will be sent to them.
Bob Beck's digital photography class was a success, and he has agreed to offer evening classes which will be open to anyone.
Leo Bachant's widow has requested the donation from Leominster Credit Union be acknowledged. LCU has yet to provide the press release that they had promised.
OLD BUSINESS
The Christmas Party catered by Toupin's was a success and enjoyed by all. The employee breakfast will be held the Friday before Christmas for the staff of the senior center, building and grounds staff, Brian Bullock and Jacquie Kelly.
Rick Mansfield reported that the new administration is in favor of lowering taxes. Sue Sullivan questionsed how that can be handled since real estate taxes are local. Senior's taxes may be affected. Rick asked Al Ferron if he will check with the legislative group from the Massachusetts Council on Aging to see if this is something they'll be focusing on.
Carmello Bazzano voiced his concern regarding the policeman stationed at the Mountview School. The policeman has been paid from a $30,000.00 grant which is due to expire, and his concern is that the $30,000.00 will now be coming from increased taxes which would be a hardship for seniors. Rick encouraged Mr. Bazzano to attend the council's meeting and work together with the board.
NEW BUSINESS
Historically, the Holden Council on Aging meetings had been held at 1:00 p.m. The meetings were moved to 8:00 a.m. to accommodate members who found it difficult to make it at one o'clock. Since the time no longer seems to be an issue, Louise suggested trying one o'clock for a few months.
Paula Earley asked Louise to speak to the group about the Welcome Aldrich Fund. The funds were originally used solely for heat for the needy. There have now been requests for funds to pay for utilities. Paula would like some kind of guideline. Last season, the fund was used once. Over the last five years, 30 families were helped. If the fund is not used, people may not want to donate. Paula brings a list of other places people can go to for help. Al, Rick and Cheryl are on the subcommittee that decides if the clients qualify for the fund, after Paula makes a recommendation. Two out of the three members are needed to approve. The maximum amount given to date was $250.00.
Al Ferron has had to use the senior bus service recently and thinks the program should be expanded so that the bus goes to Worcester every day. Carmello Bazzano feels the transportation is poor. The bus is owned by the WRTA and they set the budget. Holden's drivers are some of the lowest paid, compared with Shrewsbury and some of the other towns. There is a definate need for another bus. Naomi has had to refuse rides due to availability. It was suggested that Wendy Steinhiller be called to come out and talk about options.
Motion made to adjourn by Al Ferron, seconded by Susan Sullivan. Meeting closed at 2:00 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Board will be Thursday, February 1, 2007, at 1:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Buffone
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