HOLDEN COUNCIL ON AGING
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Conference Room – Senior Center
Present: Cheryl Owoc; Rev. Dr. Paul Kennedy; Jacquie Kelly; Barbara Anger; Sue Sullivan; Albert Ferron; Louise Charbonneau; Maureen Buffone.
Others Present: Brian Bullock, Town Manager
The Holden Council on Aging meeting for April was called to order at 8:00 a.m. by Cheryl Owoc. Rev. Kennedy moved to accept the minutes from the March 6, 2008 meeting, which was seconded by Al Ferron.
Louise announced that Secretary of Elder Affairs Michael Festa will be here on April 11th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm to tour the building and meet with the seniors. He is very personable and "senior-oriented". Louise invited the Board members to come in to meet and talk with him.
OLD BUSINESS
Sue informed Brian that the senior van sub-committee has been struggling with how to proceed and wanted some input from Brian. Brian agreed that transportation will be a growing concern, and the town should be responsible for operational and maintenance costs. There was discussion on putting a flyer in the light departments bills and the town matching funds raised by the sub-committee. It was agreed that the businesses in town should be approached for donations before putting a flyer in the light department bills. The Board of Selectmen has been very receptive, but it is uncertain about the Finance Committee. Brian would be happy to go and ask for matching funds, but would need a number to work with. He did not think it would be problematic that the senior budget has already been set. We need to come up with a budget and the town can
decide how much help they are willing to give, once we get a sense of what the cost of the van will be. Jacquie will search for a price on the state bid list. The RTA must get their vans at a cut rate. Our current van is a Ford. It was asked if anyone has a connection to Sunnyside. Sue will resurrect the letters that were begun and get them ready to send out.
Millbury's van has still not been received, and we have not heard why. There is a question about bringing on a third van with over 100,000 miles. A new van would be used full time and for day trips, but essential services will take priority.
The senior van sub-committee will meet again on Thursday, April 10th at 8:00 a.m.
COORDINATOR'S REPORT
Louise outlined April's events as follows:
Thursday, April 3....Movie "Catch and Release"
Tuesday, April 8...Tax Assistance for Stimulus Package
Tuesday, April 8...Red Sox home opener projected onn big screen with hot dogs and popcorn
Thursday, April 10...Mass. Audubon Society Presentation-Attracting Wildlife to Your Backyard
Monday, April 14...Alzheimer's Seminar
Thursday, April 17...Movie "In Her Shoes"
Thursday, April 17...Senior Prom @ WRHS
Monday, April 21...Bring a Grandchild to Lunch
Thursday, April 24...International Day - Russia
Monday, April 28...Reminisce with Cindy
Louise was happy to report that Cindy went to her doctor and will no longer need chemo, for now.
NEW BUSINESS
Al spoke briefly about his approaching the Selectmen about property tax assistance available to qualifying elderly and other citizens, as well as his review of the State's Circuit Breaker Tax Credit available to qualifying seniors on their state income tax.
ADJOURNMENT
It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting of April 3, 2008 at 9:05 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maureen Buffone
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