HOLDEN COUNCIL ON AGING
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Conference Room – Senior Center
Present: Rev. Dr. Jerry Heslinga; Richard Mansfield; Jacquie Kelly; Cheryl Owoc;
Barbara Anger; Albert Ferron; Sue Sullivan; Maureen Buffone
The minutes from the April 2, 2009 meeting were approved and accepted.
F.H.C.O.A. REPORT - Barbara Anger
There is no financial report available, as the treasurer is still out on a medical leave. The Friends
Fair has been scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2009.
HELP AT HOME REPORT ~ Jim Robinson
Jim was not able to attend today's meeting, but submitted a preliminary financial report dated April 30, 2009 showing a combined balance of $34,915.26. Woodmeister Master Builders, Inc. made a donation in the amount of $1,325.00 for the Help at H.O.M.E. banner.
BOARD OF ELDER SERVICES REPORT ~ Rick Mansfield
Rick did not attend last month's Board of Elder Services meeting and does not have the minutes. The board is in the process of budgeting for next year. They also met with several vendors in April to go over the bidding process for Meals on Wheels. Rick stated that he is doing a lot of catch up, and he is very excited to be part of the board.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT ~ Maureen Buffone
Maureen read the Director's Report prepared by Louise, outlining the following events for May:
Mon., May 4 ~ Real Men Don't Rehearse; Wed., May 6 ~ Samuel Holden Talk with Jane Neale; Thurs., May 7 ~ Movie "National Treasure Book of Secrets," Senior Prom at WRHS from 5:00-8:00 pm; Wed., May 13 ~ Ebenezer Kinnersley Comes to Holden; Thurs., May 14 ~ Movie "Just Desserts;" Wed., May 20 ~ Memorial Day Observance with Dick Partridge; Thurs., May 21 ~ Movie "Kung Fu Panda;" Fri., May 22 ~ Veterans Meeting; Thurs., May 28 ~ Movie "An Ice Cream Show" followed by a sampling of some unique flavors of ice cream.
The Senior Center now has a new custodian. Adam Hickey is our new "right hand man." Ann Lundquist left her position as site manager due to illness. Elder Services has hired Terry Black as our new site manager. Terry returns to the position after leaving it several years ago.
Our budget hearing was held Wednesday, April 8th and went extremely well. Jacquie, the Town Manager and Louise fielded questions primarily on transportation, programming and outreach. Louise thanked those who were able to make it, and appreciates their support.
Cheryl and Maureen attended the Formula Grant training last week. The grant must be submitted by June 22. Louise is asking for input, as soon as possible, as to how the board would like grant monies allocated.
Elder Care 2009 is being held on May 12th at the Manor Restaurant in West Boylston.
OLD BUSINESS
Jerry asked for an update on the new senior van. Jacquie reported that there has been a delay in the release of the state bid list due partly to all the turmoil in the state. Rich DeWitt had other bid lists, and Jacquie called a couple of vendors and was given the names of senior centers to contact. The van drivers have been polled as to their preferences on style. Jacquie, Al and Naomi will arrange to visit at least two (2) of the senior centers to look at their vans.
NEW BUSINESS
Al suggested using some of the formula grant money for health care programs. Cheryl and Paula talked about purchasing water bottles for the walking group and to try and encourage all of the seniors to drink more water. Sue said the high school purchased stainless steel water bottles for less than $3.00 each. Jerry recommended a program on managing medication costs, and also coordinating volunteers to give rides to seniors for doctor's appointments, etc.
The Senior Center was given a donation in the amount of $925.24 from a grant from the Holden Grange. Cheryl will use this to present a program on balancing elder care and work. The Oriols purchased the old Holden Hospital. It has been a long time coming and some changes are expected for the future.
The town elections will be held on Monday, May 11, 2009 and the town meeting will take place on Monday, May 18, 2009 at the high school.
As of today, the town is still negotiating with FEMA in regard to the brush removal. The Memorial Day Parade will start at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2009.
CITIZENS' ADDRESS
Reggie Judson attended today's meeting and announced that he is considering joining the HCOA board. He has lived in Holden for the past year and a half, and prior to that was very involved with the town of Bourne and their senior center. Reggie was told to submit his application. Brian Bullock would be the person to make the appointment.
ADJOURNMENT
It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 a.m.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at the Holden Senior Center.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maureen Buffone
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