HOLDEN COUNCIL ON AGING
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Conference Room – Senior Center
Present: Rev. Dr. Jerry Heslinga; Louise Charbonneau; Albert Ferron; Cheryl Owoc; Barbara Anger; Sue Sullivan; Rev. Dr. Paul Kennedy; Rick Mansfield; Jim Robinson; Maureen Buffone
The minutes from the September 3, 2009 meeting were approved and accepted.
F.H.C.O.A. REPORT ~ Barbara Anger
Barbara reported that the Friend's balances remain the same as last month. The Fair preparations are going well and they have a full house. There is a new slate of officers on the Friend's board. Barbara took the new senior van to the Wrentham Mall in September and the trip was enjoyed by all.
HELP AT HOME ~ Jim Robinson
Jim submitted a financial report dated August 31, 2009 showing a combined balance of $31,806.23. Total receipts amounted to $820.00. Fund raising activities are under way. Flyers will be going out in the light department bills and the donation envelopes will go out in the November bills. There was a fair amount of discussion at the last Help @ HOME meeting to find ways to allow more disbursements. They are collectively moving along to try and be a little more liberal. One-third of every dollar is being disbursed. The Attorney General requires a certain percentage of the balance be disbursed. Brian talked to Louise about broadening the scope. There is a senior who is in need of help to repair his roof and another arthritic senior would like to purchase a new facuet. Brian will be discussing funding an after school program with Denise at the
Recreation Dept. The fund is now being used more to help young families. Jerry suggested that it is time to do more publicity. Last year, Help @ HOME raised $22,000.00. This year's goal is $25,000.00.
Jim reported that he has been helping out at the Light Dept. into looking at the feasability of putting solar panels on some of the town buildings. They will lie flat and will be aligned with the aesthetics of the building. Recently, the Light Department joined Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, which will make them eligible for up to 50% of the cost. Sue said the high school is looking at the same thing.
BOARD OF ELDER SERVICES REPORT ~ Rick Mansfield
Rick reported that there are more than 2,250 elders over the age of 60 receiving home care services in greater Worcester County, which is funded by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. The state home care program has been cut by 6.4 million dollars. At the same time, the number of elders seeking help is increasing. Elder Services will be holding their annual meeting on October 20th. If Rick hears of any more that is relevant to Holden, he will inform the board. Jerry asked Rick to write a letter to the appropriate people in support of funding, and the board will sign it.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT ~ Louise Charbonneau
Louise talked about the sudden passing of Ann Lundquist. The calling hours will be Friday, October 2nd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and the funeral will be held on Saturday, October 3rd at 2:30. Ann was very dear to everyone at the Senior Center and will be greatly missed.
Louise outlined October's highlights as follows:
Thurs., Oct. 1 ~ HCOA Board Mtg., Movie "The Women;" Mon., Oct. 5 ~ Public Power Luncheon; Thurs., Oct. 8 ~ Movie "Ace of Hearts;" Mon., Oct. 12~ Columbus Day-Sr. Ctr. Closed; Thurs., Oct. 15~Movie "New in Town;" Mon., Oct. 19~Travelogue of China; Wed., Oct. 21~Butterfly Program; Thurs., Oct. 22~Movie "Valkyrie;" Mon., Oct 26~Osteoporosis Program; Tues., Oct. 27~Pumpkin Decorating; Wed., Oct. 28~Titanic Survivor Author; Thurs., Oct. 29~Movie "The Living Sea."
Pork tenderloin, smashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce, rolls and butter will be served at the public power week luncheon. The light department will bring a cake. We currently have a wait list. There will be pumpkin decorating on Tuesday, October 27th and pumpkin pie and coffee will be served.
Louise presented a life-time achievement award to Al Ferron at the volunteer recognition breakfast on September 22nd and presented him with a citation from Representative Evangelidis.
The new van is on the road and can be seen outside of the kitchen. Oriol Health Care will have their logo displayed on the back door and the Friends on the door that opens and closes. After that is completed, a christening and photo op will be arranged.
The flu shot clinic took place on September 28. Louise received a phone call the week before stating only 140 shots would be available. There were about 40 people turned away.
The formula grant was received in the amount of $20,146.00, which is an increase of $504.00 from last year.
The MCOA conference will take place on Ocotber 7, 8, and 9th. Cheryl Owoc will be presenting a workshop at the conference on Wednesday.
Louise informed four (4) board members of their terms expiring as of December 31, 2009. There are still twenty (20) seniors needed for the pen pal program.
Cheryl will be presenting a two (2) night workshop on Ocotber 27 and 29 at 6:00 p.m. on Balancing Elder Care and Work. It is geared towards people between the ages of 40 and 60, and a light supper will be served. This is being funded by a grant from the Grange and a service incentive grant.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Al Ferron suggested a maintenance fund be established for when the warranty on the van is expired. He thought the six (6) banks in town could contribute a couple of thousand dollars toward that fund. Louise said it was her understanding that the maintenance will be provided by the town.
CITIZENS' ADDRESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 a.m. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at the Holden Senior Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Buffone
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