Help at H.O.M.E.
MEETING MINUTES
December 4, 2008 ~ 3:00 PM
HOLDEN SENIOR CENTER
PRESENT: Brian Bullock, Town Manager; Karen Halley, Wachusett Food Pantry; Jacquelyn Kelly, Assistant Town Manager; Louise Charbonneau, Director, Holden Council on Aging; Cheryl Owoc, Outreach, Holden Council on Aging; Joseph G. Sullivan, Holden Board of Selectmen; Jack Chandler, Holden Fire Department; Donna Cross, HMLD; Susan Marsh; Jim Robinson; Steve Yerdon, Holden Area Chamber of Commerce; Maureen Buffone, Secretary.
Call Meeting to Order - Brian Bullock/Karen Halley
Brian Bullock called the meeting to order at 3:08 p.m.
Cheryl Owoc moved to accept the minutes from the November 20th meeting, which was seconded by Donna Cross and passed unanimously.
Food/WFP Update - Karen Halley
Karen reported that 161 families were served at the food pantry in November, and five (5) emergency boxes were distributed, including one (1) from the fire department. Karen said that 6 to 8 bags of groceries are given to each small family, 8 to 10 bags to each medium-size family, and 10 to 12 bags to each large-size family. Last month, there was a total of 3 tons of food distributed. There is plenty of food on hand, and they are expecting an increase for December. The food pantry also received a donation of 120 packages of Thin Mints.
There were almost 500 participants in the Fifth Annual Wachusett Fitness 5K Turkey Trot. The proceeds will be donated to the Wachusett Food Pantry; a tally has not yet been received. Cheryl stated that the Rufus Putnam Lodge is doing a food drive. Brian suggested that all meetings for town boards and committees should request a donation of food to be collected at their meetings.
Fuel Assistance/Heating - Louise Charbonneau/Cheryl Owoc
Louise stated that there was nothing new to report for fuel assistance or heating. Jim Robinson attended the COA meeting this morning, as a representative of Help at H.O.M.E.
Fire Safety/Fundraising Sign - Jack Chandler
Jack reported that the fundraising sign has been put up outside of the front of the senior center. It will need to be updated to raise the level. Jack has a good article on chimney fires and will post it on the fire department's website.
Fitness (building fitness/energy conservation) - Donna Fitch
No representation. The audit is still being played on local access TV.
Facts (reference manual) - Cheryl Owoc
The booklet is ready to be proofed and will be printed as soon as that is completed. Sue will get confirmation as to when the booklets will be in hand.
Fundraising Reports/Updates - Brian Bullock/Karen Halley
Brian reported that the donation from Holden Martial Arts was $200.00 more than they had noted. Brian received a letter back from Mass. Energy this morning, and they are very interested in helping out with Help at H.O.M.E. Jacquie reported that the donation envelopes have been printed to go out with the light department bills and will start going out next week.
Treasurer's Report - Jim Robinson
Jim reported that Holden Martial Arts donated a total of $1,972.00. There was $1,100.00 in donations received from three (3) separate sources, and two (2) oil deliveries were made. Jim will update the committee periodically. Jim said that he has received a lot of support from the town accountant. Jim attended the COA meeting this morning and will be on the standing agenda and give monthly reports. He received feedback from one (1) COA member that there was no address on the website to send donations. There was discussion on whether the donations should be sent to the light department or senior center. Joe suggested keeping them going to the light department. Jim asked for email notification when disbursements are made.
Booklet Printing - Susan Marsh & Joe Sullivan (Brian Bullock)
Jacquie received a quote of $126.00 for printing 1,000 business-size cards (yellow card with black ink). She will get a price for adding the red ink to the cards. The price for 500 of the postcards is $89.00.
Clergy Outreach - Rev. Rich Simpson
Joe Sullivan reported that he contacted Pastor Remillard at St. Mary's Church and asked him if he could speak at this weekend's Masses about Help at H.O.M.E. Pastor Remillard told Joe that he could hold up the envelope and inform the parishioners, but the second collection is being taken for the retired religious and Pastor Remillard does not want to interfere with that.
No other representation.
General Discussion
Steve Yerdon from the Holden Area Chamber of Commerce asked what would be the best way for the chamber to help out. They considered the chamber making a $100.00 donation. Joe suggested their businesses display the Help at H.O.M.E. cards in the windows of their businesses and ask their customers to make a donation to Help at H.O.M.E. Papa Ginos sometimes donates a percentage of their profits.
There was discussion on the talking points for the Jordan Levy Show that Jim Robinson drafted and the suggested revisions that Joe Sullivan recommended. Cheryl suggested that number 1 and number 9 be swapped. It needs to address more than just heat as stated in the mission statement. Jim will make changes and get them to Joe. They will be given about 15 minutes of actual aire time. Board members will be prepared to call in with questions and comments.
Set Date for Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on December 18th at 3:00 p.m. at the Holden Senior Center.
Adjournment
Motion by Joe Sullivan, seconded by Jack Chandler, it was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting of December 4, 2008 at 3:55 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maureen Buffone
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