Help at H.O.M.E.
MEETING MINUTES
November 6, 2008 ~ 3:30 PM
HOLDEN SENIOR CENTER
PRESENT: Brian Bullock, Town Manager; Jacquelyn Kelly, Assistant Town Manager; Karen Halley, Wachusett Food Pantry; Louise Charbonneau, Director, Holden Council on Aging; Cheryl Owoc, Outreach, Holden Council on Aging; Donna Cross, HMLD; Susan Marsh; Steve Yerdon, Deverux; Albert Ferron, Holden Council on Aging; Rev. Dr. Jerry Heslinga, Holden Council on Aging; Maureen Buffone.
Call Meeting to Order - Brian Bullock/Karen Halley
Town Manager Brian Bullock opened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. and welcomed Rev. Heslinga and Mr. Ferron from the Welcome Aldrich subcommittee of the Holden Council on Aging.
Jacquie Kelly made a motion to accept the minutes from the October 23, 2008 meeting, which was seconded by Donna Cross and passed unanimously.
Hometown Holden & Board of Selectmen synopsis-Brian Bullock
Brian interviewed Louise and Karen for Hometown Holden. It went well and he was pleased with the results. The second part of the show with Donna Fitch and Jack Chandler will be filmed next week.
Brian reported that the presentation of Help at H.O.M.E. at the selectmen's meeting on November 3rd went well and was well received by the Board.
Food/WFP Update - Karen Halley
Karen reported that 146 families were served at the food pantry in October. October is usually their biggest month. The food pantry has been receiving donations of turkeys and has received a flyer from the Rotary for their annual breakfast on December 13th. Big Y will be holding their annual food drive in January.
Fuel Assistance/Heating - Louise Charbonneau/Cheryl Owoc
Louise heard from Linda Booker at Worcester Community Action Council, and they have received more money from the state, and, for this year only, have raised their income level. Louise distributed an updated income and benefit levels guideline. If someone came in to the senior center to sign up for fuel assistance and signed forms, but did not qualify, the computer will find them and re-submit their application. Rev. Heslinga suggested putting this information in the Landmark and on the town's website. Louise will get the details to Jacquie. Brian stated that the federal guidelines do not allow for disbursements before November 1st, and, by January, the fuel assistance is gone. Donna Cross had more people inquiring about their electric bills late this summer, which is earlier than usual. The electricity cannot be turned off after November 15
for non payment.
Jerry Heslinga reported about another group "Hope for Housing" which is working to prevent homelessness. They may also help by making mortgage payments. Donna Cross heard about a program out of Gardner from one of her customers. She will get the specifics.
Rev. Heslinga commented that he was pleased that more people will be drawing on the Welcome Aldrich Fund.
Fire Safety - Jack Chandler
No representation.
Fitness (building fitness/energy conservation) - Donna Fitch
No representation.
Clergy Outreach - Rev. Rich Simpson
No representation.
Facts (reference manual) - Cheryl Owoc
Cheryl was able to obtain 250 FREE copies of Disaster Preparedness booklets and offered them to members of the committee for distribution.
Booklet Printing - Susan Marsh & Joe Sullivan (Brian Bullock)
Brian passed out a spreadsheet of printing costs prepared by Joe Sullivan. IBA Printing, Action Press and Synergy Graphic Solutions came back with the lowest prices. Sue will call these three companies to discuss. Cheryl will call Atlas Press to see if they will come down to the $1,100-$1,200 range. We will be shooting for completion before Thanksgiving.
Fundraising Reports/Updates - Karen Halley
Linda from Holden Martial Arts sent a message to Karen to let her know that they have taken in $1,635.00 and will be extending the program for a bit longer. Wachusett Fitness has had 130 sign ups for the Turkey Trot which takes place November 27th at 8:00 a.m. Proceeds will be donated to the Food Pantry. There will be a sponsor table that morning with Help at H.O.M.E. booklets.
Set Date for Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on November 20th at 3:00 p.m. at the Holden Senior Center. Karen thanked Jerry Heslinga and Al Ferron for attending this meeting and invited them to attend future meetings.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maureen Buffone
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