Help at H.O.M.E.
MEETING MINUTES
November 20, 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; Donna Fitch, Energy New England; Jim Robinson; Rev. Rich Simpson, St. Francis Episcopal Church; Maureen Buffone.
Call Meeting to Order - Brian Bullock/Karen Halley
Karen Halley called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
Jacquie Kelly moved to accept the minutes from the November 6, 2008 meeting, which was seconded by Cheryl Owoc and passed unanimously, with two (2) members abstaining.
Food/WFP Update - Karen Halley
Karen reported that 160 families were served at the food pantry in November, which is the highest ever in their history. There are turkeys left over for December from donations made by the Rotary, Holden Association of Fire Fighters and private donations. Emergency food boxes have been left at the police and fire stations. The box at the fire station has already been used and replenished. Karen received her first call for Help at H.O.M.E. from someone who has been without utilities for two (2) months. There was discussion on tracking residences with zero electrical usage so that George Sherrill and Jack Chandler are informed of possible empty properties.
Fuel Assistance/Heating - Louise Charbonneau/Cheryl Owoc
Louise reported that she received a new request this morning from a multigenerational family without heat. Holden Discount Oil will be delivering 200 gallons of oil tomorrow at $2.69/gallon. Mr. Namiotka was more than happy to do it. This was the second or third since October.
Louise received a $500.00 donation earlier in the week from a private family.
Fire Safety - Jack Chandler
Jack stated that fire safety is going well. There was one (1) pellet stove and one (1) oil burner malfunction. Jane Dutton asked Jack if there was a notice that she could put up at the library about Help at H.O.M.E. Sue had created both a postcard and business card with the Help at H.O.M.E. logo that could be displayed at businesses or handed out to individuals, which would save from giving out the whole brochure.
Fitness (building fitness/energy conservation) - Donna Fitch
Donna reported that the audit has been playing on local access TV. They are into late January for new appointments. They have not run into a lot of people that need assistance. Their auditor can also distribute the Help at H.O.M.E. cards.
Clergy Outreach - Rev. Rich Simpson
The local churches will be moving ahead, each in their own way. Rich and Jerry Heslinga are planning on December 4th or 11th for their churches. St. Mary's will be collecting donations at their second offering.
Facts (reference manual) - Cheryl Owoc
Sue met with Karen and Cheryl on Tuesday to edit the booklet. Any additional revisions should be given to Sue by December 1st. They decided the best date for publication would be December 22nd. Cheryl revised the disclaimer that Brian came up with which Sue has added to the booklet. Sue will email a pdf version of the booklet to all board members. Jacquie, Cheryl and Karen will need to proofread the entire booklet. The latest version of the booklet can always be found on the website. The goal is to hand out copies of the booklet at the Senior Center's holiday party on December 30th.
Booklet Printing - Susan Marsh & Joe Sullivan (Brian Bullock)
Brian will try to leverage the 3rd bidder to get down to the 1st bidder's price. Sue has the booklet down to 24 pages, but may need to add another four (4) pages. She suggested using a lighter weight paper (70 pound offset) to keep the price down.
Fundraising Reports/Updates - Karen Halley
Brian will be picking up the donations from Holden Martial Arts in the amount of $1,800.00. The Help at H.O.M.E. envelopes will be going out in the light department bills on December 12, 19 and 29. Jack Chandler is still working on the fundraising thermometer. The committee will readdress other fundraising opportunities in January, after the light department letters go out. Joe Sullivan suggested contacting Jordan Levy to talk about Help at H.O.M.E. on his talk-radio/television show. Joe also spoke about the ability to raise money from the Help at H.O.M.E. booklets.
Set Date for Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on December 4th at 3:00 p.m. at the Holden Senior Center.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maureen Buffone
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