Help at H.O.M.E.
MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 2, 2008 ~ 3:00 PM
HOLDEN SENIOR CENTER
PRESENT: Brian Bullock, Town Manager; Jacquelyn Kelly, Assistant Town Manager; Louise Charbonneau, Coordinator, Holden Council on Aging; Cheryl Owoc, Outreach, Holden Council on Aging; Karen Halley, Wachusett Food Pantry; Donna Cross, HMLD; Donna Fitch, Energy New England; Joseph G. Sullivan, Holden Board of Selectmen; Chief Jack Chandler, Holden Fire Dept.; Susan Marsh; Rev. Rich Simpson, St. Francis Episcopal Church; Jackie, Worcester Community Action Council, Inc.
Town Manager Brian Bullock opened the meeting at 3:00 p.m.
Susan Marsh created three different logos which were passed around. Karen suggested that we choose one for letterhead to keep it consistent. Brian thanked Sue for the work that she did on the logos.
Fundraising Sub-Committee
Brian Bullock reported that Jen Stanovich is interested in being involved in fund raising but will not regularly attend meetings. Karen Halley had talked to Holden Martial Arts about three (3) possible fund raising programs. There was a discussion about the flyer to be put in the light bill for donations. The flyer would be needed before the end of October. Donna said it was easier/better to include a separate envelope for donations to the Welcome Aldrich Fund because it keeps it distinct from the light department payment. We will need to decide if donation checks should be made payable to Help at H.O.M.E. or Welcome Aldrich. The flyer and envelope will be available for the next meeting. A suggestion was made that a donation container can be put out at events such as Homecoming, Halloween celebrations, football games, soccer games and other
community based events.
Clergy Outreach - Rev. Rich Simpson
No change.
Food/WFP - Karen Halley
Karen reported that 135 families were served at the food pantry last month. Brian Bullock attended their last board meeting. There will be a representative from the Holden Fire Department at the next Food Pantry distribution day passing out smoke detectors.
Fuel Assistance/Heating - Louise Charbonneau/Cheryl Owoc
Louise conveyed to the board of the Holden Council on Aging at this morning's meeting that HELP at H.O.M.E. is aiming to raise about $14,000.00 and hopes to fund 60 deliveries of oil at 150 gallons per delivery. We are sending a request to have Worcester Community Action Council come out to the senior center again for new fuel assistance applications.
Louise contacted Jack Namiotka, and he told her he would need a commitment as to the number of gallons we feel we would require, because he will need to purchase the oil. He said that most oil companies will not go below 150 gallons. Jack Chandler will contact Mass. Energy, as they work with groups to provide oil to people who need it. This is something that would need to be done on an anonymous basis. Brian will scan the poverty guidelines chart into the computer and distribute it to members.
If people call the senior center after hours to report they are out of oil, they will be directed to call the non-emergency police number. We need to provide information to George Sherrill so that he can handle these calls. Louise will invite George to the next HELP at H.O.M.E. meeting. Karen said Louise should be able to make the decisions during non-working hours. Worcester Community Action Council can get them through as an emergency.
Energy Conservation Sub-Committee - Donna Fitch
Donna Fitch will be coming to the Public Power Luncheon on Tuesday, October 7th to give a short presentation to the seniors. We will have copies of the HELP at H.O.M.E. booklets at that time. Donna arranged to have Johnny Suire film an audit for a customer next Friday. This will help people know exactly what to expect if they call for an audit. People will learn how to make their homes more energy efficient. People can request information over the phone to learn about their particular concerns.
Foreclosure Sub-Committee - Brian Bullock
Brian Bullock could not attend the seminar he mentioned at a previous meeting. Dennis Lipka attended in his place, but there was not a lot of information on assistance for homeowners. Brian would like to create a place where people can go during the day to get out of the cold (warming rooms). If anyone has ideas of any kind, Brian would like to hear about it.
Informational Booklet - Cheryl Owoc
Cheryl emailed the completed information to Jacquie at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Susan Marsh will do the entire booklet and get it to Joe Sullivan so that he can ask the owner American Printing if he'd be willing to print it at a discounted rate. Joe suggested the booklets be available at the Rotary breakfast in December. Jack Chandler asked if the booklets should be put in the Landmark.
Holden Public Safety Day - Jack Chandler
Public Safety Day will take place on Sunday, October 5, 2008 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Discussion-Appointment of Treasurer and Liasion to the Welcome Aldrich Disbursement Committee
Jim Robinson volunteered to fill the position of Treasurer, but he will not be available for the month of October. Joe Sullivan moved to appoint Jim to the position of Treasurer, which was seconded by Jack Chandler and passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at the Holden Senior Center.
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