Help at H.O.M.E.
MEETING MINUTES
January 8, 2009 ~ 3:00 PM
HOLDEN SENIOR CENTER
PRESENT: Brian Bullock, Town Manager; Karen Halley, Wachusett Food Pantry; Jacquelyn Kelly, Assistant Town Manager; 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; Rev. Rich Simpson, St. Francis Episcopal Church; Donna Fitch, Energy New England; Maureen Buffone, Secretary.
Call Meeting to Order - Brian Bullock/Karen Halley
Karen Halley called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
Jim Robinson moved to accept the minutes from the December 8th meeting, which was seconded by Sue Marsh and passed unanimously.
Food/WFP Update - Karen Halley
Karen reported that 126 families were served at the emergency food pantry in December, which included 57 new people. The food pantry received a lot of donations, and they had 60 extra turkeys that were given to Friendly House, along with baby food and toys. They received over $7,000.00 from the turkey trot, and will decide at their January 20th meeting if a portion of that will be donated to Help at H.O.M.E. Karen talked to Doug Nelson about getting a food pantry connection on the Help at H.O.M.E. website.
Fuel Assistance/Heating - Louise Charbonneau/Cheryl Owoc
Cheryl is working on one (1) Welcome Aldrich application relative to an electric bill and is researching one (1) for an oil bill. She expects to see more as fuel assistance runs out. Brian asked if there are a fixed number of people, should the limit be changed. Joe thought that we don't want to create a dependency. Cheryl stated that there has been an increase in food stamp requests, and two emergency food boxes were given out.
Fire Safety/Fundraising Sign - Jack Chandler
Jack will need to move the sign out of the snow and get a balance from Jim to update the sign.
There was also discussion on getting a Help at H.O.M.E. street banner, which usually runs about $600.00. Steve Yerdon will be approached to see if this is something the Chamber of Commerce might be interested in supporting. Jack LaPrade may be a source to obtain the banner.
Jack will be attending a FEMA meeting on January 14th at WPI regarding the ice storm.
Fitness (building fitness/energy conservation) - Donna Fitch
Donna reported that five (5) energy audits were scheduled the week of the power outage. They did not take place and will be rescheduled. She also said that it would be a good idea for the auditors to have a supply of Help at H.O.M.E. booklets and business cards on hand.
Facts (reference manual) - Cheryl Owoc
The booklets and cards have been received and are being distributed to the Town Hall, Starbard Building, Light Dept., Library, Recreation Dept., Senior Center, Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds, Bagel Inn, doctor's offices and churches. Channel 11 is also a good place to run information. Jim Robinson printed about 100 business cards on his computer for a cost of approximately $10.00. Jim said that Jordan Levy commented about how valuable the booklet would have been when he was mayor.
Treasurer's Report - Jim Robinson
Jim submitted a preliminary financial report for period ending December 31, 2008. He reported that it has been another good month for donations, having received over $4,000.00 during a very tough month. An additional $2,500.00 donation was received from St. Francis Episcopal Church. There were two (2) disbursements, one for a tank of oil and one for a light department bill, totalling $1,041.33. Jim will give the same report at the HCOA meeting next week.
Cheryl asked if Help at H.O.M.E. could help seniors with storm related repairs, such as emergency hook-ups and electricians. What is the protocol for people who have already been helped with oil, but have electrical issues? There was discussion on showing flexibility and discretion on a case by case basis.
Clergy Outreach - Rev. Rich Simpson
Rev. Simpson had nothing new to report. Joe Sullivan gave a talk at all of the masses one weekend in December.
Emergency Preparedness and Response - Plan, Communications, Follow-up - C.E.R.T.
The ice storm was discussed in detail. Communication is key and having something prepared that can be printed and delivered by the postal service in case of another event is of utmost importance. An independent radio station would work well to get information out to the general public. People have high expectations of what information should be available. The Select Board will be sending out a letter to all residents recognizing the stress caused by the loss of power. The general public will also be given an opportunity to make their thoughts and feelings known. A blog is a good way that thoughts can be organized from every direction.
Set Date for Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the Holden Senior Center.
Adjournment
It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 4:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maureen Buffone
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