MEETING MINUTES
June 9, 2009 ~ 3:00 PM
STARBARD BUILDING
PRESENT: Brian Bullock, Town Manager; Karen Halley, Wachusett Food Pantry; Jacquelyn Kelly, Assistant Town Manager; Cheryl Owoc, Outreach, Holden Council on Aging; Donna Cross, Holden Municipal Light Dept.; Joseph G. Sullivan, Holden Board of Selectmen; Jack Chandler, Holden Fire Department; Steve Yerdon, Holden Area Chamber of Commerce; Jim Robinson; Susan Marsh; Johnny Suire, HCTV; Maureen Buffone, Secretary.
Call Meeting to Order - Brian Bullock/Karen Halley
The Help at H.O.M.E. meeting was called to order at 3:05 p.m.
The minutes from the April 2, 2009 meeting were approved and accepted.
Food/WFP Update - Karen Halley
Karen reported that 128 families were served at the food pantry in May. There were more young families and fewer seniors. The food pantry has two (2) refrigerators that are being used to store fresh foods on a short term basis. The excess goes to Jeremiah's House from June through September. Karen is currently working with the Rutland Food Pantry, where they are having assigned times for distribution.
Fuel Assistance/Heating - Louise Charbonneau/Cheryl Owoc
Cheryl and Paula Earley have 8 cases they are currently working on which total over $10,000.00. Most of the people coming in have bills running between $1,000 and $3,000. There is one request in the amount of $10,364.79 for the electricity used to run a piece of doctor prescribed medical equipment. Six Hundred Dollars ($600.00) was paid for rent for a senior gentleman with a severe illness. He was extremely grateful for the help. For the most part, the people that are getting help are really deserving of it. There have been seventeen (17) cases since January, compared with seven (7) for last year.
Fire Safety/Fundraising Sign - Jack Chandler
The fundraising sign has been updated and pegged to the ground.
Fitness (building fitness/energy conservation) - Donna Fitch
No representation.
Facts (reference manual) - Cheryl Owoc
Cheryl is still collecting information and will update the website in July.
Treasurer's Report - Jim Robinson - Fundraising Tally
Jim submitted a preliminary Financial Report dated May 31, 2009 showing a combined balance of $32,035.26. There were no receipts for the month and three (3) payments to the Light Dept. totalling $2,880.00. The 13 disbursements from Help at H.O.M.E. were broken down as four (4) for oil, eight (8) to the light dept., and one (1) for a stove. To date, 36% of the income was disbursed, which is a good place to be and is fulfilling the charter quite well.
Clergy Outreach - Rev. Rich Simpson
No representation.
Banner Update
The banner will be purchased from Jack LaPrade from the $1,325.00 donation received from Woodmeister. A June 30th delivery will be requested, but is not expected.
Fundraising for 2009-2010
Fundraising is ongoing, yet low-key. It was suggested that the H@H board members attend the Selectboard's meeting on July 13th to report on camera what has been done. Donation envelopes will go out once again in the light department bills in November. Once the banner is put up, donations should start to pick up. There will also be a table at Holden Days with fact sheets. Holden Martial Arts will be doing their fundraising again in September, which can be promoted at Holden Days. Brian will call Jen Stanovich to find out who she has been talking to at Walgreens, to see if they are interested in supporting Help at H.O.M.E. Susie will look into designing refrigerator magnets.
HCTV Possibilities - Guest: Johnny Suire
Johnny announced that the cable advisory committee has agreed to cover the cost of the next printing of the Help at H.O.M.E. booklets up to $2,000.00. Their logo and information will be put on the inside of the back cover. The invoice should be sent to Johnny when received.
Johnny is ready to start working on the PSA. Cheryl will do a short narrative, and a sub-committee will be formed with Joe, Jack and Steve to be ready for July 9th. Karen will discuss the food pantry, Louise and Cheryl will discuss fuel assistance, Jack will cover fire safety, and Rich Simpson will be the clergy representative.
Set Date for Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at Joe Sullivan's residence on 63 Highland Street.
Adjournment
It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 4:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Buffone
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