COUNCIL ON AGING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 10, 2014
Present: Council on Aging Members Irving Goldberg, Jack Jordan, Virginia McIntyre, Jean Noussee, Marijo Gorney, Jack Dorsey, Norah McCormick, Council on Aging Director Lynne Waterman and Outreach Coordinator Darlene Perkins.
Absent: Mary Gaffney
Also Present: Ernest Cornellsen
Chairman Irving Goldberg opened the meeting at 8:30 a.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - August 13, 2014
Motion: Jack Jordan moved to approve the minutes of August 13, 2014, seconded by Jeanne Noussee. Vote unanimous
Public Comments
None
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Lynne Waterman distributed her report for the month of August. The Director noted that she and the Outreach Coordinator met with staff from a local home care agency to plan a future program for men who are caregivers. She also met with a local bridge instructor to plan future classes. The August programs were well attended which included the chowder luncheon, theater presentation sponsored by the Mashpee Cultural Council and aromatherapy program.
There were no issues with the van.
The Director informed the members that the staff did the annual cleanout of the storage areas. The Director attended the following meetings: Parkinson’s Support Network Board of Directors, Department Head meeting and Mashpee Human Services monthly meeting. The Director also met with the Instructor for ALL, the new President of Capers Club and with the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief. She also attended NAMI of Cape Cod’s regional meeting on mental health for first responders, senior service providers and other professionals.
The Director noted the Activity Coordinator returned in August following a leave and the Volunteers Coordinator’s position was advertised and interviews were held. The Director met with a new volunteer with excellent computer skills who will be working with the Office Assistant. She also conducted a tour of the building for members of another senior center off Cape who will be building a new center. The Director stated her goals are to train the new volunteer coordinator, complete tasks for the property tax program which ends in September and plan for new year beginning October 1st and also to plan programs for November. She thanked the volunteers of a local gardening group who once again made beautiful bouquets for several seniors.
Motion: Jack Dorsey moved to accept the Director’s report, seconded by Jack Jordan. Vote was unanimous.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Director Waterman reviewed the budget figures with the members.
Motion: Ginny McIntyre moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Jean Noussee. Vote unanimous.
OUTREACH COORDINATOR’S REPORT
Darlene Perkins, Outreach Coordinator, distributed her report for the month of August. She stated she had three home visits and many client contacts by telephone and visits to the office. Many of her visits were seniors and families needing help with transportation, homecare, medical equipment and information on how to choose a skilled care facility.
The Coordinator said she has been busy training a new volunteer to start working with residents applying for fuel assistance and beginning to help residents fill out their recertification applications for fuel assistance. One resident has moved into a senior residence from an apartment he has been residing in which was highly inappropriate for his needs. There were 30 participants in the Brown Bag program with 5 great volunteers working on this program. Darlene met with the Mashpee Police department concerning three matters of seniors needing referrals for services.
Darlene noted she continues to meet monthly with volunteers and 7 Mashpee residents turned 90 plus and received flowers. She is continuing to meet with the volunteers on a regular basis and has been working with the Director and van drivers on building the ridership. She attended the monthly meeting of Elder Services of Cape Cod Board of Director meeting and with Kathy Ganey with an update on Mashpee residents.
Darlene distributed information on “Benefits Checkup”. She reviewed the forms with the members and explained the forms can be filled out on line or can be mailed in. Seniors can come to the senior center for help in filling out these forms. The reason for the forms is to determine if a senior qualifies for any benefits programs which would them supplement their income.
Motion: Jack Dorsey moved to accept the Outreach Coordinator’s Report, seconded by Jean Noussee. Vote unanimous.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR REPORT
Director Waterman stated no report for August.
ACTIVITY COORDINATOR REPORT
Director Waterman noted there is no activity coordinator report for August, as the activity coordinator was on leave. The Activity Coordinator is working on the October Programs including the balance classes, the VNA walking program, etc. The Director also noted the HOME Counseling Agency will be coming in to discuss reverse mortgages.
Old Business
None
New Business
Director Waterman passed out a newsletter “Focal Points” which is an overview of what the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (COA) is working on, i.e. benefits checkup, and work programs for seniors seeking employment.
Director Waterman noted she has been working with the Building Inspector and DPW Director to determine the capacity of the rooms at the senior center.
Motion: Jack Dorsey moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Jack Jordan.
Vote unanimous.
Meeting adjourned 9:38 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Judy Daigneault
Recording Secretary
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