Council on Aging, April 6, 2017
HOLDEN COUNCIL ON AGING
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Conference Room – Senior Center
Present: Susan Sullivan, Faye Ellis, Wayne Howard, Maureen Locke, Eric Johansen,
Rebecca Tornblom, Louise Charbonneau, Maureen Buffone.
The Meeting was called to order by Sue Sullivan at 8:00 a.m.
The Minutes from the March 2, 2017 meeting were approved and accepted.
F.H.C.O.A. REPORT
Faye reported the account balances as follows:
Commerce Bank $15,071.65
Leominster Credit Union (furnishings acct.) $2,847.35
Leominster Credit Union C.D. $24,206.46
LCU Trip Account $5,676.00
The Friends held their annual meeting on Monday, April 3, 2017. They expended $14,175.00 last fiscal year and continue to have a healthy bank account.
There were two (2) by-law articles that needed to be tweaked according to the accountant. They are going ahead with the same slate of officers. Only the directors have changed.
The membership list is being worked on, and they are still mulling over what they can do to remind members of their expired dues.
The next Friends’ meeting will be held on Monday, May 1 at 1:00 p.m.
HELP AT H.O.M.E. REPORT ~ Jim Robinson
No representation.
BOARD OF ELDER SERVICES REPORT - Richard Mansfield
Rick was not in attendance, but asked Louise to announce that the Meals on Wheels program is in jeopardy, as well as funding for the program to reduce/prevent repeat hospital visits.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT - Louise Charbonneau
APRIL EVENTS
Monday, April 3 … 1:00 Friends Annual Meeting
Wednesday, April 5 … “Taste and Toast to Your Health” 9:00-2:00 Day long symposium sponsored by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.
Monday, April 17 … Senior Center closed in observance of Patriot’s Day.
Wednesday, April 19 … Volunteer Recognition … 10:45 …Our Volunteer Recognition Celebration will be held on Wednesday, April 19 at 10:45 a.m. (for a photo). A delicious brunch provided by Toupin’s Catering will be served around 11:00. Every member of this Board is a volunteer. If you haven’t signed up but would like to attend, please let Maureen know before you leave today.
Thursday, April 20 … Book Discussion Group … 10:00 … The Book Discussion Group will be discussing the book Missing You by Harlan Coben.
Wednesday, April 26 … Poetry Reading … 1:00 … In celebration of National Poetry Month, we cordially invite you to a poetry reading featuring James B. Nicola, originally from Holden and the author of three books of poetry. With James will be Catherine Reed and Joyce Hinckley. They will both be reading from their collection of poems. Also, Clare is placing on the dining room tables copies of a different poem daily for our participants to enjoy.
Thursday, April 27 … Potato Bar Lunch … 12:00 p.m. … Provided through Elder Services. If you’re interested in attending, please call Sue at 508-210-5578 or stop by to see her before you leave today.
… Annual Senior Dinner Dance … 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. … We invite you to join us from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Wachusett Regional High School for the Annual Senior Dinner Dance. The event is sponsored by the Wachusett Mountaineer Volunteer Students and the Friends of the Holden Council on Aging. Deadline for registration is Friday, April 21 or until capacity is reached.
FINANCE COMMITTEE BUDGET HEARING
It is Louise’s understanding that our budget hearing before the Finance Committee went well. Louise thanked Peter for handling it and to everyone who was able to attend.
SHERIFF’S SYMPOSIUM
Sheriff Evangelidis and his staff sponsored an interesting, informative and fun symposium here yesterday. One hundred forty-five (145) seniors enjoyed a continental breakfast, talks, bingo, lunch and door prizes. He generously donated $250.00 to the Senior Center. A big thank you to Sheriff Lew and his staff for choosing our Center to hold this event.
STATISTICS FOR MARCH
Legal Presentation – 29
Greendale Mens Chorus – 39
Ron Rosenstock - 62
HFD Info Q&A - 17
OLD BUSINESS
Sue distributed the final survey report in narrative form, complete with charts and graphs. She included every single comment included in the surveys. She did an outstanding job. The overall response was positive. The people who come here are overall happy. There were three (3) or four (4) very negative comments that seemed to be made by people who have an ax to grind. There were not as many comments about the meals, as expected. People seemed happy to have the opportunity to have a meal. The home-cooked meals received great praise. For the most part, people thought the price of the trips were too high. Rebecca Tornblom made a motion for the board to formally accept the report. It was seconded by Faye Ellis and all were in favor. Copies of the report will be distributed to the town manager, board of selectmen and posted on the town’s website. Copies will also be made available at the senior center for those who do not have access to the internet. Sue will send a letter to the town manager and ask him to share the report with the selectmen. A pdf copy will also be sent to Robin so she can post it online.
NEW BUSINESS
Sue Sullivan spoke about the “unbelievable program” that the Sheriff’s office put on yesterday. The main dining room was set up with tables and every table was filled. Lew spoke first about the things they do for seniors and touched on most of them. Lew stressed how important the senior center is and spotlighted the senior center’s history. There were 145 seniors in attendance. Sheriff Lew donated $250.00 to the senior center. Louise will send him a thank you note. Many people stopped to tell Louise how nice the building is. There were ten (10) students from Worcester Vocational School here to assist in serving lunch provided by Napoli Deli.
Sue received a letter from Ed Starkus in response to Sue’s announcement at the previous select board meeting inviting comments regarding future items of interest to the Holden seniors. He suggested an educational session in November on the various Medicare health options for the upcoming year. Louise will ask our SHINE representative if that is something he would be willing to do during open enrollment time. If not, Louise will contact the SHINE office.
Sue asked if Peter will still be our liaison. Louise imagines we will see less of him, as she’s not aware of any plans to hire an assistant.
Louise told the board that someone has been leaving insulin supplies in different parts of the building on four (4) different occasions. She notified the police department and they are looking into it. From their point of view, it is harmless but should not be left out in a public building.
Louise praised Sue Donaldson’s work on the opening day event on April 3rd. The Red Sox game was projected on the big screen, and a lunch of hot dogs; chili; baked beans; coleslaw; cheese; sauerkraut; cupcakes; popcorn and root beer floats was served before the game.
CITIZENS ADDRESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:51 a.m.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 8:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Buffone