Council on Aging, October 1, 2015
HOLDEN COUNCIL ON AGING
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Conference Room – Senior Center
Present: Susan Sullivan, Richard Mansfield, Faye Ellis, Marilyn Burnham, Wayne Howard,
Maureen Locke, Peter Lukes, Jim Robinson, Louise Charbonneau, Maureen Buffone.
Non-Members: From the Friends Board: Rita Brennan-Olson, Susan Enman, Eileen McCorkle.
The Meeting was called to order by Chairman Susan Sullivan at 8:00 a.m.
The Minutes from the September 3, 2015 meeting were approved and accepted.
F.H.C.O.A. REPORT
Faye reported the account balances as of September 14, 2015 as follows:
Commerce Bank $12,246.67
Leominster Credit Union (furnishings acct.) $2,139.60
Leominster Credit Union C.D. $24,061.45
LCU Trip Account $5,130.66
Faye reported that the Friends made a profit of $262.00 for the rental of 12 vendor tables at Holden Days.
The annual Friends’ Fall Fair will take place on Saturday, November 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Friends will be holding a 35th Anniversary celebration one evening in the spring.
The Morning Glory Café will be starting up on Friday, October 16 from 8:30 to 10:30 and will continue every Friday. In the long run, they would like to bring the Veteran’s group back. The Friends have invested in a portable sign to advertise things going on with the Friends and the Senior Center.
The Friends donated $300.00 to the DeWitt Children Educational Fund in memory of their father, Steve DeWitt. They also made a donation to the Gale Free Library in memory of Dotty Hall.
HELP AT H.O.M.E. REPORT - Jim Robinson
Jim did not have an updated report for September. The Help at H.O.M.E. Committee met in September. They are moving ahead with fundraising. The light department will be printing envelopes and flyers.
Sue said that Joe once again talked about how they can give more money away, or sell it better.
This past year, they have done a better job opening the parameters a bit. In the long run, they plan on seeing more increments of giving money away. Jim said they will be modifying the flyer to encourage people to make other people aware of the fund.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT - Louise Charbonneau
OCTOBER PROGRAMS
Thurs., Oct. 1 … Public Power Week Luncheon ~ 12:00 p.m.
Today’s menu for the Public Power Luncheon is marinated steak tips, rice pilaf, butternut squash, rolls and butter and homemade jelly roll for dessert. We have approximately 140 people signed up.
Tues., Oct. 8 … New Yoga Class begins ~ 1:00 p.m.
We have had many requests for an additional yoga class. So, thanks to the help of the Formula Grant, we have added a Gentle Yoga class each Thursday. Participants will pay $2.00 per class, as with the original chair yoga class on Tuesdays.
Mon., Oct. 12 … Senior Center Closed in observance of Columbus Day.
Wed., Oct. 14 … Cuba Today ~ 1:00 p.m.
Photographer and teacher Ron Rosenstock will present a program on Cuba based on his recent visit there. Ron has spectacular photographs and wonderful stories about the people of Cuba today.
Fri., Oct. 16 … Grand Opening of the Morning Glory Cafe
The Café will be open from 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. every Friday beginning October 16. There’s no need for a reservation just come by ~ bring some friends and sit and enjoy Coffee; Tea; Juice; Homemade Pastries; Toast; Raisin Toast; and English Muffins. For the grand opening there is no cost. The Café and its fare are generously sponsored by the Friends of the Holden Council on Aging and volunteer bakers. After the grand opening there will be nominal costs for participation.
Mon., Oct. 19 … Fall Prevention Series Begins
A six-week program entitled "Stay Upright with Simple Steps" will be held on Monday mornings here at the Senior Center. A Physical Therapist and two Registered Nurses from the VNA Care Network will coordinate the topics. Meetings and screenings for balance and osteoporosis will be scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Details will be given at the first meeting. There is no cost, and the program is open to all seniors. The series will begin on Monday, October 19.
Mon., Oct. 19 … Gothic Victorian Tales ~ 1:00 p.m.
Actress Rita Parisi from Waterfall Productions presents Gothic Victorian Tales by candlelight. - a theatrical storytelling presentation of a trio of tales by 19th century author, Sarah Orne Jewett.
Wed., Oct. 21 … Healthcare Proxy Preparation ~ 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Attorney Kimberly J. Asher will be here on Wednesday, October 21 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. for anyone wishing to establish a health care proxy. There is no cost for this service. Appointments are not necessary, it will be on a first come first served basis.
Thurs., Oct. 22 … Book Discussion Group is reading The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen
Mon., Sept. 28 – Fri., Oct. 2 … Absolutely Amateur Photo Contest
Our annual photo contest is set up in the Lounge. Photos will be on display and voted upon by participants from September 28 through October 2 at noon at which time judging will take place. Louise encouraged everyone to take a minute to view the photos and vote on their favorite.
MCOA CONFERENCE
The MCOA Conference will be held at the Sturbridge Host Hotel from Wednesday, October 7 through Friday, October 9. Clare, Maureen, Marilyn and Louise are all attending for either one day or two. While Louise is at the conference on Wednesday and Thursday, Naomi will be here minding the fort.
GRANGE LUNCHEON
The Holden Grange offered a lunch of Beef Stew, Salad, Rolls & Butter and Apple Crisp in September. While Louise did not partake of the lunch personally, her understanding is that it was less than delicious for several reasons. So after checking with Louise, the Grange called those who attended the September lunch and invited them for another lunch in October at no charge. Louise thanked the members of the Grange for making every effort to make things right.
SAYING GOOD-BYE
We are in the process of saying good bye to our custodian, Adam Hickey who has been in charge of caring for our building for the last 6 ½ years. Adam has been promoted to the position previously held by Steve DeWitt who passed away during the summer. The DPW is in the process of hiring a replacement for Adam. Until someone is hired, Adam’s doing his best to wear 2 hats. If you see Adam in your travels, Louise hopes you will thank him for his efforts here at the Senior Center and wish him well in his new position.
NUMBERS FROM SEPTEMBER
Ken Lelen Concert – 24
Flu Shot Clinic – 114
Grange Lunch - 66
OLD BUSINESS
After the council meeting in September, Rita heard about a conference in Sharon by MCOA. Marilyn Burnham, Eileen McCorkle, Sue Enman, Paula Grady and Rita Brennan-Olson attended. It was very well represented from across the state by people who are interested in doing something about the meals. There has been a decline in lunch attendance, which is becoming a national, as well as state trend, due in part to the increase in home delivered meals. Julia from Elder Services will be coming here in the next few weeks to meet with members of the Friends who have been investigating the quality of the meals. Council members would be welcome to attend, as well.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
CITIZENS ADDRESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:41 a.m.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 5 at 8:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Buffone
S