Council on Aging, September 4, 2014
HOLDEN COUNCIL ON AGING
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Conference Room – Senior Center
Present: Rev. Dr. Jerry Heslinga, Richard Mansfield, Susan Sullivan, Faye Ellis, Maureen Locke, Marilyn Burnham, Rebecca Tornblom, Jacquie Kelly, Peter Lukes, Jim Robinson,
Louise Charbonneau, Maureen Buffone.
Today’s meeting started with a full breakfast prepared by Louise in honor of Rev. Heslinga’s last meeting, as he is moving out of state.
The Minutes from the June 5, 2014 meeting were approved and accepted at 8:27 a.m.
F.H.C.O.A. REPORT
Faye reported the account balances as of April 7, 2014 as follows:
Commerce Bank $14,816.13
Leominster Credit Union (furnishings acct.) $1,734.55
Leominster Credit Union C.D. $23,925.56
LCU Trip Account $4,314.84
Faye reported that the furnishings account is down $1,920.00 for 12 chairs that the Friends purchased for the senior center’s living room.
Paula Grady oversaw the indoor flea market at Holden Days on August 23rd. There were 14 tables of participants. She has already taken reservations for six (6) tables for next year. They are also considering opening the kitchen next year to serve coffee.
The Friends are willing to participate in the Winter Carnival on December 6th.
HELP AT H.O.M.E. REPORT ~ Jim Robinson
Jim submitted a Financial Report dated June 30, 2014 using a new format for the summary page. There was not a lot of activity since April. Donations totaled $2,675.00 and disbursements totaled $711.36. The combined balance is $41,814.80. The goal for the last fiscal year’s donations was $20,000.00. They came close with just under $18,000.00. The disbursements amounted to $11,000.00.
The Help at H.O.M.E. committee will meet again next Thursday. They will be discussing their goals and plans for the upcoming year. They plan on meeting 2 to 3 times a year. Jim anticipates continued discussion on how to further get the word out, including the committee members going before a Selectmen’s meeting. They may also consider modifying the criteria for disbursements.
Most of the disbursements have been going to the electric light department. Jim stays out of that process, but continues to be sensitive about it. He feels the disbursements should be balanced a little more with heating oil and gas needs.
Louise told the board that members of the Help at H.O.M.E. committee met with Paula and Cindy over the summer to become more familiar with the process. A lot of the applications that are given out are not returned. The criteria should be consistently applied.
BOARD OF ELDER SERVICES REPORT ~ Richard Mansfield
Rick reported that things are status quo. The Board of Elder Services will meet again next week, and Rick will go over the changes at our next meeting. Rick would like to remain involved in Elder Services on their service committee. He may go back on the board in a year or two.
We have a new nutrition site manager. Sue Donaldson has replaced Stephanie Gabrielli, who had an opportunity to work in the office at Elder Services.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT ~ Louise Charbonneau
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Wed., July 9 …... Summer Lunch Prepared by Staff
Wed., July 16 … “Sugar Shocker” w/Nutritionist Tricia Silverman
(partially funded by Friends of HCOA)
Wed., July 23 … Wachusett Community Band Concert & Social
Wed., Aug. 6 … “The Main Event” w/Bill Sbrogna
Thurs., Aug. 7 … Young Bess – 12 year old student performs as Queen Elilzabeth I
Wed., Aug. 13 … Meet the Chief – Chief Armstrong, Det. Sgt. Porcaro, Sgt. Rick Horrigan
attended lunch and talked about the police department in general; offered advice on
being aware of scams as well as fielded questions relative to traffic concerns. Chief
Armstrong also paid for everyone’s lunch!
Wed., Aug. 27 … Annual Senior Center Picnic
SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS
Mon., Sept. 1 …... Senior Center closed in observance of Labor Day
Thurs., Sept. 4 ….. Movie … “Tootsie” … 12:30
Mon., Sept. 8 ….... Friends Meeting … 1:00
Thurs., Sept. 11 … “Smash His Camera” … 12:30
Mon., Sept. 15 ….. Carol Burnett Show Marathon … 1:00-3:30
Thurs., Sept. 18 .… Movie … “Saving Mr. Banks” … 12:30
Wed., Sept. 24 ….. Home Cooked Meal … 12:00
Mon., Sept. 22-Fri., Sept. 26 … Amateur Photo Exhibit/Contest
NEW BOARD MEMBER
Louise is pleased to announce that Wayne Howard is being appointed to the Board effective October 1st. He will fill Pastor Heslinga’s unexpired term. Wayne is a volunteer in the kitchen, as well as a Meals on Wheels driver, so he has the interesting perspective of what goes on in the Senior Center, as well as some of the issues facing those elders who are home bound.
VAN ESCORTS
At the end of June, we bid a fond farewell to our van escorts, Ernie Diesslin and Marjeanne Adels. One and one-half of their salaries were paid through the Formula Grant. We have reallocated those moneys to other areas where we felt there was a greater need. The town van service was expanded an hour a day, and additional time will be added to outreach.
MCOA CONFERENCE
This year’s MCOA Conference will be held Wednesday, October 8 – Friday, October 10 at Seacrest Resort and Conference Center in North Falmouth. Board members are welcome to attend any one or all of the days. Louise sets aside grant moneys for conference fees. Registration deadline is Wednesday, September 10. You can view the Conference Handbook with the workshops listed by going to www.mcoaonline.com. If you’d like to attend, please let Maureen or Louise know and we will see to it that you are registered.
THANK YOU TO TATNUCK PARK
Tatnuck Park Assisted Living donated $300.00 toward the cost of our Annual Picnic. Obviously, this was a huge help and enabled us to offer the picnic to our elders free of charge with the remaining balance supported through our Discretionary Account. We hosted seven or eight of Tatnuck Park’s residents and three of their staff members for the event, as well.
SOME NUMBERS FROM SUMMER PROGRAMS:
Young Bess – 30
Wachusett Community Band – 32
Meet the Chief – 25
The Main Event Concert – 49
Home Cooked Lunch – 44
Sugar Shocker Program – 30
Annual Picnic - 120
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Sue Sullivan was unanimously voted to replace Rev. Heslinga as chair of the HCOA Board. Rick Mansfield will serve as vice chair.
Louise distributed information on the senior center pen pal program.
Rev. Heslinga said that he has thoroughly enjoyed his over 10 years on the board.
CITIZENS ADDRESS
Marilyn let the board know that the kitchen is always looking for Meals on Wheels drivers.
ADJOURNMENT
It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 a.m.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at 8:00 a.m. at the Holden Senior Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Buffone