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always available to respond to emergencies. The idea is accessible counseling. LYFS will begin with counseling, and later expand to become a drop -in center. There are currently 6 volunteer clinicians participating. How can we coordinate what our committee is doing with LYFS, asked Lea. Does this avoid duplication of services? Bill came to the evening's meeting to find out if there can be cooperation between this committee and LYFS. Bill would like to meet with the Town Manager and hear her ideas about collaboration. Charlotte will help schedule a meeting between Bill, Tim and Carl (town manager). Bill is hoping that eventually LYFS can offer small parenting groups. The committee encouraged Bill to seek media coverage by the local papers. Charlotte encouraged Bill to present to the Youth Services Committee as well. Update from Charlotte: There has been an approximately 40% increase in the demand for veteran services in last 3 years. This significant increase is due primarily to the aging population, not to Iraq and Afghanistan. The town's veterans' agent (Bob Martin) averages 12 hours /week. This has been a part -time, stipended position. Mass. law states that every town must have a veterans' service agent. Charlotte spoke of the need of more space for private counseling. She suggested that there could be some space changes made within Muzzey that would be helpful. Space constraints have been challenging for the staff. The staff continues to be very busy processing requests for financial assistance, such as fuel assistance. Odds & Ends: Barbara discussed the increase in numbers of local elders needing protective services. Emily said that the Human Services Department been conducting outreach to the PTAs. HS recently made a brief presentation at'Hastings. "The Race to Nowhere" is coming to Lexington in late April. There will be two showings at Cary Hall, both followed by small group discussions.