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Human Services Committee Minutes October 20, 2015 Lexington Community Center Room 217 Present: Lea Gardner Elkin and Gail Fields, Co-Chairs, Norm Cohen, Selectmen liaison, Betty Borghesani, COA Board liaison, Barbara Chiampa, Gail Rogers, Maria Frye, Guest, Mao Becket, MSW intern, Kristie Demirev, staff, and Charlotte Rodgers, staff. Absent : Pam Joshi, Bonnie Tempas The meeting was called to order at 7:40 pm. The minutes of the last meeting – May 19, 2015, were approved with one edit (include Gail Fields as present). Everyone commented on the new Community Center space and the success of the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting! Staff reports : Kristie Demirev introduced Mao Beckett, MSW intern. Kristie reported on quarterly statistics for the department – there is a noted increase in walk in clients at the new Community Center, especially for Veterans Services. Kristie is working closely with the Lexington Public Schools Health and Wellness and Prevention staff. Kristie has arranged a new Parent Education Series that kicks off October 28 with a talk about Teens and Sleep. 4 talks are planned. She is also collaborating with Recreation and Community Programs to start an after school drop in Middle School group. The HSD is also collaborating on “Family Fun Nights” at the Community Center. Families are being contacted for the holiday programs, including Beacon Santa, and the fuel assistance program is starting on November 1. “Lex Eat Together”, a community meal, begins at st Church of Our Redeemer on October 21. Charlotte Rodgers reported on outreach efforts for seniors that include: Aging Mastery, Caregiver Support, Parkinson’s Support, and Memory Café. Older Wiser Lifelong Learning programs at the Community Center are in full swing and very well attended. Discussion on Role of the Human Services Committee (HSC) : Lea gave an overview of a discussion held with Linda Vine and Norm Cohen to explore the coordinating and communication ability of the HSC to serve as a body between many of the Town boards and committees that deal directly with human services issues. All agreed that a plan to meet with these boards and committee representatives over the course of this year was a good idea. Gail Rogers was identified as someone who would be a good representative from the HSC to the Youth Services Council. Action item: Lea/Gail to work on a draft letter inviting other boards/committees to attend a HSC meeting