HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-26-HSC-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 1014 JAN -9 AN10-- 06
APRIL 26, 2011
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LE"611-0041 MA
The meeting was called to order by Chair, Lea Gardner Elkin. Those in attendance were Lea,
Gail Fields, Barbara Ciampa, Ellen McDonald, Mimi Ballard, Emily Lavine, staff member,
Norm Cohen, Selectman, and Betty Borghesani of the COA. The minute of the March meeting
were approves as recorded.
Report for the Human Services Department
■ Emily reported that LexPress is piloting a program to make use of their vehicles in the
middle of the day. The new route will include stops at the "villages" for the elderly and will
transport people to the Senior Center in Lexington. It will allow seniors to participate in
activities and to have lunch at the Center. This pilot program will run from May through
July.
■ The police and the Human Services Department (HSD) will present a Pedestrian Safety
program to advise seniors and immigrants about walking safely in Lexington. There have
been several accidents involving pedestrian and this program will hopefully help walkers
understand the rule of the roads and sidewalks.
■ One of the interns in the HSD has researched safety brochures written in Mandarin which is
the language of many Lexington residents. A brochure from Canada is being reviewed for
use here. Identification cards are also being created for residents who do not have drivers'
licenses.
■ The fuel assistance program is ending for this season.
■ The "Race To Nowhere" a movie about schools, will be shown April 28 and 29 at Cary Hall.
Tickets are available on line.
■ Discovery Day is May 28 from 10 AM to 3 PM. Volunteers to help at the HSD table are
being sought.
■ The HSD staff is suggesting a brochure that would explain the Fund for Lexington. The
brochure would describe how to donate and what the money is used for. Emily asked if the
Committee members would consider preparing such a brochure for distribution in our
community. She had prepared an outline of ideas and distributed an example of a brochure
from Lincoln. Gail endorsed the idea and offered to help in the preparation.
Membership
Lea reminded the members that we are losing two members this year and asked everyone to
think about possible candidates. Barbara has spoken to Peg Kennedy and asker her to "visit"the
Committee's meeting next month.
Other Business
■ Barbara reminded the members to contact their legislative representatives regarding the
budget for elder services.
■ Norm reported that he had attended the State health care budget hearing. He also announced
that the Lexington budget for 2012 is a balanced budget.
■ Norm and other Selectmen have been approached about convening a task force to consider
the needs of the Lexington community including the need for a community center. He
suggested that if such a task force is formed it should include a representative from the
Committee.
■ Lea raised a concern about the use of heroin in the Lexington schools. Emily added that the
police are aware of this. Heroin is a dangerous drug partly because of the questionable
sources and additives. It was suggested that Laurie be invited to talk with the Committee on
this topic.
■ The veterans' administrator for Lexington has retired and there is a need for a replacement.
This person must be a Lexington resident and must have served in the military at a time
when the country was involved in a war/conflict.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45.