HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-05-COA-minMinutes of the Lexington COA Board Meeting
November 5, 2014.
Attendees: Nancy Adler, Betty Borghesani, Ellen Cameron, Marion Kilson, Harry
Mackay, Richard McDonough, Barbara Rediker, Julie Ann Shapiro
Staff: Kelly Axtell, Charlotte Rodgers, Rita Shah who was introduced by Charlotte
Representing the Community Center Ad Hoc Committee (CCAC): Betty Borghesani
and Laura Hussong.
Sheila Butts (Recreation Department).
Christina Mackay and Ellie Noz who currently operate the Windowpane Shop.
Several other guests also attended.
Nancy opened the meeting at 3:OOpm and welcomed the CCAC representatives.
Public Comments re Board Business: None
Review of Minutes of October meeting: Accepted unanimously.
Discussion re the Windowpane Shop: Nancy invited Joan Blankenheim, who had
requested that this topic be put on the agenda, to make initial comments about the
move to the Community Center. Joan described the history of difficulties
particularly with regard to space and time limitations and the recent omission of the
request for clothing donations from the Newsletter and asked if plans are for the
Shop to continue. To emphasize the importance of clothing sales to seniors, several
of those present modeled items of clothing bought at the Windowpane Shop. Joan
also listed the items requested for the Shop (e.g., racks for display, changing room,
area with chairs and table to foster socialization) and suggested that clothing suited
to other age groups (e.g., babies and toddlers) be included in the array of items sold.
Another guest asked if the Store is to be called a Gift store.
Betty and Laura said that space for the Shop -- whatever it is called -- is
identified on the building plan (which was shown) and recognized the need for
volunteers to operate it in the Community Center. Betty said that suggestions being
made were in keeping with the aims of the CCAC. She said that much had yet to be
discussed and decided but that the sale of donated clothing is not likely to continue
in the Community Center. She and Laura added that crafts, quilting, paintings and
pottery donated by local artists, and new "branded" items such as T- shirts, water
bottles and cards were possible items for sale. They also suggested organization of
Rummage Sales in order to include clothing as items for sale. However, several
Seniors found that suggestion inadequate because Rummage Sales occur only once
or twice a year rather than being part of a daily activity that includes the additional
social engagement found in the Windowpane Shop.
Ellie reported that she and Christina began keeping records of the Shop
proceeds in July 2008. Since that time $47, 609 had been raised and turned over to
the Town. Charlotte said, in response to a question about what happened to the
money, that the money was placed in a revolving account maintained by the Town
and then used for a variety of Senior Center needs. During discussion it was stated
that use of the revolving account is an unsatisfactory method of dealing with the
proceeds from the Shop. This matter arose in earlier meetings of the Board and will
be a future agenda item.
Christina and others noted that they already had suggested adding to the
range of donated clothing available in the Shop. However, they also commented that
the Windowpane Shop is not a consignment store and that to operate as such (or to
sell T- shirts etc.) would require financial record keeping and dealing with sales tax,
matters that exceed the responsibilities of the volunteers who operate the Store.
Guests commented that Ellie and Christina should have been consulted more since
they had run a successful Shop for so long.
All members of the Board in attendance supported continuation of the Shop
in the Community Center and several strongly endorsed the sale of donated
clothing. The activity at the Shop makes it clear that the availability of clothing is
satisfying a "need" rather than merely a "want ". In addition, that activity was seen as
an important way in which the Senior Center provides opportunities for the
frequent social contact that prevents loneliness and isolation. Furthermore, all
cultural components of the Community are served. The income was described as a
"sweetener ".
Given such considerations, and especially in the context of earlier requests
for desired facilities, the apparent leanings of the CCAC toward favoring alteration of
the activities and functions of the Windowpane Shop were described as likely to
produce an "inauspicious" start to the Community Center. Many Seniors who
actually use the current Senior Center and the Shop would be directly and adversely
affected.
In conclusion, Nancy asked Betty and Laura to take what they have heard at
this Board meeting back to the CCAC for discussion with other members. She invited
them to return to this Board at its next meeting in December.
Staff Reports:
Kelly reported on the success of two programs: 1. the outreach program on
managing diabetes for Asian Americans. The next program will be for a South Asian
population. 2. Fire safety in the home conducted in collaboration with the Fire
Department.
Charlotte passed out a handout that described areas of collaboration with
Minuteman Senior Services (e.g., SHINE, Meals on Wheels, Care Management, and
outreach). State funding for these programs is funneled through Minuteman.
Lexington residents used services valued at $1,428,379.
New Business /Announcements:
In response to visitors' comments that advocacy of issues relevant to seniors
is lacking, Nancy said that the Board provided such advocacy.
Harry suggested the use of a message box to facilitate direct communication
with Board members. The idea was accepted and will be implemented.
Liaison reports:
Transportation: Nancy reported on a discussion of ADA requirements that
affect transportation and a proposal petition for exemption.
Next meeting: December 3, 2014.
Respectfully submitted Harry A. Mackay