HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-04-13-COA-min.pdf Lexington Council on Aging
Meeting, April 13, 1976
Second-floor meeting room, Visitors ' Center
MINUTES
Present CoA members S.Goodwin, A. Jackson, A.Paranya, M.Ritter
Staff Joan Melcher (Volunteer Co-ordinator)
Observers D.Williams
1. The meeting was called to order at 7 50 P M. by Merion Ritter in the
absence of Ch, Jane Stumpp. Corrections in the minutes . of March 23
included correcting the date for the meeting from MarchO to 22, and
inclusion of Joan Melcher's name inthe list of those pr sent, after
which the minutes were approved as distributed.
2. A message from Ch. Stumpp relayed the fact that the Town Manager has
stated that the CoA may legally be expanded to 11 members, though he
would recommend a limit of 9 for the next year at least A discussion
indicated that the members present felt the Council needed 11 members
in order to distribute the work load and supervise programs adequately.
It was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously by the members present
that membership of the Lexington Council on Aging be increased to 11
persons.
It was reported that Albert Pitt and Edith Cheever have both indicated
a willingness to serve on the CoA, as has Geraldine Magill , though she
will not be available until fall , Ann Jackson also proposed the name
of Antonio de Cardozo, a lawyer, who is interested in the elderly. Mrs 1
Jackson also proposed that Rev,Goodwin's name be submitted for re-
appointment to the CoA, to which Rev.Goodwin agreed.
3. Mrs. Stumpp also sent a report that East Village Nursing Home felt
they had few, if any, residents who could fill out the questionnaire ,
but that the Home was willing to co-operate with the CoA in any way
possible. Other nursing homes will be contacted by the following
Fairlawn, Joan Melcher; Hancock House, Shirley Goodwin; Pine Knoll,
Ann Paranya; Grey Nuns, Merion Ritter.
4. A further report from Mrs. Stumpp indicated that the grant of $2 ,00O
from the State Dept of Elder Affairs, earmarked to be used for a co-
ordinator, had been received at the Town Office. Rev, Goodwin recom-
mended that the CoA request help from the Town Personnel Director in
drawing up specifications for a co-ordinator Other members agreed and
suggested that the Personnel Director be invited to attend the next
CoA meeting.
5. Rev.Goodwin proposed that a regular schedule for the Newsletter be
set up. CoA agreed to work to get the next issue ready for printing
by May 3. Joan Melcher, Merion Ritter, and Ann Paranya will organize
the contents , Rev.Goodwin will provide liason with M-M Regional , and
Elizabeth Ward will be asked to assist in typing. Jeff Shaw will have
the final copy for the printer done at the Town Office.
6. Joan Melcher reported that over 81 hours of volunteer work have
been recorded in the last 2 weeks , which does not include many of
the hours spent by Mrs. Williams and others on the Newsletter.
32 calls to the CoA office have been logged during this two-week
period, including requests for MBTA passes, shopping help, discount
information, and volunteer offers. Mrs. Peg Cole, who works with
a large Homemaker Service serving North Shore communities, has
offered volunteer help in Lexington. Mrs. Melcher has been able to
meet some of these requests, and will try to find transportation to
West Concord on April 28th for those who need MBTA passes
Returns from the questionnaire ( 300, so far) indicate that informa-
tion about taxes, Social Security, etc. , a discount program in local
stores, transportation, daytime educational programs, and meals pro-
grams rank highest in seniors' priorities.
Mrs Melcher proposed that a discount committee be formed to work on
a program during the summer She suggested that younger people be
used to contact merchants for this, to avoid the aspect of having
the elderly seem to be"begging" The Council agreed. Notice of
several businesses which already give discounts will be published in
the next Newsletter.
Mrs. Melcher will also investigate a Lincoln, Nebraska program for
enlisting plumbers, carpenters, etc to work for elderly people.
7. Publicity was discussed. Suggestions included
a. Asking the Minute-Man to publish a copy of the questionnaire,
asking anyone over 60 who did not receive a copy to fill out the
newspaper form and return it to the Council.
b. See if the Minute-Man would use the CoA phone and P.O. Box numbers
as "fill-in" items.
c Notify all churches about the CoA and request that they include
the information in their newsletters.
Mrs. Melcher agreed to handle these items.
8. Rev Goodwin reported on Minute-Man Home Care Corporation. Twelve
communities have now joined the Corporation which now has a projected
budget of $79,000. Two committees, one to locate quarters for the
Corporation' s offices and one for selecting personnel, have been
formed. The Personnel Committee will fill the following positions
Director, Secretary-Bookkeeper, Fiscal Manager, and Client services
supervisor, -- all full time
Asst. Client Services Supervisor, -- half time
Two part-time Outreach workers.
9 The next meeting of the CoA was set for Tuesday, April 27, 1976
10 The meeting adjourned at 9 45 P M
Respectfully submitted,
Ann G Paranya
Secretary