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���!�Counc 1 on A Minutes of the Council on Aging
Box 636 Special Meeting
Lexington, Mass . 02173 January 21 , 1981
Present C. J. Rooney, J. Clark, S. Clark, S. Goodwin, G. Harris,
B. Rubin, L. Tropeano, W. Sen
Staff: J. .Melcher, E. Morehouse
Observers : Gail Colwell, CoA volunteer
Marcia Williamson, Reporter, INDEPENDENT
Absent: A. Green, B. Luckmann, R. Weinstein
The meeting was called to order at 5:10 pm by Ch. Rooney.
The purpose of the special meeting was to have the Council on Aging
discuss and evaluate the contents of the ELDERLY NEEDS ASSESSMENT as
prepared by Bea Phear, an intern in the Town Manager's office. Our
charge is to submit a statement to the Selectmen for their February 9th
meeting.
Goodwin opened the discussion by remarking that with Prop. 21
in force in the town there might be a greater possibility that the
White Building will become available as a possible senior site. The
garage could be used as a meal site and the ell would yield sufficient
space for our purposes (using none of the upstairs rooms ) . Howevexty
there is a question whether MMHCC could use the rest of the space should
they wish to Join in the use of the building. The stairs are extremely
steep. The building would have to be renovated in order of make it
barrier free.
J. Clark suggested that we avail ourselves of a packet of information
collated by the National Council on Aging. (She will see that our
Council receives this packet. ) It contains much valuable information
about plans for other senior sites in the country. She thought that the
Elderly Needs Assessment was well prepared. Her main concern is how
the seniors can be of service to US. There is a gap between our own
vocal opinion and those of a senior advocacy group. It was suggested
that a day meeting be called of those seniors whom we knwo support our
views re the need for a senior site. Let them organize themselves into
an advocacy group. Three or four open forums of support seniors should meet
and form their own steering committee for the purpose of strength in
numbers. Perhaps this group would be a natural outgrowth of those members
who are now using the congregate meals site. Involvement from the
start of a movement would give strength to the concept of an advocacy
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Minutes of the Council on Aging
Special Meeting ( ( Cont) Jan. 21st
(2)
Rubin corroborated the grass roots support concept. She urged
the CoA identify for the seniors the names and telephone numbers of all
the Town Meeting members in order to facilitate more communication on
the subject of the need of a senior center.
Sen commended the report. He recommends further exploration of the
two school buildings, Muzzey and Munroe.
Tropeano expressed satisfaction with our present situation. He
reminded the Council that many seniors fear an increase in their taxes
and that there is a large number of seniors who are pleased and satisfied
with the present site and its activities.
S. Clark spoke of some our present inadequacies . i.e. the inability
to enter the area of health and medical issues .
Harris endorsed the advocacy concept. This group is important no
matter in which direction we plan to head. He urged quick action toward
an official work-up of the feasibility of Muzzey.
Harris and S. Clark spoke up and said that they would approach
architect acquaintainces. They would give the Muzzey school a walk-through
in order to have a better idea of the possibilities of its use.
J. Clark hopes that we keep our sights on a "prestigious" senior
center.
Rooney reminded the Council that the Town is "saddled" with closed
and closing schools. Perhaps a senior center can be a part of their
solution for the use of these empty buildings.
Melchor endorsed the concept of a developer taking over the entire
building (Muzzey), remodelling it, and then leasing and/or giving back
a portion as a senior center.
The following is a list which we must write up re our evaluation of
the Elderly Needs Assessment for presentation to the Selectmen for Feb. 9th.
1 . Commend the report for its comprehension, analysis, and confirm-
ation of our own stance.
2. We DO favor having a senior center.
3. Recommend that the remaining funds for a study ($5000 + - )
be expended on an architectural study of Muzzey.
14.. Beware of the incompatibility of other uses of a senior site.
(see Site Committee report)
5. A sample of some of the services which we would like to be able
to include in a center:
1 . A five day congregate meals program.
2. Health Services.
3. Job services.
L . A shop for the sale of senior crafts.
5. More educational services.
6. Snack bar.
7. Repair shop and/or craft area.
8. Multiplicity of use with other agencies using our rooms.
6. We endorse a turnkey approach to the renovation of Muzzey with
the objective of having an income-producing building with a
portion for our use.
7. We are opposed to a varied use which would included other than
use by seniors or agencies serving seniors.
* * * * * We must charge ourselves with the responsibility of contacting
the Human Services Committee to compare and explore their evaluation of
the report.
* * of * Rooney reminded us to thank the "Town Father ' for our
present facilities.
Signed Elise V. Morehouse, Assist., Coord., CoA ki"7�il,u d'ady,hcit