HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-05-10-COA-min.pdf LEXINGTON COUNCIL ON AGING
MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
May 10, 1994
Lexington Senior Center
Attending: Bob Cushman, Chair
Frank Chen
Clark Cowen
Jacqueline Davison
Edmund Grant
Kevin Grimes
Eugene Isotti
Dan Fenn, Selectman
Donna Hooper, Human Services Committee
Linda Vine, Director
Marie Galloway Staff
Jay Kaufman, Visitor
Theresa McKenna, Lexington member, Minuteman Home Care Board
Chairman Bob Cushman convened the meeting at 4:35 p.m. He made the following comments:
▪ Bessie Baker is the recipient of the Minuteman Cane Award this year A reception will be held in
her honor May 23 at 2:00 p.m.
The Assisted Living conference sponsored by the Educational Committee is scheduled for
June 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All COA Board members are invited, as are the Town officials
and members of the Friends of COA. In the afternoon the group will go on a tour of AL sites on
Boston's North Shore.
Frank Chen was asked to represent the COA at Rick White's communications meeting 7:30 to
9:00 a.m. Friday May 13.
• The COA Board members agreed to move its monthly,meeting to the third Wednesday each
month from now on. Our next meeting will be on June 15.
Attorney Bill Hayes of the LexHab board suggested that he would work from within the Muzzey
Condominium organization to allow a COA board member to be present at the Condo board
meetings.
Minutes. The April board meeting minutes were accepted with the correction of Jacqueline's
name to Davison.
Financial Report. Linda Vine reported on the status of the COA budget. We have an
unencumbered balance of $46,000. The Meals-On-Wheels and Social Day Care accounts are in
good order There may be a surplus amount of $5000 to $6000 which would revert to the General
Fund Some expenditures have been approved by the Town Manager for needed replacement
of carpets in the offices.
Recreation Report. Clark Cowen reported the following number of seniors who have signed
up on the three activities Jointly sponsored by the COA and the Recreation Department: 5 people
for Senior Tennis on Monday and Wednesday mornings; 3 persons for the Senior Walking group;
and 3-4 persons for the fitness program at the Strike One facilities starting June 17 The Walking
event was cancelled due to low interest. There was some discussion about having a volunteer
nurse for the Walking event and some discussion on the possibility of team sports.
Minuteman Home Care Inc. Terry McKenna brought us up on some highlights of the
Minuteman Home Care Board. Managed Care& Housing Is a popular program for frail seniors who
are not Medicaid clients. Presently there are 32 slots for residents of Arlington, Concord, and
Woburn, but no one from Lexington. We are urged to write to the State senators for additional
appropriations to meet our needs.
May Meeting page 2
The Sate legislature is considering a bill for long-term care and may designate the Minuteman
Home Care Inc. as the Aging Service Access point. We are asked to call our State representatives
for support of this bill.
Meajfs On Wheels. Marie Galloway reported on the survey of MOW clients. We received 29
returns on 40 questionnaires mailed. Food quality and quantity have been better than were the
case with a previous food vendor The comments from the recipients are generally favorable.
Marie showed us sample food packages, both the hot-food lunches and the sandwich packs for
evening meals which can easily heated. Current volume of meals have been running around 37 to
45 meals per day The program Is relying on a good number of volunteer drivers to deliver the
meals. There is need for back-up drivers.
Director's Report. There Is high response for the Death & Dying conference. 55 persons
have signed up to date. 70 is the maximum capacity for the May 15 event. A suggestion was made
to have a evaluation form distributed prior to the conclusion of the conference A follow-up
session in the future was also suggested.
The room schedule for classes at the Center shows many subjects given here. Attendance has
been good.
The Friends of COA flea market event netted$750.
The Property Tax Workoff program is receiving good responses from department heads. The
Town offices have identified 15 workoff positions. These may go to 30 or 40 work opportunities.
The FCOA is asked to provide some $5,000 seed money The Town manager may identify some
additional funds.
Bentley College is sending a student intern to us on their Service Learning Project. She will
report to Diana Grammont of our staff and will work 7 hours a week on computer data base and
marketing tasks. This person will also help with recruiting high school students to help seniors with
lawn and garden care, and snow-shoveling chores.
Linda handed out the Library Report and copies of the Town population study
She reported on a Town Facilities study relative to certain improvement needs at the Senior
Center We have significant needs here, Frank Fields will be invited to attend a COA meeting In
the fall to acquaint us with funding and improvement possibilities.
Nominations. Jackie Davison reported on the following nominations of Board officers for the
1994-1995 fiscal year Bob Cushman, president; Clerk Cowen, vice president; John Curry
treasurer;and Frank Chen, secretary A vote Is expected in June.
Jackie reported on the Hastings Park tree planting session in memory of Tim Quinlan and
Jacqueline Smith. Members of both families were present at this occasion.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank Chen, Secretary