HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-09-10-COA-min.pdf LEXINGTON COUNCIL ON AGING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 10, 1997
ATTENDING Clark Cowen, Chairperson
Phyllis Rand
Nancy Freed,Staff
John Curry
Jacqueline Davison
Peg Jemison
Gene Isotti
Anne Kriebel
Sheldon Spector
Barbara Rubin
CHAIRPERSON'S REMARKS: Clark Cowen called the meeting to order at 4 40 p.m. and
welcomed everyone back from the summer hiatus.
MINUTES: The minutes of the June 11 meeting were accepted. In commenting on the minutes,
Clark noted that Jack Fisher has resigned from the Board. With the resignation of Ed Grant there
are now two openings on the Board, which we hope to fill soon.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT Barbara Rubin, Chairperson, reported on the committee's
1996-97 programs. In the fall, Gene Isotti presented a series of programs on the Big Band Swing
Era. Jackie Davison facilitated a panel discussion on Lighting in Lexington in the spring; and during
the summer Gene presented a series on the American Musical Theater This program will continue
through September Barbara expressed a "public Thank You" to Gene for all of the work he did in
preparing and presenting his programs.
Three new members of the committee are Anne Kriebel, Peg Jemison, and Phyllis Rand. The
schedule for the fall is to present a 'Tasting and Touring in Lexington" with local restaurants
participating. On October 6, the Athenian Restaurant will talk about Greek food and have samples,
and Jackie will show slides of Greece. The tentative program for November will feature Mario's.
There are plans to present A Post Graduate for a Day" in January--an all day program with
prominent Lexington scholars giving lectures during the morning and afternoon. A projected idea
for March is to highlight Women's History Month.
Clark would like to see the Senior Center used on weekends for televising sporting events.
FINANCIAL REPORT John Curry will give the year end audit at the October meeting. The rest of
the report and discussion centered around the Meals on Wheels Program. The FY97 fiscal report
shows that a surplus of about $14,000 at the beginning of the year has been reduced to about
$4700 at the end of the year The program was running a deficit; a transfer of$3400 from the COA
budget helped to offset that. Measures have been taken to correct the problems that may have
caused the deficit. The new MOW Program offers a choice of two meals per day or one hot meal
or one cold meal. Additionally billing is done on a more timely basis; clients are asked to sign a
co tract which requires advance notification of 48 hours to cancel a delivery publicity has been
i icreased. And the grant from Minuteman Home Care has been increased to $8,664
One large problem is the failure of the FCOAto pay for the '96-'97 scholarships, and they will only
pay for the actual cost of the meal, not the additional paper charges, for the current year Nancy
Freed and Linda Vine will attend the next meeting of the FCOA Board to present the case for more
support. A motion was passed that Jackie Davison, a past chairperson of the FCOA Board, also
attend that meeting.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
POLICY RE: HMO FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Nancy reported that several HMO's have
contacted her offering to make contributions of$100 to sponsor various events. The sense of the
Board was strongly opposed to accepting donations from these sources. However, it was thought
to be a good idea for hold some kind of an informational fair to present medical insurance options.
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:The Office of Elder Affairs has approved the annual formula grant
in the amount of$24,416, an increase of$1300. This grant funds 25% of Steve Baran's salary and
50% of Karen Santucci's salary A second grant of$6400 has been made for a program to connect
seniors with volunteers who can give personal support. This amount will provide for a part time
coordinator at $10 per hour for 15 hours a week.
DAY CARE OPEN HOUSE: About 120 people attended the Open House in June, and the feedback
has been very positive. Referrals have increased; the average daily attendance is now 30
Clark commented on the Program Report of Chris Gelling, noting more new programs and new
leaders. He asked about the status of the dining room. Peter Kelley is in the process of painting
the dining room and the Health Department has approved its use for the preparation of our own
food.
The meeting was adjourned at 6.30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis Rand, secretary
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