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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

Members present: Rita Rozen, Rocky Carrabes, Brendan Lynch, Pam Davis- chairman, Audrey Reidy, Joan Powers, Jim Harmon, Jerry Fierimonte, Florence Choate- COA director.

Meeting was called to order at 6:30PM
Minutes of the November 18th meeting accepted as written.
Several members of the board attended a meeting in Plymouth with the Plymouth County DA’s office and the US Postal Service department fraud division. They discussed several scams effecting seniors. Anyone who thinks they may be a fraud victim should contact the DA’s office for assistance.

Staff and Directors Reports: Much of November was spent working on the budget. It is a more detailed process this year, involving inclusion of goals and objectives for FY11. We are waiting for additional estimate to repair back entrance ramp. November lunch well attended; December lunch will be limited to 40 people. Attendance at November programs was good. Animal Shelter program has helped its first senior client access veterinary help.

Outreach was very busy with reviews of senior’s Medicare and prescription drug benefits. Many seniors affected by cuts for Medicare Part D premiums. Survey was sent to 797 seniors over 80 asking what their primary concerns are. More than 100 have responded and there are 6 major categories (i.e. taxes, health) of questions/concerns. We will set up an “invitation only” panel discussion with town officials to answer these questions for those who responded. Transportation provided 444 rides in November. We now have 5 volunteer escorts who accompany seniors on shopping trips to assist them. Snow shoveling is still being provided by Gates student volunteers, for seniors who sign up at the COA.

Old Business- Joan Powers will send Meg Stillman the information on Meals on Wheels program, which she will forward to potential volunteers, as we try to increase number of people who can deliver meals. Jim Harmon is working on the coupon program that will be available at the COA. Pam is waiting for a response from Bruce Wait, Recreation Board member, to attend January meeting to discuss setting up a collaborative for a community center in Scituate. We may put it off until February. We want to be ahead of the community center project with the town citizens and officials.

New Business- Florence presented the FY11 budget. Cuts were made in repair and maintenance, mileage reimbursement, and capital expenses. The budget was approved by the board.

SSES- Joan Powers reported they expect to make cuts of 15-18% next year. Commission on Disabilities is hoping to partner with the COA to bring the RIDE program to Scituate.

Rita Rozen reported that South Coastal Bank in Scituate Harbor donated $150.00 to the knitting group to fund their charitable knitting program. The group knits helmet liners for the troops, chemo caps, and several items for Appalachia.

Brendan Lynch pointed out that if the 3543 Scituate seniors younger than 80 donated $100.00 we might be able to start construction on a Community center if we added it to the sale of the old COA and the $1.9M authorized but unfunded. Something to think about.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:23PM

Respectfully submitted,
Rita Rozen