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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

Members present: Rocky Carrabes, Brendan Lynch, Joan Powers, Pam Davis- Chairman, Jerry Fierimonte, Jim Harmon, Florence Choate – Director, Shawn Harris- BOS Liaison.

Meeting was called to order at 6:05PM
Minutes of the December 9, 2009 meeting were accepted as written.

Staff and Director Reports: The budget has been submitted and will be presented at the Selectmen’s meeting on February 2nd and at the Advisory Committee meeting on February 4th . There wasn’t a capitol request this year because of the anticipated financial state of the 2011 budget The senior Christmas luncheon was held on Dec. 22nd and was well attended. Mass. State Ethics report completed and online testing is to be done by spring. Transportation: there were 476 rides provided to seniors in December. Volunteer escorts are now accompanying shopping and other special trips to aide seniors. Outreach: the response to the survey sent to seniors 80 and over has been very successful. Over 200 responses have come in. A panel of town officials and experts will hold a panel discussion for these seniors to answer their concerns on transportation, tax assistance, home care and emergency assistance in the near future. Others will receive answers individually by letter. Programs: December was very busy with the luncheon and seniors decorating the center. They took a trip around town to view the holiday lights.

Old Business: Jim Harmon is going to meet with the seniors who shop at Shaw’s and walk to store with them and provide tips on shopping. A basket is available at the COA for anyone who can drop off coupons for seniors to use. People are encouraged to come and go through them before they go shopping. Florence has submitted bids for repair of the back entrance ramp to the town and awaiting approval to get the work done. Ethics: the board is required to take the online test. All employees, appointees and contractors must take it.

New Business: we were hoping to meet with Bruce Wait, chairman of Recreation Board to discuss community center coalition. Pam will contact Jennifer Vitelli before the next meeting.
The new key policy relating to use of the COA building was unanimously approved by the board. Keys are restricted to town employees. A use of building application is now required 21 days in advance. There is a $25.00 fee for after hours use of the building.

SSES update: Joan Powers reported that 100 people are on a waiting list for home health aides due to budget shortfall. SSES is offering a Senior Care Options health service insurance policy to low income seniors. The Scituate COA can refer people who need an aide and can pay for it themselves. There was no Comm. on Disabilities meeting to report on.
Florence is looking for someone with computer skills to teach seniors as well as retired teachers who would like to teach courses in a Continuing Education program on an interesting topic. She also needs people to teach arts and crafts. There will be no AARP tax preparation done at the COA this year, it’s available at Hingham, Marshfield and Hanover. There will be a representative from the MBTA to provide new Charlie cards to anyone eligible. Cards issued before May 2005 need to be updated.
The meeting was adjourned at 7PM.

Respectfully submitted, Rita Rozen