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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

Members present – Rocky Carrabes, Joan Powers, Florence Choate –Director, Pam Davis- chairman, Rita Rozen, Jerry Fieremonte, Brendan Lynch, Shawn Harris- BOS liaison, Meg Stillman
Meeting called to order at 6:05PM
The minutes of the February 17th meeting were approved by the board.

Staff and Director reports: The budget was presented to the Selectmen and Advisory Board. The new format allowed us to provide more info on what the COA is doing. We discussed risks and challenges, including lack of parking and meeting space. A suggestion from Advisory to use the library or recreation facilities would present a logistical problem with transportation. Information forum for age 80+ seniors went well. There were major problems with mailing of March/April newsletter. Post office held the mailing because SSA didn’t want them going out on their permit without prior approval. COA had paid the renewal for SSA permit and paid the postage each month. SSA was apparently unaware of this. Ultimately we were able to retrieve them and mail most with stamps. 482 were not able to be mailed because of how they were submitted. COA now has its own permit.
Outreach: luncheon held for seniors who responded to questionnaire. Fire Dept. discussed emergency services, Treasurer discussed property taxes, Assessor discussed elder tax abatements and exemptions, COA transportation was discussed.
Transportation: 431 rides were provided in February.
Programs: New programs are successful: bowling, Zumba Gold and men’s poker. Senior Art Show is scheduled for the weekend of June 5th and 6th. It will be at the COA center from 10 – 4on Saturday and 11-4 on Sunday. Volunteers are needed. Please call the center. In response to question about late newsletters, Florence said the calendar and the FYI info were given to Scituate cable, information was placed in the Ledger and weekly Mariner column.
Pam reported that the meeting with Recreation was cancelled. Next meeting is 4/1/10. An agenda will be posted for the meeting.
In new agenda item “Municipal Update”, Shawn Harris reported the Selectmen had approved an increase from $750. to $1000. in the senior work off program. Fuel assistance was increased $255 a month regardless of benefit level.
The board was reminded that SSA has it’s own charter, is not a town entity, and has chosen as it’s purpose to aid the COA for the benefit of the seniors. They no longer meet at the COA. Nita Stroud, Joan Paley and Eileen Dane are officers.
Joan Powers reported on SSES meeting. The number of “Meals on Wheels” meals delivered is down and people should know that there isn’t a funding shortage as they are grant funded.
Florence wants to include a request for funds form in the newsletter. Donation can be made in memory of individuals. Donations can be targeted for specific programs or transportation. Several Mass. COA’s use this method. Monies go through town treasurer into gift or program account. Form should state if donation is tax deductible.
Art show: Rita Rozen discussed art show which won’t compete with other events held in the spring. Parking will be a problem and we hope to have shuttle vans from Cole Parkway. Plans include a plant sale and cupcake sale.
Florence thanked Village market for their $25. gift certificate and the huge bargain they gave the COA for the St. Patrick’s Day party luncheon food. Dale Bahar was able to get new books donated for the raffle.
New “Meals on Wheels” volunteer drivers can sign up through the Methodist Church.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:47 PM
Respectfully submitted, Rita Rozen