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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

Scituate Council on Aging
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
October 20, 2010

Attendees: Pam Davis—Chairwoman, Shawn Harris—Selectman Liaison, Florence Choate-Director COA, Rocky Carrabes, Jim Harmon, Joan Powers, Dale Balog, Jerry Fierimonte, Audrey Reidy, Brendan Lynch, Meg Stillman

1. Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM at the Senior Center

2. September Minutes
Voted and accepted unanimously

3. Director Reports

It is a busy Fall at the COA. Trips are closed for the year. Carolyn is looking into trips for 2011. More people are attending COA programs, i.e. Arthritis Exercise, Yoga, etc. Also, more people are coming through the door for general inquiries. Due to economic hard times, which are especially affecting seniors, we have more requests for help with Health care, prescriptions, fuel assistance, trips to the food pantry.

The “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” program was not as well attended as we had hoped. However, much great information came out of it. There will be two more related workshops after Jan. 1, 2011.

Florence and Nancy attended training and are certified in Chronic Disease Management.

On Nov. 16th we will host a Financial Workshop put on by Edward Jones.

We will have a workshop in the future on “the Sandwich Generation.” This will address issues individuals encounter when they are raising their own children and dealing with the problems their aging parents are having. The workshop will provide information on dealing with the problems and where to find the necessary resources.

Transportation reported that 536 rides were provided in September vs. 607 in August. Outreach Coordinators attended Fuel Assistance training for updates on the program which goes into effect Nov. 1st.

4. Old Business

A. Audrey Reidy is an appointee of the Pier 44 Feasibility Study Committee. They will have their first meeting soon. Members of the Community Center Project Committee will attend that first meeting to get information about the selection process, after which they’ll meet.

B. We will not be getting the R.I.D.E. (4B) in Scituate. Florence spoke with Joanne Champa from the Dept. of Transportation, who said that the program is under funded and it will be cut back. She also said we are overdue for a new van and we are awaiting the application forms. We are hopeful of a new, 11-13 seat van through the State and SSES. The cost is $70K. We are required to cover 20% or $14,000. The COA has $7K in it’s transportation grant and is asking the Town to match that. Our oldest van is in for repairs and should be replaced. With the increase in ridership we need 3 reliable vans on the road.
GATRA is a possibility for Scituate. They span 12 towns. It’s a loop and folks can transfer from one van to another and get from town to town. The surrounding towns with GATRA report an increase in revenue as a direct result of GATRA and we hope Scituate will eventually benefit as well.

5. New Business

A. The Pier 44 Feasibility Committee has 10 members who have terrific credentials. Shawn explained that Scituate’s contract with the MBTA is such that Pier 44, purchased with mitigation funds, must be open to the public. This will help to shape decisions the Committee makes.

B. Florence thanked the Reidy Foundation for their generous donation. It will be used to fund project Safety Net. The money will allow us to fund one senior who is eligible for the program but can’t afford it. There is a monthly fee for the bracelet individuals wear. The Council on Aging is still seeking funding from anyone who would like to donate to this worthy cause.

6. SSES Update by Joan Powers: SSES is looking for new space for their offices. The tax reduction, should it pass, will cut into senior’s benefits is a huge way.

Optional counseling is being discussed, helping the elderly to make decisions regarding rehab vs. hospital vs. home care vs. nursing home. Commission on Disabilities: Jerry Fierimonte reported that there was no meeting during the past month.

7. Adjournment

The Board voted to adjourn at 7:07 PM

Respectfully submitted

Quincie-Ann Cutler

ADDENDUM TO COA MEETING MINUTES OF 10/20/2010

1. Agenda and minutes of the September 8, 2010 meeting are available at the Town Clerk’s office.
2. Staff and Director reports are available at the COA, 27 Brook ST., Scituate