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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

COA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
MINUTES JUNE 8, 2011.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Those present were: Pam Davis, chair, Jim Harmon Vice-Chair, Brendan Lynch, Treasurer, members: Gerry Fierimonte, Meg Stillman, Dale Balog and Rocky Carrabes, AND Florence Choate Director of the Council on Aging. Members absent were: Joan Powers and Audrey Reidy; Shawn Harris, Selectman-Liaison was not present.

A vote was taken to accept the minutes for the May meeting. All those present voted to accept the minutes without corrections.

Staff and Director’s reports were read by Florence Choate. Director’s report: Ms. Choate reported on the events held to celebrate “Older American Month”. The events held were the Men’s Breakfast which is held monthly. This month the men had a catered breakfast supplied and donated by Kathi Guard. The Speaker for the event was Mark Patterson who is Scituate’s Harbor Master. Mark Patterson. Mark spoke of the changes made in the Harbor over the past 20 years and the plans for future development of the area. The goal for this is to expand the use programs in recreation and education for the current and future citizens of Scituate. The breakfast was well attended and all comments on the event were favorable.

The second event held was the Ladies Tea which consisted of several different offerings of tea and many wonderful pastries. Some of the ladies wore hats for the occasion and all dressed for the event in their finest. The speaker for the event was Scituate’s Town Clerk Bernice Brown. Bernice shared with the ladies her experiences as Town Clerk. A position she was voted into at the age of 65, and her experiences as a resident of Scituate for the past 45 years.

The last event was the Awards Dinner at St. Luke’s. St. Luke’s very generously provided not only their space, but also the meal which was donated by the British Beer Company. Five seniors received awards for their outstanding services to Scituate seniors. The recipients were: Betty Crowley, Joanne Papandrea, Jack Gage, Kevin Mc Loughlin and Tom Edwards. State Representative Jim Cantwell along with his son Christopher, presented each recipient with citations signed by Robert DeLeo , Speaker of the House and mementos from the Council of Aging, sun catchers from the Scituate Historical Society Thanks to the wonderful volunteers from St. Luke’s and the volunteers from the Council on Aging the event was a huge success.

Ms. Choate informed the Board that the application for the FY12 Formula Grant was expected soon, and that due to a budget cut we would be cut 75 cents per senior. With our census of 4344 we would have received $30,408.00 this year vs. the $27,150.00 we will receive instead, which represents a slight increase from last year’s award. When the grant is completed as protocol demands Florence will be presenting the budget for your approval.

The program report was brief Ms. Choate explained, as the summer schedule is not completely filled. Three of the exercise programs will not be available for the summer. There will be a 4th of July party on the 5th of July, and a lunch at the Maritime Center to kick off Heritage Days. We will be trying Bingo in July and have a few projects under way for the summer months.

Outreach was busy for the month of May, as was Transportation which continues to show an increase in numbers. We are waiting for news on the approval for the new van which should come soon. Ms. Choate announced that sadly we would be canceling the Medical Connection due to the lack of ridership. Ms. Choate reported that it was not fiscally sound to expend the money for a program that is under used. Dennis Ballog our long term and very capable driver was informed that his last day would be June 28th.

Old Business: There was no new information on the Pier 44 project. The feasibility will be making their presentation to the Selectmen soon. There is no news to report on the GATRA program.

New Business: Brendan Lynch asked about the SSA organization. We have not heard of any activity. No one is doing any fundraising for the COA. Ms. Choate has a successful program set up for people to make non-tax deductible donations to the COA through the monthly news letter. Ms. Davis will send a letter to the state regarding the status of the SSA. Mr. Lynch and Mr. Harmon talked about an Ed McCann foundation which could benefit several organizations.

Joan Powers had given Ms. Choate information from her meeting at South Shore Elder Services. Their new address is 1515 Washington St. (route 57), Braintree. Everyone is invited to the open house on June 21st. All 10 vans have been approved, including the one for Scituate COA.

Mr. Fierimonte had no update on the Commission on Disabilities.

Brendan Lynch was thanked for his six years of service as a member of the COA Board of Directors.

Ms. Davis adjourned the meeting at 6:52PM

Respectfully submitted,
Pam Davis