COUNCIL ON AGING BOARD MEETING – June 8, 2006

Present: Chair, Gerry Brennan, COA Director, Val Carrano, Secy., Ilene Charles, Paul

Mendes, Florence Alexander, Alt. Kay Vogt

Others: Vern Wilson, Friends

Absent: Greg Howe

Meeting called to order by Chair at 3:00p.m.

Dave Guertin from the DPW was present and the Chair thanked him and his team for all the work that has been done to beautify the Senior Center building and grounds. The floor was then given to Dave to present the plans that have been proposed by the DPW for the sewer hook-up. He asked for COA Board support for said plans. Val voiced concerns re the removal and replacement of the memorial trees. A lively discussion ensued re ground layouts, pavement vs. stone, storm drains and retaining walls. Dave will call for the Board to get together to approve when plans are more formalized. Gerry to follow up with Beautification Committee re shrubs for front of building.

Minutes from the May 11th meeting were accepted with changes.

Correspondence: Greg drafted and Val sent out a letter to all clergy to actively seek volunteers from their parishes to assist with the senior population and programs.

Director’s Report: Senior of the year is Ruth O’Donnell 92yrs young, and her luncheon is set for Friday July21st at 1:00pm. Town is trying to organize parade grand marshals to lead the parade which will include Ruth so the COA will probably not get involved in this year’s parade.

Paul Mendes will ask Joyce at Rescue to check to make sure all EMT reports on all senior calls - there have been none sent to date.

Friends: Gays for Patsy Stomp event donated $1,230 to the COA and the bake sale generated $469, it was decided that an extra person would be needed to person the booth during the sale…Vern jumped in to help Florence when she got swamped.

Old Business: Greg proposed that Vern Wilson be nominated for AARP senior of the year for the State of Mass. The paperwork has been filed.

The bottom line on the school conference that Val, Gerry and Greg attended was that the consensus of people felt that the energy needs to be put on making the curriculum more flexible thereby making the school more attractive to students from out of town. The Selectman, school and finance committee are forming a steering committee.

Which cell phone project to pick – SALT or NCOA?

New Business: Paul discussed his interest in acting as an Elderly Liaison, using his past experience with the police departments as their elderly affairs officer.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 430pm. The next meeting will be held on Sept 14^th, 2006 at 3:00p.m. in room #10 of the Grace Gouveia Bldg.

Respectfully submitted,

Ilene Charles

Recording Secretary