Town of Hampden
Regular Meeting of Council on Aging Board
9:00AM at the Hampden Senior Center
March 9, 2004
Approved: April 13, 2004
In Attendance: Brian MacLeod, Becky Muldrew, Virginia Schneider, Al Ouimet, Ruth Haley, Shirley Gouvan
Absent: Arlene Fisher, Rita Vail, Pat Clark, John Shay
Brian called the meeting to order at 8:35 am
The Secretary’s report was reviewed and accepted
The Treasurer’s report was reviewed and accepted
The Director’s report was reviewed and accepted
-There was discussion regarding the magazine rack sponsorship. Byron, Hafey, Ratell Funeral Home can no longer fund this. The cost is estimated at $800/yr. It was felt that we might be able to purchase the subscriptions individually for a much-reduced cost. Becky will investigate this and approach area business about sponsoring this for the Senior Center
-Due to State regulations, allowing Senior Aides to stay at a particular site for no more than 2 years, we will be losing Tiny Burt. Tiny will be relocating to the East Longmeadow Senior Center. We will all miss her and there will be something planned to recognize her before she leaves. We are hoping the Senior Aide Program can fill her position for us. We will look for someone with computer skills as Tiny was responsible to input the data for the STAR program. This generates statistics for state reports.
-It was noted that Arlene’s team has worked with the Friend’s to purchase a new table and accept a bid for the painting of the craft room. This will be done one day in March. The Friends have agreed to fund this project and the news was happily accepted by the Council.
As noted at the last meeting, there were 3 applications for the recently posted position on the Council, Linda Gaudette, Janet Plumb, and Melissa Pearlman.
Melissa has informed Becky that she will be unable to make the time commitment.
Janet Plumb was interviewed. She is a Wilbraham native, living in Hampden 2 years. She has 2 adopted children ages 2 and 8. She has been on the Police force at Springfield College for 30 years. She was involved in the life and care of an “adopted grandmother” whom she learned many lessons from and then helped in establishing care for later. She would like to become more involved with the town and the seniors.
Linda Gaudette is a Wilbraham native who has lived in Hampden for 15 years. She has 2 sons, ages 19 and 24. She has been an RN for 30 years, involved in homecare with elders for a short period, and with private duty and office work with pediatrics- where she is presently employed. Her mother is a frequent participant in the Senior Center here. And she wants to be able to regain time working with seniors and hopes to be an active participant on the Council.
After the interviews there was discussion regarding the candidates. It was agreed that while they both displayed desirable qualities Linda was the more logical choice. Already, she has been actively involved with the Hampden Senior Center through her mother and the ages of her children should make her time more flexible.
Debbie Joy has approached Becky about the Girl Scouts sponsoring a fund raising dinner at the Senior Center on April 2nd . There will be 2 dinner seatings. The proceeds from this will be used to help build a bridge joining the paths from the Senior Center to Thornton Burgess Middle School. Installation is planned for April 24th. There is a need to raise $5,500-$5,700 for this project. This was looked on as a very favorable endeavor as it should help “build” relationships with the 2 facilities, possibly through science class walks, gym, etc.
Shirley questioned if they would be having a silent auction that night as well. She is willing to donate a fleece jacket and will speak with Debbie Joy regarding this.
Becky noted that the special luncheons that are being held 1 day a month have increased attendance on “low number” days from approx 20 people to 70. The next theme in April will be Patriot’s Day.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 am
The next meeting will be held at 8:30 am on Tuesday April 13, 2004.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Haley