Town of Hampden
Regular Meeting of Council on Aging Board
9:00AM at the Hampden Senior Center
June 8, 2004
Approved: August 10, 2004
In Attendance: Brian MacLeod, Becky Moriarty, Virginia Schneider, Ruth Haley, Pat Clark, John Shea,
Absent: Al Ouimet, Linda Gaudette, Arlene Fisher, Shirley Gouvan, Rita Vail
Brian called the meeting to order at 8:35 am
Rebecca’s new name “Moriarty” was introduced
The Secretary’s report was reviewed and approved
The Treasurer’s report was reviewed and approved
It was noted that the remaining COA expense account monies are being utilized to stock anticipated supplies
Steps have been made to meet the budgetary cutbacks
-The evening programs have been eliminated.
-Jewelry classes hope to move into 2 morning sessions
-There is a need for an art teacher
Pat knows of a twig painter who is quite creative, she will give the exact information to Becky to follow-up on
- Hours of operation for the Senior Center have been decreased by 4 hours per week.
Becky has applied for an extension of Tiny Burt’s position, at least through September.
The new trainee from East Longmeadow does not have computer skills and concern was expressed as to her being unwilling to be taught. It was felt that due to the fact that the program is geared for training that this individual should be willing to learn.
Becky is looking into the possibility of grant $$’s to increase the volunteer coordinator’s hours, this in turn should increase the volunteer staffing.
The shuffleboard area is to be painted; there have been rain delays.
On June 14th at 6:30 pm there is an Advisory Board Meeting, Rita is planning to attend and will meet with Becky prior. Other COA members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
We will continue to monitor for any returns of funds on a continued basis so that we can appreciate a portion of any unanticipated revenues. We will first request for the return of all 5 hours of clerical hours. If lesser monies are returned then we will replenish hours to reestablish a part-time employee position with benefits.
There is still concern as to the animosity and tension in the office following the further reduction of hours. Neither Helena nor Doreen has submitted a resignation letter. Doreen has stated she will look into buying her benefits back. Helena has been reclaiming some of her earlier job roles, which is looked at as a positive, but, also wants to claim more recognition. There was an issue as to how her and Doreen’s roles will be acknowledged on the front page of the scribe. After discussion it was decided that Doreen would be listed as the Managing Editor and Helena as the Contributing Editor.
Also on the issue of the Scribe
-There was a request by Ruth that in the Scribe there be a means of identifying that the Senior Center Programs are open to all age groups in the community.
The Formula Grant for the Center requires that 50% of those attending programs be over the age of 60 –it was felt that this criteria would easily be met
There was lengthy discussion regarding the Travel Club. This is a separate entity from the Senior Center, but as they are represented on a regular basis in the Scribe it was felt the below mentioned concerns should be addressed.
poor turn out
overall the trips are too lengthy, many 2-3 day trips, not many day trips offered
the coordinators not attending/overseeing the trip personally
cancellation of trips
poor planning regarding transportation- traveling from Hampden to Hartford then Sturbridge, back to Hartford then Hampden making travel time double for those participating
question as to the thoroughness of the planning and consideration of the senior’s needs
phone accessibility is difficult
It was expressed that trips taken with the Monson and Springfield Senior Centers have been more favorable. There was a thought raised as to our coordinating with them, Hampden could possibly arrange to have a person responsible for sign-ups and collection of monies
All agreed that there is a need to first present the concerns to Nora and then establish a plan for improvement. This will be done at a fall meeting.
Virginia is on the Nominating Committee, for COA board, is was proposed and approved that all board members will remain in their present roles, Brian- Chairperson: Pat- Vice Chair: Ruth- Secretary: Al Ouimet, Treasurer
Linda Gaudette has been ill which is why she has not attended recent meetings. She is requesting to remain on the board at present. This was approved. Becky will keep us abreast of any changes regarding this.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:45 am
We will only hold one summer meeting. The next meeting will be held at 8:30 am on Tuesday August 10,2004.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Haley