Middleton Council on Aging
Regular Meeting
February 23rd, 2011
Middleton Senior Center
Members present: Donahue (alt.), Fucarile (alt.), Goodwin, D. Leary, F. Leary, LeMay, and Walczak
Members absent: Lee, Martinuk, Racine
Presiding: David Cowie
Others Susan Gannon, Executive Director
Chairman Cowie called the meeting to order at 9:15.
Minutes –Mr. Goodwin made a motion to accept the minutes of the December 2010 meeting. Mr. F. Leary seconded the motion, and all were in favor.
Director’s Report – Ms. Gannon reported that grant funding from the State is uncertain. She has asked for some additional hours in the operating budget. The outreach collaboration that she had hoped to fund in collaboration with other departments has been postponed until next year.
Work in this building that was funded at last May’s Town Meeting will continue. This year’s Capital Budget will ask for funds for materials to complete and furnish the outdoor sitting area. The labor will come from the Vocational School and from Eagle Scouts.
There has been a decrease in funding for the congregate meals. In August the Senior Center will have to decide whether to reapply for the grant. The III-C nutritional grant has been reduced from $11,751 to $9,214. That means Middleton is funding its own grants. The donations that have to be turned over to North Shore Elder Services now exceed the grant. And the grant may be decreased further because Middleton is preparing one meal a week in house.
Peabody and Danvers have been invoiced for thousands of dollars because they take in more than the grant. The grant is not broken into congregate and home delivered. She will be looking at other options for meals such as the jail or the Peabody Senior Center which prepares all of its meals in house.
The Center is now offering extra meals to participants to take home. She also wants to announce that some of the donations to the Food Pantry may be used to prepare meals at the Center. Mr. F. Leary feels that it might be possible to get donations from restaurants.
Committee Reports
Trips – Mr. Cowie reported that no trips were planned in February. There might be something in March. There will be a meeting soon.
Activities – The last favors were for the Valentine’s Day luncheon. She has purchased the favors for St. Patrick’s Day.
Newsletter – Ms. LeMay reported that the newsletters are expected Friday. There are still problems with the new publisher.
Friends – The next meeting will be Monday, March 7th at the Center. This will be to acknowledge the new television donated by Danvers Bank as well as the game system and Patty’s Place sign donated by the Friends. Coffee and desserts will be served.
North Shore Elder Services – Mr. F. Leary reported that the problem with the title on the old van has been resolved. This year’s fundraiser at the Hawthorne Hotel will be April 28th. The theme will be the Beatles. Budget cuts are 5% to 6% as expected.
Triad – Mr. F. Leary reported that the Triad meeting will be held after this meeting. The purpose of the meeting will be to plan the upcoming year. The annual picnic is planned for July 21st.
Old Business It was suggested that the thank you luncheon for the Friends be postponed until May and that Ron LeMay be asked to cater it. Ms. LeMay made a motion to change the date of the Friend’s dinner to May. Mr. F. Leary seconded the motion and all were in favor.
New Business
The Board of Health will be sponsoring a pneumonia clinic.
The Center will be initiating a Smoke Detector Program. Some Outreach funds can be used for smoke detectors and batteries. Eagle Scouts may do the labor. The primary target will be people who live alone.
The Senior Tax Work-Off Program has started as of January 1st. There are several new job postings. Job applications are available. There are some tax implications that individuals need to discuss with their own tax preparers. The Federal Government wants Medicare taxes paid on the earnings. The Town will pay the Medicare taxes.
Ms. Gannon is initiating a Student Service Program. Students need internships. Masco is reviewing the applications now. The projects must benefit Middleton residents.
A new set of front doors and new steps in the front of the building will be requested as part of the FY 012 Capital Budget. The Historical Commission will have to approve the design.
Adjournment – Ms. F. Leary made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. D. Leary seconded the motion and all were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 10:07.
Respectfully submitted,
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Mary Jane Morrin
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