Manchester Council On Aging (COA)
Executive Board Meeting
February 13, 2008
Members Present: Denise Samolchuk, Janet Groth, Bob Howard, Linda Kiley, Susana Thompson, Joslyn Becker
Members Absent: Steve Gillespie
Staff Present: Nancy Hammond and Leslie Davidson
Friends of the COA Present: None
Chair's Report: Chair Denise Samolchuk called the meeting to order at 5:35 PM. Minutes from the January 9, 2008 meeting were read. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Bob Howard and seconded by Linda Kiley.
Director's Report: Nancy Hammond reported that the Finance Committee reviewed the 2008/2009 COA budget and declared it ready for Town Meeting.
The Board's attention was directed to a February 8, 2008 letter from the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority that addressed the permitted use of Manchester vans purchased with a Federal Transit Funds Grant. Vehicles purchased with this money must be used only for transportation of senior citizens and people with disabilities.
In January the COA Office was very busy with end of life issues. Work also continued on the changes in retired town employee health and drug insurance benefits.
Severe weather caused some COA activities to be postponed but despite winter, weekly programs continue to be very popular and enthusiasm for the intergenerational bi-monthly cribbage club is high.
Future COA events include the Winter Dance, a Petite Chorale concert. in April and the Health Fair scheduled for May 31 at the Community Center. Physicians, dentists and pharmacists will be on hand. The Community Center will serve lunch; the Brownies will have a bake sale.
The COA Office is updating its volunteer records, as required by law. Volunteer information sheets have been mailed and must be returned to the Office promptly. The number of Manchester volunteer service units will then be sent to the State.
A motion to accept the Director's report was made by Bob Howard and seconded by Janet Groth.
Old Business: The COA Office survey on programs and services desired by Manchester seniors will be discussed at a later date.
The importance of the Emergency Assistance Form that appeared in the January newsletter was explained to the Board. A data base will be kept in the COA Office to be used in the event of a disaster. Citizens on oxygen, disabled or on life saving medication can be assisted quickly due to the information collected in the data base.
Nancy updated the Board on "The Health Navigator Program" whose volunteers are now ready to help seniors and their families navigate the health care system.
Friends of the COA Report: The COA Office will work with the Friends on their new fundraising project which is the publication of a town phone book before Christmas 2008.
A motion to adjourn at 6:10 PM was made by Janet Groth and seconded by Bob Howard.
Respectfully submitted,
Joslyn Becker
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