Council on Aging Board Meeting

February 14, 2006

Present

Sheila Pallay, Elliot Feldman, Sid Rosenthal, Irene Carpenter, Lillian Savage, Millie Berman, Hy Lamb, Faye Berzon, Mindy Kempner, Norma Fitzgerald, Rob Maidman

The meeting was called to order at Temple Sinai by Vice-chairman Rob Maidman at 3:05pm.  Minutes of the January 17, 2006 meeting were unanimously approved.

Sid provided a comprehensive update of his Disabilities Commission’s recent work and current issues.  The Commission has made a $1,500 grant to the COA for purchase of an assisted listening device.  The SHS senior scholarship for 2006 has been increased to $1000 from its previous $500 level.  Efforts to change the pending sidewalks in the Post Office Square, North/South Main Street sector from brick to a smooth, wheelchair-electric cart compatible surface have been stymied due to a significant increase in cost that the Town cannot at this time absorb.  However, the effort will continue.  Increasing awareness of the challenges of adult and child disabilities will be pursued with the Board of Education and Dr.Jackson’s staff.  Cedar Street abutters of the Dog Park have successfully eliminated the possibility of placing two handicapped parking spots adjacent to the park entrance. Although spots will be created on the Sacred Heart property, the trail is incompatible with wheels and non-mechanical walking assistance.  The issue will be brought up again at a later date. 

Regarding emergency contacts, an important distinction was made.  911 cell phone calls are not automatically routed to Sharon Police/Fire but to State Police who then relay the call, using up valuable time.  When in Sharon and using a cell phone only, urgent attention is best secured by calling Sharon Police at 781-784-0439. This number should be added to cell phone memories under “Sharon Police.” Do not re-program your 911 code as you will need that when you are out of town and have an emergency.

HESSCO reporting will resume at the March COA Board meeting.

Norma cited an unanticipated attendance level at the recent HESSCO Chinese luncheon at Hixson Farms Clubhouse, and hopes it can become a monthly event.  Parking space for day trips will be made available at Deborah Sampson Park, Memorial Beach, and when possible, SHS.  Sharon COA received a $15,000 Formula Grant and also has submitted an incentive grant application to (MA. Executive Office of Elder Affairs) for technology upgrades.   The coming months will see several bills concerning improvement and eligibility of  the circuit breaker and other tax exemption laws  coming before state Senate and House committees.

Planning has begun for the Lakeside Ball, April 2 at Temple Sinai.  More information will be forthcoming.  Lillian Savage has been nominated for the State of Massachusetts Unsung hero award, representing the town of Sharon. Letters of attestation have been signed by Rep. Barney Frank, Rep. Lou Kafka, and the Selectmen’s office.

Regarding housing issues, the Striar Partnership has sold its Rattlesnake Hill property to another firm which has communicated to the Selectmen its intention to reduce the overall size of the project, make the focus on age-qualified and assisted living, and donate about 1/3 of the land (100 acres) as conservation land.  It hopes to accelerate the permitting process.  The Striar Post Road project is still undergoing environmental and permitting analysis as is the Avalon Edge Hill development.  The Hunter’s Ridge project off North Main Street is purely single family, and there appears to be no legal recourse against the massive clear-cutting of trees.

With the successful appropriation of funds for the Community Center, it is essential that the COA Board makes certain that the programs and activities utilize the facility to the maximum.  Over the course of the next 9-12 months, suggestions and ideas will be solicited for discussion, review, and potential implementation. 

The COA Board conducted a strategic review of issues and initiatives about two years ago.  The effort identified a number of important subjects affecting Sharon’s senior population.  This sector is increasing in number.     The COA Board must take an active and visible role in shaping the future.  A brief discussion identified the following important subjects:  tax grandfathering, increased subsidized housing, greater accessibility for handicapped, greater publicity and options for the work-off program, utilizing the Friends of the Community Center for additional COA fundraising, greater options for local transportation,  improving  the COA image and perhaps changing the name, greater collaboration with the Recreation Department, and  enlarging the communications beyond current Sundial readership.

This will receive continued COA Board attention in the coming months.

The next meeting will be Tuesday March 21, 3pm, at Temple Sinai.

Respectfully submitted,

                              Robert B. Maidman