[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6245479,"mediaKeyId","3225719-806e85cf7097e83dfe8186eddf02b40b","parentId",3225719,"title","Senior center expands outreach, Lifeline support and schedules scam-prevention session May 14","audioSeconds",338,"startMs",2265000,"endMs",2603000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3225719-806e85cf7097e83dfe8186eddf02b40b&start=2265&end=2603","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3225719-806e85cf7097e83dfe8186eddf02b40b/thumbnail_2265000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6245479/Gardner-City/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Senior-center-expands-outreach-Lifeline-support-and-schedules-scam-prevention-session-May-14","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245479-722c6f97d929857f441296694d16b5c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773661481&Signature=mOViw5Mtax1nbXEhAIP-tXjBqFZm9JPpHl8BayxNxqwjeCAr034EAcelAL0NE0-J6s3nvc~7xDdFi229t6vS2Md9qgBLd0V3ZX15YZRFXahgidR7SGy~LYnfrbO16nDPWgH7Wbu78bpw1KqdBbtfz9b3qz3rvUUxrNHBUNqfAGdNhtZYgkcC0M-pbjYdj3gIbQvi-lyneC4ArQw7aNvqxY22kPdYiKu27Qe7jdncznPtM5FIM85CwZf2uS09XXiY2A0NoWQWM44JX3XoXL5DnDPuDRNIeVllLPsmA18cD2H5yU5JelHeauCui41nqs5v44QoayqQxuOjBCS7KzBq-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Gardner City, MA","date","2025-05-06T15:21:00Z","article","At the May 5 Gardner City Council on Aging meeting, staff described a range of programming, outreach and consumer-protection efforts for seniors, including an early-stage Lifeline device program, marketing initiatives, trips and a scheduled May 14 program on fraud prevention.

Program staff said the center welcomed more than 4,000 unique individuals in the prior 12 months and has increased newsletter distribution, advertising sales that support the newsletter, and volunteer distribution points. Staff said volunteers maintain multiple distribution routes and are crucial to outreach.

On technology and services, staff reported the Lifeline program is “up and running.” They said the center completed two installs, staff handled about four service calls, and most service issues have been routine (charging problems, incorrect hookups). Staff planned to expand Lifeline marketing by June 1 and to evaluate the pilot after roughly six months.

Staff warned attendees about scams and scheduled a May 14 presentation with two partners—the district attorney’s office and GFA Federal Credit Union. Lori, identified in the meeting as the credit union’s chief compliance officer, will join to discuss protections for seniors. Staff recounted a case in which an individual “took out $85,000 of his pension and gave it to scammers,” then incurred IRS penalties; the center emphasized preventive outreach because recovery options are limited once funds are gone.

Upcoming events and services mentioned included a bus trip to Battleship Cove on June 11 (third attempt to fill the bus), the sheriff’s picnic on June 7 in Shrewsbury, a Moose Hawks game in August, a shredding and electronics-recycling event on Aug. 2, and smaller programs such as ukulele and drum classes. Staff also noted donated items (two VFW pool tables) and the center’s intent to display local artists’ work and VFW materials at the facility.

Staff asked for volunteer support for events and distribution and said marketing efforts will continue as the center prepares to move to a new facility with more space.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Gardner Council on Aging Meeting May 5 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Garden City Center reported expanded programming, volunteer-driven outreach, a Lifeline device program in early rollout, and a May 14 scam-prevention presentation with the district attorney's office and GFA Federal Credit Union; staff described an individual who lost large pension sums to scammers.","taxTitle","Gardner City, Worcester County, Massachusetts","taxId",60679,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6245483,"Council on Aging elects officers for 2025; votes recorded by voice",91,1797000,1888000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3225719-806e85cf7097e83dfe8186eddf02b40b&start=1797&end=1888","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3225719-806e85cf7097e83dfe8186eddf02b40b/thumbnail_1797000.jpg","/articles/6245483/Gardner-City/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Council-on-Aging-elects-officers-for-2025-votes-recorded-by-voice","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245483-ddc7c82889f57df04accac93c4d668ac/orig.mp4?Expires=1773661481&Signature=A4mig78UzmEetkVjfH~OaklM-9L~3uLfaAn6W-JPl-gq2DBe0tlGiUIUyX8t5K06xdcXeeiwBIzEXC0i~wOlP4IfeeLhW7zjIaiLjMkQyMyGNa0mUI7Mx4hnvg49cNsmUrbogUfhY-bIOjjMt8E59wqb0kMq3xYFtVT0mdjkpsHZU5~1C21yemfVP-Rps76K~q9ZFoet2BEarHzLXXIA2~ZZUIXbDSOjAi9vcSUgYy0VjnIMs7Mbq2XtVYrpxRDViJCqMKbYU2Kjr3P~zqYkj~X3d1ptrnSAQF4zAcxM4ZPI9g6t4xAT6yKvIJVHnnTZbDNvKc9yQ-wz~E~ekIgnGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Gardner City Council on Aging held its annual election of officers during the May 5 meeting and elected the slate of officers by motion and voice vote.

The chair opened nominations for the positions of chair, vice chair, treasurer and secretary. A motion was made and seconded for the slate; the assembly voted “Aye” for each position with no recorded opposition. Specific movers and seconders were not identified in the audio record.

During discussion the board reviewed a bylaw provision that links the CEO position to the senior-center director, and members noted the board’s and center’s distinct roles: the council on aging is the volunteer board and the senior center is the facility staff operate. The bylaw was discussed but the election proceeded as typical for the annual meeting.

The chair announced the results at the meeting and the board continued to the next agenda item.

","At its May 5 annual meeting, the Gardner City Council on Aging elected its slate of officers—chair, vice chair, treasurer and secretary—by motion and voice vote; the meeting record shows nominations, a motion and second, and unanimous 'Aye' votes for each position.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6245488,"Technology grant closed; center returns about $16,000 and records $58,000 in in-kind equipment",57,1225000,1282000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3225719-806e85cf7097e83dfe8186eddf02b40b&start=1225&end=1282","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3225719-806e85cf7097e83dfe8186eddf02b40b/thumbnail_1225000.jpg","/articles/6245488/Gardner-City/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Technology-grant-closed-center-returns-about-16000-and-records-58000-in-in-kind-equipment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245488-ed01201098631261f0dc185a48ee6bd2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773661481&Signature=g84jXNQJWZHL45LU2oy~Nyr4xIr3WmYPcKycRKk15HbNL8FMf1G-1EwrOyCVKeAb5TYSPLjCC6OV1yXHyx5oPcCc11L9VIMzSmHhPiY4PZCRnZaSGFZOK6r9k-ymiIUCnhXo1S5QYd54WnUbPUT2GKjQVv3~wnOBVyqw8JnLxpVD0x1PRL2WKYzou71M5ligqVNzh1TTYaJ8vjouzGguh2usPH1Nf4o8DjQNfWeWJG045Gu20Yw7RMcR9oK952ngksRItv1wE7rdlIXNd9Z1dvGI4If6SByugg12m5BKImGLoXvYpul1dasaw7RF1x6eDwwO3p7VP8mhsQ05dl4quw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff reported on the completed State Technology Grant during the May 5 Gardner City Council on Aging meeting, saying the center closed the grant and turned back unspent funds while keeping equipment and infrastructure improvements purchased or donated under the award.

Sherry, the treasurer, said the grant period ended March 30 and final reconciliation was completed in April. “The bad news is we're turning back about $16,000 in this grant,” she said. The treasurer added the returned amount represents unused line items such as instructor fees and trainer costs that staff could not incur.

The presentation stressed that the grant also delivered substantial non-cash support: staff reported roughly $58,000 of equipment in kind, including a dedicated fiber installation to 294 Pleasant Street, wireless controllers and access points, and new Chromebooks. Staff said the Chromebooks remain covered for service and updates through February (service period noted in meeting).

Staff described operational lessons from the grant: equipment delivery was delayed, instructor recruitment was harder than expected, and early hybrid program audio/video quality required improved production capability. To address that, staff worked with local partners to develop a mobile production model with two high-definition cameras to improve online event quality.

The grant covered equipment for both senior centers; staff said the $84,000 award was split across the centers and that the returned $16,000 roughly equates to $8,000 per center. The council was told several items highlighted in the packet will appear in the next monthly report after final reclassifications.

Board members asked about long-term maintenance and software updates. Staff said the technology grant did not include ongoing maintenance funding and recommended budgeting for future upgrades and replacements. The meeting noted equipment from the IT department—fiber and network gear—should help the center when it moves to the new facility.

","Staff reported that the state technology grant closed in March; the senior center will return roughly $16,000 in unspent funds, but received substantial equipment and infrastructure support, including in-kind items and a dedicated fiber connection to 294 Pleasant Street.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6245493,"Treasurer warns of rising energy costs, fund-transfer limits during May 5 meeting",172,184000,356000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3225719-806e85cf7097e83dfe8186eddf02b40b&start=184&end=356","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3225719-806e85cf7097e83dfe8186eddf02b40b/thumbnail_184000.jpg","/articles/6245493/Gardner-City/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Treasurer-warns-of-rising-energy-costs-fund-transfer-limits-during-May-5-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245493-d7ca178f0457b4698d26a6963d352a1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773661481&Signature=EEPkLjuSphMFP6Du9XMt3u5YbTN02KnDud8ppEZNE6pX6Wn8i229j7EvdWwPXclNQLmBLXGJP2Fsi2UR9JxhgaGCH1Xdcjxs3~qNlXlzDIMj~WBfTuUR~ZTT3F6kTBsf1TAJf8An2jI3RsWpQEJl5R~DEUjURiRrr0GHy9xFxxmpUxT6uZvkoEQ0wfK5mRIMs8PVLnWUQuy7c8MBcZHJb8jjK1ck9~RJhtxtn93mzVbUC37Puwk00cZ4iDIknCmrhj1vnsS0zJu4mrmd0h8fvpw8MSFM647Bv-KthWQwuUahGFati~cBNwa4Ioowf~vnmksbrSjnTpTlPbQqlm4bwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sherry, the treasurer, told the Gardner City Council on Aging on May 5 that the senior center faces rising utility costs and narrow flexibility in moving budget appropriations across account types.

She said the center is “probably gonna be about $3,000 over on . . . energy and utilities,” and that year-to-date energy expenses were already roughly $6,000 to $7,000 higher than the prior year. She also reported overtime spending year to date of $940.05 against a budgeted $500, leaving an overage of about $440.

The treasurer explained legal limits on reclassifying funds: she can transfer budgeted amounts between salary accounts and between operations accounts, but “I can't go between operations to salaries or salaries to operations.” Those restrictions shaped her explanation of several upcoming reclassifications and transfers presented in the packet.

Because of the energy shortfall, Sherry said she submitted a request to the city auditor and the mayor seeking available free cash to cover the projected deficit. She told the board she had moved about $700 of supply expenses from the operating account into the revolving account to free up funds in the general fund’s operations line for anticipated information-technology costs.

Sherry outlined the revolving fund's carryover limit as a practical constraint: the council must not exceed a $60,000 cap for that account unless the city council approves an increased carryover. She said staff is planning transfers—about $20,600 in expenses from the revolving account to the state grant account—if the council approves the higher carryover, but that those transfers are contingent on the council vote.

Board members asked clarifying questions on the state grant and carryover mechanics; Sherry said the state grant amount itself cannot exceed the grant award and that transfers will be finalized only when the city confirms carryover rules. She advised members that May and June are the months when staff reconciles accounts and makes many reclassifications, and several highlighted line items in the packet reflect transfers that will appear in the next monthly report.

The board voiced no formal objection during the report and proceeded to other agenda items.

","At the May 5 Gardner City senior center meeting, Treasurer Sherry reported year-to-date overages in energy and overtime, described restrictions on shifting appropriations between salary and operations accounts, and said staff has asked the city auditor and mayor for one-time free cash to cover projected utility shortfalls.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senior center expands outreach, Lifeline support and schedules scam-prevention session May 14

Council on Aging elects officers for 2025; votes recorded by voice

Technology grant closed; center returns about $16,000 and records $58,000 in in-kind equipment

Treasurer warns of rising energy costs, fund-transfer limits during May 5 meeting