Medford Human Rights/Disability Commission(s)

September 26, 2012

Present: Steve Honeycutt, Henry Milorin, Chief Leo Sacco, Diane McLeod, Marie Cassidy, Lois Bronnenkant, and David Harris Excused: Charlotte Swartz

Public Participation None June Minutes Motion to accept by Steve, seconded by Chief Sacco, all in favor New Business Update on Monthly Issues Diane spoke of 2 new accessible units on Locust Street that will be advertised through Mass Access Barry Park had some accessibility improvements done as well as the accessible stage at Wrights Pond Diane completed 2 ADA trainings for City Personnel and Boards and Commissions. We have new equipment for the hearing impaired for public meetings. Diane attended an LGBT HUD training that was well done. It was an overview of new regulations. Diane mentioned the contract specifications that were revised and implemented this summer. Diane met with the new SPED PAC president, Melanie McLaughlin. She would like to meet with our Commissions. Diane also spoke to EMARC representative Chenine Peloquin who would like to come to one of our meetings. Diane mentioned that the Elder Project is meeting again next week. The W. Medford parking has been addressed The lot behind Ruths has been addresses, except for a ramp the was mistakenly redone as an HP space. It will be reconfigured when a concrete contract is available. Diane had a picture of the completed Area of Rescue Assistance at Carrolls. She is waiting to hear about the Bath Shop on Mystic. Nappis was speaking with an Architect who contacted me.

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Direction for 2013 We reviewed our strategic plan in June and we want to address issues that include both commissions. Diane suggested that Medford sponsor a regional training for LGBT advocates so people on the front lines can effectively assist persons who are being discriminated against. Sponsoring a housing forum in April that focuses on disability; accommodation and modification Coordinating and collaborating with the Special Ed PAC and EMARC David suggested doing something for MLK Day. Diane suggested collaborating with the NAACP, as previously they used to run events David also suggested we look at the Sesquicentennial if the Emancipation Proclamation The group noted that we should meet with Neil Osborne, Pres. Of the NAACP in October and then invite the Special Ed. PAC and EMARC for November. Diane will follow up with them.

Old Business Health Disparities Update The Health Disparities group has been very active this summer; Completed a Cooking Matters course for 16 Adults since then friendships and a walking group were formed, participants lost over 100 lbs. and a woman with type 2 diabetes improved her levels greatly Completed a Cooking Matters course for teens. Created a new community garden

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Created a Walkability Task Force that is creating walking tours in Medford. They are working with MAPC, the Dept. of Public Health, and Walk Boston. Created a food pantry at the Senior Center on Thursdays Are working on a mobile food pantry Lois spoke about local farms that glean. Diane mentioned that Syrah was speaking with one in Andover.

Variance Requests & Updates None Correspondence or Announcements David mentioned several programs; Whitney Young, a Dream No Longer Deferred, Aaron vs. Cooper, and Electoral Disfunction. He will forward them to Diane. We spoke about getting events on the website. Diane said that Allison Goldsbury is now updating the website. Diane updated several pages this summer and we also need a new picture. She feels that the lack of media and outreach is a huge stumbling block for the commissions. Commission members should visit our web pages to think about how we can use them more effectively in the future. Next Meeting Date Diane mentioned that our next meeting date is on October 24, 2012. Meeting adjourned at 6:30PM