Safety is Everyone's Responsibility!

May 2010 Meeting Notes

Michelle Ellicks is the Community Outreach Coordinator for the MA Department of Transportation (RMV Division). Each Month, Michelle travels throughout the state to present programs to various elders in a number of communities. The presentations (about 25 a month) work hard to educate our elders on keeping themselves safe behind the wheel as well as the new challenges they face while being on the roads!

The three presentations Michelle gives are: 1) Shifting Gears – safe driving for elders; 2) The Driving Decision - helping caregivers and professionals deal with unsafe drivers; and 3) Disability Placards and Plates – how to obtain a placard or plate and the laws governing them. All workshops include information on the warning signs of unsafe driving, provide safety tips for drivers, and make suggestions for families dealing with unsafe drivers.

Michelle stated that as of 5/4/2010, there are 407,029 licensed drivers between the ages of 65-74, 235,169 licensed drivers between the ages of 75-84, and over 75,000 licensed drivers over the age of 85. Michelle’s focus to the elders is putting the questions in their minds and making them think about their own limitations. The four main elements to evaluate include vision, reflexes, decision-making and hearing. By reaching out to the elders and having them consider these elements for themselves, it empowers them to reach their own determinations about driving and Michelle is there to help them along with alternative forms of transportation.

Anyone interested in hosting a presentation should contact Michelle. There are also a number of handouts that she provided to the members for additional resources.

Michele Ellicks
Community Outreach Coordinator
Registry of Motor Vehicles
10 Park Plaza, Suite 3170
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-973-8995
Fax: 617-973-7996
E-Mail: Michele.Ellicks@state.ma.us
 

In other meeting news, the 2010-2011 Executive Board & Board of Directors include:

The BOD was hard at work during their work session prior to the General Meeting. For moths there had been discussion about purchasing items for the members to hand out at events. After much discussion and debate, it was decided that the MSOL would purchase “Slap-Wrap” reflective bracelets with the MSOL Logo on them. Any current members would be eligible to take some to hand out.

For those of you who haven’t purchased and MSOL polo shirt or pull-over, don’t fret! We are re-ordering the various sizes that are in demand and should have them in the near future!

In Member News – Paul Harkins has been named the Liaison from the RMV to the MA Chiefs. Paul has been an active MSOL Member in getting our names & letters out to the Chiefs and we appreciate all of the work he has put into building our Membership. At the January MA Chiefs meeting, a letter was presented about a Membership Drive in March. Due to the efforts of Jerry St. Hillaire and Paul, we were able to increase our Membership and added about 8 new members!

In September we will be having a vote to change the By-Laws. Under Article VII, Section B it states that the “Board of Directors shall be comprised of the Officers plus SIX other persons who shall be elected annually.” This was amended back in 2007 from ten board members to six. The BOD discussed the matter and wanted to change the language from “a minimum of SIX to a maximum of EIGHT” other persons. More discussion is slated to take place and will be given out to the members prior to the vote. Should you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact one of the Board Members.

The National Night Out in Kingston will have some MSOL representation! The Seatbelt convincer will be on display for the community and will be flashing the MSOL logo! Any members who may be in the area and would like to assist should contact Mike Crosby for details!