2020-11-17 Council on Aging Minutes

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Street Center, 42.5% indicated that they would return only after a vaccine has been made available. 20.4% indicated they would return in winter 20/21. 18.1% said they would return in spring '21. 11.9% said they would return in summer '21, and 7.1% indicated that they would not return. 71% indicated that they were not worried about food supply or medications. In terms of programs, the largest group (54.8%) expressed interest in exercise programs; special events &dinners and other educational events ranked 2nd and 3'd on the list. 25.8% expressed interest in van trips. 82.97% reported having internet access, but this result may be skewed by the fact that most of those who responded to the survey did so electronically and is not necessarily an indication of widespread internet access among the senior population. The basic take away from the survey is that there is a clear need to get people connected in programs; possibly outdoor events in March/April. Discussion is underway with other town senior centers to share ideas on how this might be accomplished. The MA Council on Aging is also holding 5 informational meetings on behavioral health and the problem of isolation; all Pleasant Street Center staff are scheduled to attend one of these meetings. • The Hillside event will take place 11/21. There is still availability for people to sign up. • Transportation is available for trips to medical appointments, but still not available for shopping. • Feedback was very positive regarding the Harrow's Chicken Pot Pie event. A total of 190 pies were distributed. • The Reading Ramblers program was discussed. Concerns over the risk of having seniors in close proximity while walking were reported as a reason why the program has not yet been reactivated. Volunteers are also needed to take a lead. John Parsons volunteered to lead walks, especially on Reading's trails. Strategies to encourage social distancing were discussed. • The possibility of organizing a Visiting Pets program was discussed. • The town is considering running another Flu shot clinic at the Pleasant Street Center and offering home visits where needed. • The town's supply of masks is getting a little low and thought is being given to ordering washable masks printed with "Kindness Wins"for distribution via a drive by event along with a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a 4" poinsettia on 12/15 (rain date of 12/16) from 1:00 - 3:00. The plan is to print 500 masks; it is expected that approximately 200 would be distributed in the drive by event and the remainder would be added to supplies. Discussion followed regarding steps to ensure the quality of the masks. John Parsons made a motion to allocate $3,000 out of the Burbank fund for masks, hand sanitizer and poinsettias. Joan Coco seconded the motion. All in favor. • The Green Tomato restaurant has offered to donate 100 to 150 dinners for homebound seniors and will deliver them on Thanksgiving. Kerry Valle is working with the Green Tomato to organize the program. A letter of appreciation will be sent to the Green Tomato. • Kerry Valle asked for volunteers to make phone calls to seniors on or before Thanksgiving. Joan Coco, Thomas Procopio, Margaret Havey, John Parsons, Jolyn Ek, and Sandra Shafer volunteered. • The AARP is planning to do taxes again this spring; it will be a drop off program like last year. • Accepted. Financia/Report: • Approved by unanimous roll call. Next Meeting: December 14, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m. by Thomas Procopio following a motion to adjourn by John Parsons, seconded by Margaret Havey. All in favor. page 12