HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-14 Council on Aging Minutes N r
Town of Reading T RLQEIVED WN CLERK
Meeting Minutes C e r,
Board - Committee - Commission - council: 2011 APR 27 AM 10: 32
Council on Aging
Date: 2020-09-14 Time: 6:30 PM
Building: Location:
Address: Session:
Purpose: Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Jacquelyn Behenna (Associate Member), Barbara Carney, Joan Coco, Jolyn
Ek, Karen Fotino (Associate Member), Margaret Havey, Sally Hoyt, John
Parsons, Pooja Parsons (Associate Member), Karen Pinette, Thomas ,
Procopio, Marilyn Shapleigh, Deborah Small
Members - Not Present:
Brenda Cashman (Associate Member), Marie Perrot (Associate Member),
Sandra Shafer
Others Present:
Kevin Bohmiller, Maria Puglielli, Kerry Valle
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Marilyn Shapleigh
Topics of Discussion:
Note: Meeting was conducted via a Zoom video conference call (Open Session — Remote
Meeting).
Call to Order by Thomas Procopio at 6:36 p.m.
Acceptance of Minutes from August: Accepted.
New Business: Kevin Bohmiller reported that he met with the Town Manager and
Assistant Town Manager and discussed the open position for an Elder & Human Services
Administrator. Their goal is to move forward in a logical manner, based on information
about needs which are not currently being met as a result of the vacancy and expected
demand for services in the next 6 to 9 months; the funding for the position is secure, but
they want to find someone who will be a good fit for these needs. A survey is planned to
gather information. Options for conducting the survey in a manner that would reach as
many Reading residents age 60+ as possible were discussed. Recommendations included
Survey Monkey, Pleasantries, the Reading Chronicle, inclusion of a survey along with water
and/or electric bills, and Facebook.
Mr. Bohmiller also reported that the van is running for local medical appointments. Reading
Response is handling trips to Boston, Lahey, etc. via Woburn Taxi. Van service is not being
opened for shopping at this time. The Board of Health is strongly encouraging voting by
mail or via the drop off box at the Town Hall. Discussion followed about ways in which Elder
Services might be able to help people get their ballots delivered to the Town Hall; Mr.
Bohmiller will discuss this with the Town Clerk. Dementia Friendly is starting a Neighborly
Notes campaign. Meal delivery needs and identification of isolated seniors are being
revisited; Kerry Valle reported that they are currently relying heavily on the police and fire
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departments for information about individual needs. Many of the virtual programs being
offered (e.g., the nutrition program and total fitness) are very popular and attracting an
audience that includes people who had never been to the Pleasant Street Center in the past.
Tai Chi will be starting up again. Three Chromebooks are still available.
Human & Eider Services Report: COA members discussed activities that might be
planned and where they might be held within current health and safety guidelines. Specific
programs requested for re-activation included monthly blood pressure checks and Reading
Ramblers. Plans are being made for a drive-by event (Oct 14th or 15th) in which a Harrow's
chicken pie and a bag of candy would be given to those who participate. Harrow's has
offered to donate 30 pies for free and discount the remainder by 50%. It is estimated that
we will need 150 pies. John Parsons made a motion to authorize $1000 from Burbank to
fund the Pleasant Street Center Harrow's Chicken Pie Handout event. Tom Procopio
seconded the motion. All voted in favor of the motion.
Report Accepted.
Financia/Report:
As indicated on the financial reports, we continue to spend little. It was noted that the
statements included in the packet for September's COA meeting only go through Fiscal Year
20.
Accepted.
Next Meeting: October 5, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. by Thomas Procopio following a motion to adjourn by John
Parsons, seconded by Thomas Procopio. All in favor.
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