The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2021-09-13 Council on Aging MinutesTown of Reading( Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Council on Aging Date: 2021-09-13 Time: 6:30 PM Building: Location: Address: Session: Purpose: Version: Draft Attendees: Members - Present: ,RE-C-EIVED TOWN CLERK READING, MA. fC 2021 DEC -6 AM 10: 11 Marilyn Shapleigh, John Parsons, Sandy Shaffer, Deborah Small, Joan Coco, Jackie Behenna, Karen Fotino, Karen Pinette, Jolyn Ek, Barbara Carney Members - Not Present: Brenda Cashman, Sally Hoyt Others Present: Kevin Bohmiller, Amy O'Brien, Mark Dockser, Beth Klepeis Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Nancy Ziemlak Topics of Discussion: Note: Meeting was conducted via ZOOM video conference call (Open Session -Remote Meeting). Elder and Human services update given by Amy O'Brien and Kevin Bohmiller • COVID still an issue. PSC has no mask mandate but it is highly recommended. BOH in agreement that it's important to wear a mask to keep clients safe. • Long time supporter, Dan O'Leary, is retiring after 35 years. Commended for job well done. Kevin Welch, former member of COA, has passed away. • New Transportation Service, Alternative Transportation, now available for Reading 60+ residents. Company offers wheel chair services. First ride 9/10 waiting for feedback. Company can accommodate clients if appointment time takes longer than expected. Waiting to hear feedback from residents using service. • Also a separate service available for people to request that a nurse accompany them to appointment. Call PSC to schedule and 48hrs lead time required. • Thank you extended to all the volunteered that helped with the Reading Fair. • PSC's coordinator position posted, limited response, salary competitive Trust Fund Presentation by Beth Klepels • Trust Funds managed by the Town's Commissioners of Trust Funds (httl)s,//www.readingma.gov/commissionem-of-trust-funds managed under MGL and accepted by Town Meeting in 1926. Commissioner's have full control of the funds. Excellent Presentation. There are other Trust Funds but these are targeted for 60+ age. • Ms. Klepeis urged the Council on Aging to consider spending the accrued interest on new programs and activities because the funds were intended for disbursement. For example, an annual event such as a Valentine's Day dinner, could be organized to help fulfill trust fund spending requirement page I 1 Coundl m q[In¢ Trust Furtds l3onexpeMabk Town of Reading Meeting Minutes July 2,2032 blP ddju enu&l July medec.mne+eius2ment & mwresx $250,000-00 $J9,906RB 53,398.89 E"Pe Green TommiW lunch s1.44000 July 31.30328w,kebl Wknn $80e6CJ3 General GUNelineL $126,462.38 $10100000 $33,263.16 $33,N3K $1,290.63 $223.1 $54,633.. $23.06)7 •urbanlc COA add—al, Mw 6kesAumhes, enlertrnmenC m— eat— b, ddo>8ulb! COA aOPtWh tW rats not [WPree by the Twon. Volume., elnneG Cometlko, Uim: emne,... 3rAreeee,: EN3 Wmlmalmw 4J. -M... membry Wt. home elliverea helle•y,ncals... Highlights of some of the services funded with trust funds: • Active Lifeline Service, about 150 reading residents participate. Note that the Council on Aging members did not know this was available! Members suggesting updating service to devices that uses satellite and pill alert options. • Transportation services for medical related reasons. About 40+ facilities are being served. • Escort Service for Reading residents requiring nursing assistance for scheduled medical appointments. • Adult Day Care, trust funds paid for one day a week adult day care. Due to low enrollment and COVID it was discontinued. Only three clients and facilities were being serviced. • The trust uses HUD income guidelines. If income is above a copay is charged on a sliding scale otherwise free service. • Patrons for Older Adults offers scholarships to Reading graduates pursuing a career in the field of senior services. Facilities Update by Mark Dockser • Kevin/Mark meeting on Sept 16^'. Next steps to be presented and discussed at next meeting. Some thoughts presented • Need to organize outreach and engage the 60+ communities for input • Need to outreach to the community(particularly those with over 60 parents/friends: Reading residents (both paper and online, forums, community meetings at senior centers, etc) • Survey other communities and make visits (Lynnfield, North Andover, Andover, Newton) • Financial Forum discussion/other buildings may be available? • Organize a Study Committee with Council on Aging representation • Need a specific proposal to present to Select Board Page 1 2 � ra Town of Reading i Meeting Minutes • Perhaps April town meeting with a proposal. Council on Aging Members -open slots • The town website lists 3 open Associate slots • Need to confirm how many Member slots maybe available • Volunteer Form available on town website: https://www. readingma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif1116/f/uploads/application_for_appointment_to_board_O.pdf Brainstorming Activities • Fashion Show • Cooking classes, wine tasting • Afternoon Tea, at the PSC and also virtual, opportunity to socialize • Internet hotspot • Chair Volleyball • Expand Card Games • Art show by Art Class • Plays with skits and dinner • Movie group or trivia • Guiness Book of World Record project • Groups for knitting • How to Crafts for holidays (wreathMaking, flower arranging) o Job hunting over age 50 o Advocating for yourself or others in the HealthCare system o Handing difficult situations with elderly parents o Downsizing o Wellness Remake the "Senior" image (what is the right description) Kevin is currently looking into on-site lunch alternatives (using local restaurants) maybe twice a week Sponsor neighborhood activities -go to the community • Virtual Presentations: Next Steps: The COA asked Amy O'Brien and Kevin Bohmiller to consider the list and report back at the next council meeting on options they would like the COA to fund. Motion for Adjourn, all accepted. Next Meeting: October 1, 2021 Page 1 3