HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-14 Council on Aging MinutesTown of Reading
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Council on Aging
Date: 2021-06-14
Time: 6:30 PM
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Attendees: Members - Present:
R'EEE'rV E D
TOWN CLERK
READING. MA,
2021 DEC -6 AM 10: 10
Jacquelyn Behenna (Associate Member), Barbara Carney, Joan Coco,
Margaret Havey, John Parsons, Karen Pinette (Associate Member), Thomas
Procopio, Sandra Shaffer, Marilyn Shapleigh, Deborah Small, Nancy Ziemlak
(Associate Member)
Members - Not Present:
Brenda Cashman (Associate Member), Jolyn Ek, Karen Fotino (Associate
Member), Sally Hoyt
Others Present:
Kevin Bohmiller, Mark Dockser, Amy O'Brien
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 6:33 p.m.
Acceptance of Minutes from May: Accepted by roll call vote. All in favor.
New Business (Kevin Bohmiller):
• Amy O'Brien was introduced. She began work last Tuesday, filling the Elder/Human
Services Administrator position. Ms. O'Brien brings more than 20 years of non-profit
experience to the job. She is welcomed by all.
• The Pleasant Street Center will be opening tomorrow. An open house will be held
from 9:00 - 2:00.
• A tent has been set up at the Pleasant Street Center. It covers 384 square feet and
will be up until approximately mid-September.
• The plan for the Pleasant Street Center is to ease into using the building, initially
confining use to the first floor, except for individual appointments with staff. The
goal is to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Congregate meals are not available
yet. Van trips to Walmart have begun again; up to 6 people per van ride. Masks are
advised in the Pleasant Street Center (required for those not vaccinated); compliance
will be via an honor system.
• John Parsons made a motion to allocate up to $2,500 from the Burbank fund to be
used between now and the next Council on Aging meeting (in August, 2021) to fund
Pleasant Street Center programming activities. Margaret Havey seconded the
motion. All approved by roll call vote.
• A concert will be held at Memorial Park at 11:00 a.m. on July ist.
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• Memory pinwheels are planned.
• Debby Small announced a fund raiser drive-by event to be held by Artis Senior Living
of Reading on Friday from 9:00 - 1:00. Those making donations will receive brunch.
• Jolyn Ek is shifting to an Associate Member role on the COA Board.
• Thanks and deep gratitude were extended to Margaret Havey and Tom Procopio for
their many years of service on the Council on Aging Board. As COA leaders and as
volunteers who have helped with meal delivery and many of the other programs that
support Reading's elder community, their work is greatly appreciated. Both are
stepping down at the end of this fiscal year.
Update from Mark Dockser
• Volunteers are needed to fill openings on the Council on Aging Board. The Volunteer
Committee will be meeting in the next 2 weeks to make recommendations for
appointments to these positions.
• The Select Board will start discussing community needs and capital planning
(programs and space/buildings) this summer. Written input is encouraged and
public hearings are anticipated.
Council on Aging Board Elections:
• Chair: Tom Procopio nominated Marilyn Shapleigh for Chair of the COA Board.
Margaret Havey seconded the motion. All were in favor by roll call vote.
• Vice -Chair: loan Coco nominated John Parsons for Vice -Chair of the COA Board.
Margaret Havey seconded the motion. All were in favor by roll call vote.
• Secretary: Nancy Ziemlak expressed her willingness to become the new Secretary.
Because she is currently an Associate Member, Mark Dockser explained that she
should submit an application to volunteer as a full Board Member. Nomination and
voting on the Secretary position was deferred until the August meeting, at which
point new Board Members will have been appointed by the Volunteer Committee.
Next Meeting: August 9, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Motion to adjourn made by John Parsons; seconded by Margaret Havey and approved by all
via roll call vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. by Thomas Procopio.
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