HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-06 Council on Aging MinutesTown of Reading
'sl Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - commission - Council:
Date: 2023-02-06 Time:
Building: Location: Zoom
Address: Session:
Purpose: Council on Aging Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
RECIEkVED
TOWN CLERK
READ'NG,MA,
AM
2823 MAR 13 g: 19
Karen Pinette Debbie Small Karen Fortino Rosemarie Debenedetto Nancy
Tawadros Joan Coco Karen Janowski Sally Hoyt Jean Pratto Marilyn
Shapleigh Nancy Ziemlak Jackie Behenna
Members - Not Present:
Beverly Curio Sandy Schafer Karen Fotino Debbie Small John Parsons
Others Present:
Christopher Kowloski Karen Herrick
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Nancy Ziemlak
Topics of Discussion:
Meeting called to order at 6:30
All voted In favor to accept December minutes
(Marilyn)ReCalc Update: Committee is working on Final Summary report. It was
strongly recommended that members watch the RCN meetings for a broader
understanding of the project.
(Karen)Select Board Liaison: All SB members attended the Forum. There were 2
respondents to the RFPs published by the town. It was agreed that Symonds Way should
be added as a potential location. It was suggested that parking and the addition of a full
second Floor be considered. (NOTE: the square footage for Walgreens is 14,150 sq.ft not
9,800sq ft as mentioned in the meeting)
(Chris)Elder service Report: Wellness Wednesdays were started up In January. There
was an average attendance of 60 people. It was held In the meeting room at public library.
The Center is doing some Intergenerational programming (seniors and children attending
the same program). Programs Included Gingerbread Houses in December 12, a movie in
February during vacation week. Trying to do something like this once a month. Mens group
taking off more people are attending. COA/Ehs coffee hours are attended by people looking
for information about programs, services, and new senior center. Downton Abby(both
episodes) were shown In January. The Billards room is now open and people are playing.
Numbers overall are increasing. Started offering chair yoga, line dancing and strength and
balance for free. It was noted that the movies are recorded in cultural/social events
category on the report unless Intergenerational. There was a spike in participation in
November most likely due to Thanksgiving events. Dec and Jan are usually lower
participation because of holidays and weather. There is an Increase of new participants to
the center.
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(Chris)Request for Funding: Last meeting requested funds for three months: This is
sufficient funds for current activities. So there Is no request for funds.
(Chris)Financial Report: for 2022 and we will get an updated report In the Spring.
Future reports will show all trust funds.
(Nancy)Communication: Display Boards at Library, Senior Center, and Tannerville. New
Suggestions to put one at Peter Sanborn, maybe Reading Woods, Johnson Woods. Also,
Flyers at Market Basket. Maybe an email blast but COA does not have an email list
(although Chris said he may be able to use the PSC list). Video Tour of the Pleasant Street
Center is under production. It will be about 8-12 minutes long. It will be posted on RCN,
spread through word of mouth to your family and friends. Maybe an Insert info sheet in the
PSC Newsletter(someone needs to volunteer to write it). Perhaps a survey to find out who
might be interested in evening programs(someone needs to volunteer to write it). Maybe
distribute a postcard(someone needs to volunteer to write it). COA Coffee hours will
continue through March.
(Marilyn)UMASS Study Final Report: Marilyn has submitted corrections to UMASS due
to some errors in describing the results due to not using the correct wording of the
questions. She cautions people to read the report with a critical eye to make sure the data
is reported correctly otherwise it can create misconceptions. There was never a review
period....
(Marilyn)Draft ReCalc Final Report: much conversation about the draft report including:
• positive comments on the Next Steps section
• concern about the statement "core senior services for seniors"
• need to define intergeneration versus multigeneration and is it was never used by
UMASS in the survey probably shouldn't be used at all
It was agreed by all to schedule another special meeting on February 13th at 6:30pm. Also,
a position statement document will be drafted for discussion at this meeting to submit to all
RECaIC members. In the meantime, John Sasso will be contacted for further information on
the status of the summary report. All agreed.
COA Member prework: Postponed to next meeting
Please use this link to watch the actual meeting for more detail
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYCAMnu4vH8
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