HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-12-11 Council on Aging MinutesTown of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Council on Aging
Date: 2023-12-11
Time: 6:30 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall
Location:
Address:
Session:
Purpose: Council on Aging
Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
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TOWN CLERK
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282? DEC 21 PM 12: 04
Joan Coco, Rosemarie DeBenedetto, Karen Fotino, Karen Janowski, John
Parsons, Karen Pinette, lean Prato, Marilyn Shapleigh, Nancy Tawadros,
Jackie Behenna, Linda Connors, Sally Hoyt, Nancy Ziemlak
Members - Not Present:
None
Others Present:
Mark Dockser, Nora Bucko, Chris Kowaleski, Jenna Fiorente, Mary Anne
Kiernen, Rachel Young, Joel Bergmann
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Nancy Tawadros
Topics of Discussion:
Meeting called to order at 6:30.
Approval of Minutes:
Motion made by Karen Janowski to accept the October minutes.
Rosemarie DeBenedetto seconded.
Passed unanimously.
Motion made by John Parsons to accept the November minutes.
Rosemarie DeBenedetto seconded.
Passed unanimously.
6:35pm-7:OOpm Presentation by the firm, BH+A, hired by the town to conduct the
feasibility study for a new/renovated senior center and/or community center with
designated senior center space.
The COA members introduced themselves and Rachel and Joel shared their presentation that
covered the process of the feasibility study. Process was discussed, including focus on two
options: renovation/expansion of the Pleasant Street Center and a new site on Symonds Way.
Nora Bucko arrived at 6:48 pm.
Mark Dockser joined at 7:12 pm.
On Going Business
7:15pm-7:30pm Elder & Human Services Report(EHS)- Chris Kowaleski
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Another great month of programming. Numbers are higher than originally expected, with
unduplicated visits increasing. Volunteer coordinator Janet Dubow started on December 4th.
Chris shared future programs. Also shared there was water in the basement; facilities and DPW
responded quickly. Second air quality test is happening now. Chimney liner should be in by the
end of the month.
7:30pm- 7:45pm EHS ARPA Presentation Feedback- Jenna Fiorente
Jenna presented the same presentation to the Select Board. Main concern seems to be
sustainability of programming once the ARPA funds are spent- Jenna discussed options to
ensure sustainability in collaboration with COA members and others.
7:45pm — B:Oopm RECALC Liaison Update- John Parsons
ReCalc meeting in November was canceled. Focused on site visits in other communities.
Meeting scheduled for December 19th.
B:OOpm — 8:05pm Public Health Survey Update- Marilyn Shapleigh
Board of Health has not met since last COA meeting. Meeting scheduled for December 19th.
Expected insight to be gained into senior community needs from the survey.
8:05pm — 8:15pm Select Board Update- Mark Dockser
Jenna came in and presented budget for elder services. Lots of budget discussions in
preparation for April town meeting. Matt Kraunelis has been appointed as Interim Town
Manager. Interview committee to begin interviews for new Town Manager in two weeks in hopes
to have a hire secured in February.
Discussion regarding funding an event for Fidel. Date TBD.
Marilyn Shapleigh made a motion to approve up to $200 from Burbank trust fund to fund an
event to wish Fidel well. Joan Coco and others seconded.
Vote passed unanimously.
8:15pm — 8:30pm Updates on Progress to build support for a newirenovated senior
center:
Newspaper Outreach: Karen Janoski, Marilyn Shapleigh:
Karen Janowski stated that Marilyn Shapleigh wrote an excellent and impactful letter. Nancy
Ziemlack suggested asking the Chronicle to do a series- potentially approaching Bob Holmes
Marilyn Shapleigh made a motion to submit to Chronicle and Post.
Rosemarie DeBenedetto seconded.
Vote passed unanimously.
Event Planning: Karen Pinette, Karen Fotino, Jean Prato:
Karen Pinette suggested the team get together and plan an event after the holidays after the
letter to the editor goes out.
Reading Neighbor Network: Nora Bucko:
Members individually have been approaching folks to highlight some of the issues at the
pleasant street center.
Mailing List: Nancy Ziemlak:
Nancy Ziemlack look the town census and found two people who could parse out the data, and
plans to target messages to folks who attend versus not attend pleasant street center
programming as part of this initiative. Marilyn Shapleigh has joined this project as well.
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RCN: Jean Prato:
Jean and Nancy Ziemlack have been discussing this. Jean received a response from RCN and
it seems there has been some confusion in communication. Jean is requesting more air time for
the video tour and also would like to see RCN dedicate air time/ rolling screen to inform
regarding senior programming. Jean would like to schedule a meeting after the holidays.
Additional Volunteers:
Nancy Ziemlack shared that the Council needs volunteers to help get the message out, and
asked Council members to spread the word to the community and share the need for volunteers
in the marketing arena.
Nancy Ziemlack proposed that we hold a January meeting to discuss ideas around marketing
and awareness.
Marilyn Shapleigh suggested that we have a January 8th meeting.
Karen Janowski made a motion to adjourn at 8:42 pm
Marilyn Shapleigh seconded.
Motion unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:42 pm
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