HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-12 Council on Aging MinutesOFR
Town of Reading
„I Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Council on Aging
Date: 2024-08-12 Time: 6:30 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: Session:
Purpose: Council on Aging Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Jean Prato, John Parsons, Marilyn Shapleigh, Tony Lionetta, John Saczynski.
Joan Cow, Rosemarie DeBenedetto, Nancy Zlemlak, Karen Janowski arrived
6:55pm, Karen Fotlno zoomed at 6:35 and arrived at 6:50
Members - Not Present:
Linda Connors, Sally Hoy, Debbie Small
Others Present:
Chris Kowaleski, Nora Bucko
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Karen Fotino
Topics of Discussion:
Meeting called to order at 6:35
Minute approval: tabled
Election of officers:
• Vote for chair and vice chair
• Vote for secretary
COA meeting dates: Sept 9, Oct 15, Nov 12, Dec 9, Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14, May 12,
June 10
Event sign up: Reading Street Faire on Sept 8th
Selectboard update: no rep present
RECALC: by John, presenting to select board on Aug 20th
Building committee: update by Nancy, requirements, interviewing in next month for OPM
MVES: Karen F, data from their internal audit, increase in money for services for elders, event
for caregivers coming up
Friends update: Nora and Nancy: improving visibility for donations, event coming up (invite
only), improving internal processes, open house, Oct 22 event, increased donations coming in
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EHS report: Chris reviewed report. Also new sound system will be installed this month, exhaust
system in attic being rerouted in fall, interviewing nurse, new coffee machine, landscaping.
Shout out to staff for all of their efforts: especially Linda, phone calls management, wonderful
attitude, Anna with programming, Janet, volunteers, Kerry and so many case management issues,
Joe does great and accountable, Everyone is so wonderful, organized, so much growth in two
years. Rosemarie: kudos to Chris for being the glue. Trust fand and ARPA update: nothing to
report tonight.
Reimbursement for COA: tabled until next meeting
State COA conference: let Nancy know if you are interested, on the cape this year,
www.mcoaonline.org. $215 per day Wed and Tbur, Fri is half day and less cost, Date: Oct 23-25
North Andover senior center visit: four members visited, this is a similar size town and income
to Reading, director walked everyone through, measured rooms, helped to get perspective on
sizes, got wish list from director and some of the people there. Participation increased by 85%
when built. See write up by Marilyn.
Discussion: PBC meetings are open, you can set up email for new meeting announcements from
the town website, conversation about the site testing to get it done sooner than later, any
questions that we should ask the OPM during the interview please send to Nancy
Next steps for new senior center: Nancy has outreach items and actions with target dates, what is
the focus of the message? ReCalc presents to select board next Tuesday the 20th. The plan
moving forward may be clearer shortly after that. Discussion if the architect would do a special
presentation for the COA for new members and to bring forward quesdons/ideas. Need to have
COA visibility at upcoming meetings: Select board meeting, and the fin com meeting Aug 21 at
7pm at town hall. Killiam Aug 14th meeting can also attend. Start thinking about who can help
with our campaign
Jean motion to adjourn. Rosemarie second. Unanimous vote to end meeting
Next meeting Sept 9th.
hhtt s://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HChModkInO8
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