HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-02-COA-minMinutes
Lexington Council on Aging
Wednesday, May 2, 2013
3:00 PM @ Lexington Senior Center
Attendees:
Gerry Howell, Assistant Chair
Marion Kilson
Barbara Rediker
Marilyn Campbell
Charlotte Rodgers, Director of Human Services
Barbara Deveau, Senior Services Coordinator
Kelly Axtell, Asst. Director Senior Services
Camille Goodwin
Betty Borghesam
Sophia Ho
Harry Mackay
Meeting was chaired by Gerry Howell in Nancy Adler's absence
Public Comments:
Questions centered on Community Center development — how would survey done by CCTF be analyzed and how
would architect be selected. Questions tabled until discussion of Community Center
Minutes
April minutes reviewed, corrected, moved and accepted.
Human Services Staff Reports
Charlotte Rodgers
• COA leadership training is planned for June 14 at Bemis Hall in Lincoln. Charlotte has reserved
space for 8 people. Requests that COA members let her know if planning to attend.
• Veteran's Services — Bill Linnehan now providing 2 days a week service in Bedford in addition to
the full time Veteran's Officer
• Currently interviewing candidates for Youth Services Program Coordinator
• Is still open position for a clerk
• Dana Home Grant — waiting to hear if selected.
• Newsletter — looking at decreasing cost by emailing and pick -up at senior center and discontinuing
direct mailing.
Barbara Deveau
• Recent newsletter now mailed
• Human services intern finishing up, her contribution will be missed.
Kelly Axtell
• Reported that Lexington was not selected for a Heller Grant from Brandeis
Opportunity Knocks Workshop Update
• Barbara Rediker and Marion Kilson reported on their review of workshop and distributed detailed
outline of their discussion
• Created seven topical categories: lunch/food related program, cultural activities /programs, health and
wellness, fitness classes, other educational programs, trips, and other (i.e. Bingo)
• Discussion included need for volunteer coordinator and custodial services position to enable staff to
focus efforts on professional planning and implementation
• Lunch /lecture format has been successful, FCOA has covered some of costs
• Travel programs are likely to be popular program topic, less interest in local trips
• Future ideas to consider include programming with other Lexington organizations (Brookhaven,
Lexington at Home), targeting programs to younger seniors who are still working
• Next steps are to review information from other senior centers and explore intergenerational
programming
Community Center
• Purchase and sale signed yesterday, town will take possession on November 30
• Next step is formation of Ad Hoc Community Center Advisory Committee of seven people, chaired by
Pat Goddard. It will also have liaisons from all town departments
• Town in process of selecting architect who will have access to building this summer
• Special town meeting in November will vote on funding
• Looking at several phases to the project. Office space is good, is need for building of kitchen and large
dining /meeting area. Offices and services will be transitioned to new center over time
• Concerns centered around communication issues — Charlotte will have bulletin board where people can
post their ideas, questions and concerns (such as parking concerns, moving schedules, continuation of
services, etc.)
• People can voice concerns and questions at next COA `meet and greet' on June 5
New Business
Volunteers - Marilyn Campbell cited need for additional volunteers for programming at the new Community Center,
need to develop intergenerational programs. She envisions one example as a `Repair Cafe' based on a model
from the Netherlands whose motto is reuse, recycle, reduce, and repair
Selectman's Goal Setting
COA recommendations for next year
• Smooth, coordinated transfer of senior center to new facility, with careful attention to providing good
communication and information to all users of the center
• Continuing work on transportation concerns
• Housing for seniors
• Outreach goal is to identify seniors with needs, provide education and resources to all citizens
Committee and Liaison Reports
• Nominating Committee - Marilyn Campbell reports the board is full
• FCOA - Sophia Ho reports they are discussing fund raising tactics, also developing a web site
• Disability Commission - Harry Mackay reports issues with non - eligible people using handicapped
parking spots, renovations to Cary Hall will provide accommodations for visual/hearing/ and physical
disabilities
• Lexington Housing Authority Camille Goodwin attended annual meeting April 10, reports that as a
result of a recent hot water problem at Greeley Village lasting 3 days on a weekend, there will now be
someone from maintenance on duty 7 days a week.
SAVE THE DATE: COA Volunteer Luncheon May 3
COA Board Training in Lincoln, MA June 14
COA Meet and Greet 2 -3 pm June 5
COA Board Meeting 3 -4:40 June 5
Meeting adjourned at 4:45.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Borghesam