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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-08-06-COA-minMinutes: Lexington COA Board Meeting August 6, 2014. Attendees: Nancy Adler, Betty Borghesani, Camille Goodwin, Sophia Ho, Marion Kilson, Richard McDonough, Harry Mackay, Barbara Rediker Staff: Charlotte Rodgers, Kelly Axtell, Barbara Deveaux Several guests attended. Nancy opened the meeting at 3 PM and introduced new Board member Richard McDonough. Ellen Cameron, the second new member, will be introduced at the September meeting. Public comments: Mr. Dua requested examination of a scheduling change to avoid the clash of World Affairs meetings with movie presentations. Minutes for the June meeting were approved unanimously. Staff Reports: Kelly: • Materials describing the Hoarding Forum were passed around. Considerable interest was expressed. Kelly will explore the possibility of arranging a workshop on this topic. Barbara: Noted that work on the budget ($63, 184 total) for the Executive Office of Senior Affairs grant is ongoing and will be shared with Gerry Howell. Barbara announced that she will be leaving the Senior Center and going to the State office. The Board thanked Barbara for her contributions to the Senior Center and wishes her success in her new position. Charlotte: A handout dealing with changes in cost of travel for Lex- Connect was passed out and aspects of funding were discussed. It was noted that this program is funded by gifts. A sum of $2,000 was moved to Transportation and request for assistance was made to FCOA in order to cover May and June bills. Veterans Taxi will remain the vendor after a successful bid to supply services. Changes in service will be implemented on September 1. The Board expressed enthusiastic support for this program. Jeanette will conduct a meeting to discuss transportation on September 10. In discussion, Joan Blank suggested that the Board should request money from the Town for the Lex- Connect program since support for seniors is only a very small part of the Town budget CCOA update: The main committee has not been meeting during the summer but some subcommittes have met The program committee has developed extensive programming plans and schedules. Two handouts prepared by the Senior Center working groups on new programming needs are attached. A vote was taken to see if the Board would accept these documents and forward them to the CCAC as a statement of important goals in addition to those already known to the CCAC. The vote in favor was unanimous. New Business: Nancy noted the existing opening on the Board of Selectmen and the possibility that another will occur for School Committee and proposed organization of a Meet and Greet for candidates. The Board supported this proposal. Liaison: • Transportation: Nancy noted that Charlotte had already dealt with Transportation matters. • FCOA: Sophia reported that the OWLL program and the voucher program of Transportation were discussed. Several ways of raising money have also received attention. Next meeting September 3, 2014. Respectfully submitted Harry A, Mackay. Programming Goals and Recommendations of the Community Center Senior Program Planning Working Group The new Lexington Community Center (LCC) will be an invaluable resource for Lexingtonians of all ages. The COA envisions the LCC serving a unique opportunity for our seniors (who make up over 25% of residents) by promoting optimal aging through programs and services that promote wellness, social interaction, community engagement, and intellectual growth. COA PARTICIPATION 1. To assist in the seamless transfer of current programs offered at the Senior Center to the new Community Center, maintaining programs just for seniors where appropriate. 2. To work collaboratively with other town departments, especially the Recreation Department, to maintain and increase beneficial, differentiated cost programs for all Lexington citizens 60 +. 3. To actively plan and assist with the implementation of new programs for the Community Center which meet the above goals, including "out of the box ideas ". GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Develop intergenerational programs. 2. Develop programs for currently underserved seniors, including "baby boomers ", and seniors still employed. 3. Enhance delivery of programming for oldest seniors, those with disabilities, and the homebound. SELECTED SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Ensure that environmental quality issues for LCC senior programs are addressed, such as disability access, appropriate space and surfaces, and air quality and lighting. 2. Hours of operation: work towards eventually adding later evening and weekend programming, which will allow the LCC to reach and serve different ages /stages of seniors such as those still employed. 3. Offer expanded educational programs. 4. Create opportunities for socialization within and outside of formal programs. S. Create drop -in as well as series opportunities, and special events. 6. Allow for some gender- specific programs as well as culture - specific. 7. Work with Cary Library to offer some programs in the larger space the LCC offers. Programming Goals and Recommendations of the Community Center Senior Program Planning Working Group The new Lexington Community Center (LCC) will be an invaluable resource for Lexingtonians of all ages. The COA envisions the LCC serving a unique opportunity for our seniors (who make up over 25% of residents) by promoting optimal aging through programs and services that promote wellness, social interaction, community engagement, and intellectual growth. COA PARTICIPATION 4. To assist in the seamless transfer of current programs offered at the Senior Center to the new Community Center, maintaining programs just for seniors where appropriate. 5. To work collaboratively with other town departments, especially the Recreation Department, to maintain and increase beneficial, differentiated cost programs for all Lexington citizens 60 +. 6. To actively plan and assist with the implementation of new programs for the Community Center which meet the above goals, including "out of the box ideas ". GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS 4. Develop intergenerational programs. 5. Develop programs for currently underserved seniors, including "baby boomers ", and seniors still employed. 6. Enhance delivery of programming for oldest seniors, those with disabilities, and the homebound. SELECTED SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS 8. Ensure that environmental quality issues for LCC senior programs are addressed, such as disability access, appropriate space and surfaces, and air quality and lighting. 9. Hours of operation: work towards eventually adding later evening and weekend programming, which will allow the LCC to reach and serve different ages /stages of seniors such as those still employed. 10. Offer expanded educational programs. 11. Create opportunities for socialization within and outside of formal programs. 12. Create drop -in as well as series opportunities, and special events. 13. Allow for some gender- specific programs as well as culture - specific. 14. Work with Cary Library to offer some programs in the larger space the LCC offers.