HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-04-COA-minTown of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
2:30pm - 4:OOpm
Lexington Community Center, Dining Room
Present: Nancy Adler (chair), Betty Borghesani, Ellen Cameron, Gerry Howell, Marion Kilson, Harry
Mackay, Barbara Rediker, Julie -Ann Shapiro, Rich McDonough, Camille Goodwin
Staff Members: Kelly Axtell, Sheila Butts, Hemali Patel
Public comments: Joan Blankenheim asked when the meeting was with Minuteman Senior Services to
talk about mealsite and 5 day possibility. Staff reported May 11tH
Review of April Minutes: Approved by board
Staff Reports and Program Updates:
Kelly Axtell reported on dietician 1:1 consultations and monthly nutrition talks. She also talked about
Live your life well and encouraged sign ups from the board. Also mentioned the Human Services Dept
received a grant from the Dana home foundation. This will help to continue help fund LexConnect, a
Volunteer coordinator, and senior wellness programs.
Hemali Patel reported on OWLL classes in May -room usage and times.
OWLL Report: Marion Kilson read a report about OWLL programming and handed out a listing of
offerings fal1/2013- spring /2016. She preceded the report that the OWLL group was concerned about
space at the community center for increasing OWLL programs.
Extensive discussion followed report. Board members: Sophia Ho offered a suggestion to have a smaller
group from the COA be part of discussion of OWLL programming. Audience members suggestions: Has
OWLL explored local businesses /auditoriums for space?
Audience members asked for a breakdown of current senior programs? What else is offered? Is the
community center taking over programming? Are seniors being pushed away for their programs?
A question was raised about why OWLL was being considered for cutbacks with all of its success?
Nancy, COA board chair, clarified that this wasn't the case, that OWLL was part of the overall
programming of the COA.
A question was raised asking the COA board directly if it considers OWLL a program of the COA- Nancy,
board chair, answered for the board, yes.
Audience member made mention that with the community center, senior programs should be
considered to be offered after 3pm.
A question was raised about the role of the FCOA's primary goal of fundraising versus OWLL
responsibilities. A conversation ensued and clarification was offered.
Discussion of July meeting: Board voted to not meet in July and resume August 3rd, 2016
New Business: Kelly Magee has been announced as the new Executive Director of Minuteman Senior
Services.
Next COA Board Meeting: August 3, 2016
Respectfully submitted
Nancy Adler