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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-04-COA-minTown of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 4, 2017 2:30 -3:40 Lexington Community Center, Room 237 Present: Julie Ann Shapiro (co- chair), Nancy Adler, Ellen Cameron, Sophia Ho, Gerry Howell, Marion Kilson (secretary), Harry Mackay, Rich McDonough Staff: Kelly Axtell, Sheila Butts, Hemali Patel, Charlotte Rodgers Public Comments: None December Meeting Minutes: Accepted as presented. Staff Reports and Program Updates: Kelly Axtell reported that the "Sand Senior Program" is over. After the first 65 buckets were delivered, she had many more calls and was able to arrange for 35 additional buckets. Refills will be available, if needed. Others in need of assistance should be referred to her. The AARP tax assistance program sign -ups begin after January 17 and appointments begin on February 5. Hemali Patel reported a new Technology program that includes learning about skype and facebook begins next week and the second session will be on February 7. Charlotte Rodgers circulated a description of the Senior Dining program sponsored by Minuteman Senior Services noting that Lexington residents may make reservations for a luncheon two days in advance and non - Lexington residents one day in advance. Sheila Butts extended an invitation to all to attend Community Center Program Advisory Committee monthly meetings; the January meeting will be on the 12th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 237. FCOA Mini -grant Update: Harry Mackay reminded the Board of the FCOA mini -grant program which will fund "bright ideas" for new and /or enhanced programs. Applicants may be Lexington residents, staff members, or non - Lexington residents providing services to Lexington seniors. The application form is on the FCOA website. The deadline for applications and the announcement of awards will be announced shortly. Jane Trudeau, President of FCOA, noted that Susan Caton has done a splendid job of updating the FCOA website. Liaison Reports: FCOA: Sophia Ho noted that FCOA appeal letters have gone out and she had copies for anyone who might not have received an appeal in the mail. She reported that this year Jane Trudeau, president, and Shirley Stolz, treasurer, will have completed their six year terms and new officers will be elected. Sophia said that Jane Trudeau will be reviewing and revising the bylaws to ensure that FCOA maintains its 501c3 status. Finally, Sophia noted how helpful it is to have a FCOA member attend COA Board meetings. Community Center Program Advisory Committee: Nancy Adler reported that the committee continues to focus on defining its role and that the committee chair has asked for information about programming in Lexington. Nancy has mentioned the value of the new FCOA mini - grant program and invited seniors to attend the monthly meetings. Transportation: Nancy Adler reported the new bus contract. Disability Commission: Harry Mackay announced a public meeting on the Town Center on January 5 in preparation for the January 11 meeting in Cary Hall. Then the selectmen will receive the Center Committee Report and the Minority Report of the Disability Commission; the selectmen will hold another public meeting on January 30. Harry raised the issue of whether or not the COA Board should support the Minority Report of the Disability Commission; after considerable discussion, it was determined that the COA did not have enough information about the report but that individuals might attend the open meetings and express their personal opinions. Harry also reported that the Commission plans to work on formulating its goals and ideas. Recreation: Ellen Cameron reported that the committee meeting will be on January 5. Lexington Housing Commission: Camille Goodwin was not available to present a report. OWLL: Marion Kilson reminded the Board of the OWLL Reception on January 25 for the second session of classes. Housing Partnership: Rich McDonough plans to be contact the partnership. LexHab: Gerry Howell reported that Lex -Hab is working on Fairview houses and has a report on the Busa property. Gerry also reported that Selectmen have received the report from the Trash Task Force. Human Services Committee: Charlotte Rodgers reported that conversations on Age Friendly Communities continue and that the Human Services Committee is interested in intergenerational activities. New Business /Announcements: None Meeting Adjourned: 3:40pm Next Meeting: February 1, 2017 Respectfully Submitted, Marion Kilson Secretary