HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-03-COA-minTown of Lexington Council of Aging Board Meeting
Wednesday January 3rd, 2024
Hybrid meeting
Present: John Zhao, Sudhir Jain, Ellen Cameron, Sandra Shaw, Sue Rockwell
Zoom: Julie Barker, Charles James, Zehra Yar-Kahn
Staff: Michelle Kelleher, Christine Dean, Kelsey Rollins, Dana Bickelman
John called the meeting to order at 2:36pm
Public Comments: none
New Business/Announcements:
Email received regarding Lexington 250th years, looking for a board member to attend
January 30th Meeting.
Secretary position still open
Introduced Dana Bickelman, new Director of Human Services. Look forward working
together
Attendance was taken
December minutes were approved.
Review/Discuss revision of charge
Sue Rockwell: worked with Laurie Viola on moving some language around. Incorporated
feedback given from COA members. Reached out to folks regarding what to call seniors.
Seniors is the word many recommend.
John Zhao suggested moving bullet items 4 and 9 closer together-regarding Age Friendly
assessment.
We will take another month to review and send any feedback to Sue. Hope to vote in
February meeting.
Staff Reports:
Michelle Kelleher : worked on a DEI statement for the Community Center. Will be posted in
the Community Center.
MLK day -2 hours of work being offered by students for seniors. ( changing light bulb,
boxing books etc) Information in SAGE and website.
Coping with Change Support Group with Sharon is very well attended once a month.
Welcomed Dana Bickelman
Placed 2nd in Mass Walking challenge and received $500. May be used for Walk with Ease
class.
Kelsey Rollins: Luncheons filled up on first registration day.
113 programs offered in 2023
Monday January 8th expression with Art Therapy making vision board needs a few more
people to sign up.
Programs:
Partnership with MGH -pelvic floor class
Encompass- Reduce risk fall class.
M-W-F lunch now 25-30 people attend.
FYI Saturday Feb 10th- celebrate Chinese New Year
Christine Dean no update
John Zhao mentioned having the new Director of Communication join upcoming meeting,
so we can discuss how to reach out/communicate with seniors.
Liaison Reports:
Minutemen Senior Services: Sudhir Jain. Sudhir presented to what the “cow in Lexington” .
He also distributed the SAGE and Lifetime Magazine.
Annual report was reviewed: revenues from 2022-2023 $37,996,813 with expenses $38
million. Meals on Wheels 210,000 meals served.
Piloting for a year- vegetarian meal offered to the M-W-F lunches.
Phone calls for needs increased by 15%. 30% for nursing home ombudsman.
Program called “Help with life little necessaries.” Help older women maintain independence
by assisting women to make life better. Ex: a microwave, AC for someone with asthma.
Currently 30 women.
Transportation: Sudhir Jain (as of Dec 12th)sold 528 $20 bus passes. Adhoc transportation
committee from Town manager- recommend continuing Express services, and recommend a
senior shuttle.
Group discussed FISH, (lack of drivers) Lex connect and issues in waiting 45 minutes for the
taxi.? To pilot using Uber/Lyft.
FCOA: Sudhir Jain fundraising a bit disappointing, $12,000 last year and this year $7,000.
OWL program doing very well. New Lifetime.
Disability: Laurie Fiola: No update
Recreation Committee: Julie Ann Shapiro: no update
Lexington Housing Authority: Sue Rockwell. Working on last phase of vine brook project.
Dealing with water line. Several new assessable units. Will be getting financial money from
Section 8 which will be more flexible and more income. LHA will see a difference. 17
households all notified.January approved the application, sure get started in July. Vinebrook
and Greely Village not effected since money from State not Federal.
John Zhao mentioned connecting again with Greely Village at a monthly meeting in the
future.
Vision for Lexington: Jyotsna Kakullavarapu no update.
Housing Partnership: John Zhao: no update
Mental Health & Wellness Task Force: Ellen Cameron, Jyotsna Kakullavarapu no update.
Lexington Center Committee:Sandra Shaw Police Station should open in June.
Moving Bus stop outside Conti Bike to 1696 Mass. Ave. Discussed overall signage in town.
Protecting signs and swings by right. ? a bar- regarding food service not required with
alcohol. Also ? A diner in town for students.
Strategic Equity Advisory Team (SEAT): Ellen Cameron no update.
Meeting adjourned 3:48pm Next meeting 2/7/2024
Respectfully Submitted
Ellen Cameron