HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-20-COA-min (Age Friendly Working Group)
Age Friendly Working Group Meeting Minutes
Date: March 20, 2024
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Attendees: Ellen Cameron, Julie Barker, Julie Shapiro, Dana Bickelman, Sudhir Jain,
Sandra Shaw, John Zhao
Agenda:
● Review and approve minutes February 29, 2024
● Updates on Senior resource guide
● Age-Friendly update
● Small group meet & greet update
Review and Approval of Minutes
The committee reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting and approved it.
Updates on Senior Resource Guide
● Michelle mentioned that there were no major updates, and still plans to publish
the guide as a working document by May; and Dana would have someone put the
information on the website. Since there isn’t much difference between the old and
new version, Michelle prefers not to print many copies.
● Ellen suggested making some hard copies, and loose-leaf binders could be used
for the new list.
● Julie B. suggested having paper copies available at the Community Center (CC)
reception desk, believing it serves as a good reference.
● Michelle said we could make 50 copies available for seniors who come for the
guide.
● Julie S. suggested distributing some copies at the library, maybe also in town
buildings and senior living places.
● Michelle mentioned we could use the old copies with a sticker directing people to
the web page.
Age-Friendly Update:
● Michelle said she would draft a letter for Dana about applying to the AARP
network of Age-friendly communities. Dana would present it in weekly
meetings, and seek town manager Jim Malloy’s approval. J im would then forward
it to the Select Board. The next step involves filling out the application to AARP,
accompanied by a letter from the town manager.
● Julie B. emphasized the importance of being age-friendly and dementia friendly.
● Michelle clarified that the dementia application is for Mass COA (Council on
Aging) and will follow a separate formal process. We would prioritize the age-
friendly aspect first and then address dementia-related matters. And Michelle
would share the applications with the working group.
Group Meet & Greet Update:
● John provided an update about the meet & greet at Brookhaven. The staff
proposed the event at 11:00 am,April 4, and asked to use Brookhaven kitchen for
the refreshment.
● Sandra thought seniors might be hungry during the meeting at that time. John
recommended starting at 10 am.
● Ellen said the staff might be concerned about food safety.
● Julie would reach out to Lex at home after the Brookhaven event for further
discussion.
Next Meeting:
The next workgroup meeting will be on April 17 at 3:00 pm.
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 3:47 pm.