HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-08-02-COA-min
Town of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Lexington Community Center, Room 139
2:30-3:30
Present: Betty Borghesani (co-chair), Julie Ann Shapiro (co-chair), Nancy Adler, Sophia Ho,
Marion Kilson (secretary), Bonnie Teitleman-Levin
Staff: Melissa Battite (Recreation & Community Programs), Christine Dean (Community Center),
Melissa Interess (Senior Services), Hemali Shah (Senior Services)
Introductions: Betty Borghesani invited COA Board members and staff to introduce themselves.
Bonnie Teitleman, new Board member, and Melissa Interess, new Assistant Director of Seniors
Services, gave a brief work history and introduction. In addition, Janice Kennedy the new FCOA
president, Lou Conrad of Minuteman Senior Services, and Gary Fallick of Minuteman Senior
Services were recognized. Betty also called attention to the fine article in \[ĻǣźƓŭƷƚƓ aźƓǒƷĻƒğƓ
about Nancy Adler and her community activism.
Public Comment: Norma Floyd noted that while seniors are 30% of the Lexington population,
they receive 1% of the town budget; therefore, she recommended that COA pursue a strong
advocacy role for additional funds for seniors. She also mentioned that when individuals
correspond with the Community Center, they should receive responses. Gary Fallick mentioned
that the Minuteman Senior Services board meets on the morning of the COA board meeting.
Today the discussion focused on an aging plan for the area dealing with federal
programs; there will be a hearing on the topic in Burlington on August 16. He also stated that
Minuteman Senior Services is supported by 900 volunteers.
Review of June Minutes of COA Board Meeting: Minutes accepted as presented.
Staff Reports: Hemali Shah noted several upcoming programstrip to Montreal has 45
participants; 10-week Aging Mastery course will be held in the Fall as will a new Economic and
Finance series with Peter Diamond presenting on social security; she said there will be a lot of
programming in the Fall. Melissa Interess reported that on July 1, LexConnect changed to
Checker Cab of Woburn with positive responses from riders; that the Age Friendly Community
program continues to seek funding for initial assessment work; that although the state budget is
still in review, there is likely to be a slight decrease in funding for senior programs; that the
newsletter format is changing, and that enhanced communication efforts with police and fire
departments continues. Christine Dean stated that registration for Fall Recreation and
Community programs will begin on August 28 and that the program brochure will be out within
the next ten days. In response to a question, Christine said that a policy on room rental will be
submitted to the Selectmen for approval by the end of the year. Melissa Battite reported that
the building at 20 Pelham Road recently purchased by the town will be demolished and that this
the site for community involvement. She and Nancy Adler urged COA Board members to attend
as many meetings on issues of significance to the Board as possible. Melissa also stated that the
Center property.
Liaison Reports: Community Center Program Advisory Committee-Nancy Adler reported that
after much discussion, the Committee voted to support proposed fee structure for the
Community Center and that the 20 Pelham Road property was discussed at length. FCOA-
Sophia Ho reported on the recent meeting at which elections were held, Bright Ideas program
was confirmed, and fundraising and finances were discussed (report is attached to these
minutes). RecreationMelissa Battite reported t h at at the July meeting a capital golf project
and building use policies were discussed. OWLL-Marion Kilson announced that the Fall
Reception will be on Thursday, September 7, at 3:00pm
presentations and sign-ups for Fall courses.
New Business/Announcements: Melissa Interess noted that a request for review of a 5-day
lunch program at the CC has been made and it will be carefully reviewed again.
Next Meeting: September 6, 2017
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Kilson
Secretary