HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-05-COA-min Town of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting Minutes
June 5t" 2024
Attendance: Dana Bickelman, Michelle Kelleher, Kelsey Rollins, John Zhao, Sue
Rockwell, Sudhir Jain, Ellen Cameron, Zehra Yar-Khan. Zoom- Julie Shapiro, and
Jyotsna Kakullavarapu
Meeting start 2:33pm and Attendance taken.
Public Comments: Introduction of Janet Perry, interested in the COA
Review/Approval of May 1st 2024 minutes. Two corrections made and then
minutes approved.
Staff Reports and Program Updates:
Kelsey Rollin: June is Alzheimer's awareness month. A few Collaborated Programs
.Dr. Daniel Press Neurologist- Advances and Challenges in treating Alzheimer's
and Dr. Mark Parker Hearing loss and Cognitive Decline. Dana Home Grant for
Lexington Symphony 2 part series. A dance Group performance. Its Pride Month
and Friday (6/6)will have music and mocktails. Boston P flag- about queer culture
past and present.
Michelle Kelleher: Care givers support group meets twice a month and has a
waitlist, via zoom. Memory cafe meets once a month. Melissa Batitte wants us
aware of the new plans for LHS June 6t". Wai and Kelliann- wellness visits to the
villages. Every Monday 1:30-2:30
Dana Bickelman: ARPA Funding for Mental Health worker will end July 211. Baily
will be reachable in Concord. Replacement will start August 11t through Edinburgh
Group. Interviews continue for LISW for Sharon's position. Ellen Cameron
mentioned having the new Mental Health Website somehow to be tracked
regarding hits/needs to help with needs for future funding 2025-2026.
Update on Age Friendly Working Group Meeting:
John Zhao discussed the Belmont Aging in Place Resource Fair. We would like to
have a fair in Lexington and looking into May 6/7 or 13/14 2025 held at the
Community Center. Vendors regarding home safety and medical needs, police fire
and introduce other programs. This is all at the beginning planning phase.
Michelle Kelleher will be our Captain on this project. We will need to divide up
tasks and support her. More details will follow in August.
Senior Resource Guide is being reviewed by Jonas Miller and will hopefully be
ready soon for distribution.
Select Board meeting: Dana Bickelman stated Jim Mallory supported our letter for
the AARP age friendly application. Unanimous support also from the Select Board.
On June 311 meeting. Our charge is still not approved. A few minor revisions are
needed for the Select Board approval and hopefully not needing to be presented
to the Town Meeting. Thank you to Sue and Laurie.
Discovery Day: Well attended and lots of swag distributed. Thank you for all who
helped.
Liaison Reports:
Minuteman Senior Services: Sudhir Jain. Walk-spring forward walk/run has met
its $25,000 target.. Having Happy Pride Month June 15th 11am-1pm celebration.
Held resources for caregivers living with Alzheimer's June 4th in Acton
Transportation Committee: Sudhir Jain. Friday June 7th Lexpress Appreciation day
for riders- Depot Square 11:30am-1:30pm. Can purchase July 11t $20/year bus
pass. They are working on service enhancements and question route changes.
FCOA: Sudhir Jain: Looking for new members. Discussions about OWLL courses,
enrollment is down. Lifetime may change to one time a year publication.
Disability Commission: Laurie Fiola. No update
Recreation Committee: Julie Shapiro. No update
Lexington Housing Authority: Sue Rockwell. No update
Vision for Lexington: Jyotsna Kakullavarapu. No update
Housing Partnership: John Zhao. Discussion with hearing important information
from Planning Board on upcoming projects and primarily proposals. No vote will
happen until public hearings are available. John is concerned about available
housing for seniors.
Mental Health & Wellness Task Force: Ellen Cameron/Jyotsna Kakullavarpu. Ellen
mentioned the new MH website that is being finalized for the town. Sharon has
done a wonderful job with resources for all ages. Meet on zoom and gave
feedback page by page. Website will be reviewed by Jonas Miller.
Lexington Center Committee. NA
Strategic Equity Advisory Team (SEAT): Ellen Cameron. No update
Wish the best to Zehra and her next adventure. Thank you for your contribution to
the COA and Lexington Seniors.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ellen Cameron