HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-06-COA-min Town of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting
Wednesday,June 6, 2018
2:30pm to 4:03
Lexington Community Center, Dining Room
Present: Ellen Cameron (Vice-chair), Camille Goodwin, Nancy Adler, Bonnie Teitleman, Gerry Howell,
Betty Borghesani,Julie Ann Shapiro, John Zhao, Sudhir Jain
Staff: Charlotte Rodgers (Human Services), Christine Dean (Community Center), Michelle Ciccolo,
Selectman
Nancy Adler, Sophia Ho and Harry MacKay were honored at a well-attended meet and greet prior to the
start of the meeting. People expressed appreciation for their years of service to the COA and Lexington.
Public Comments:
• A celebration for Nancy and Joel Adler will be held at the Community Center on June 214-6PM.
• Victoria Buckley and Harry MacKay encouraged people to attend a public meeting on the
streetscape on June 11 at 7PM at Batten Hall/Cary Hall; Betty will attend.
• Norma Floyd requested more information/communication about community events for seniors
be made available.
Approval of Meeting Minutes:The May 2018 minutes were approved.
Guest Speaker:Jan Mutchler, UMass Boston Age Friendly/Liveable Lexington
Eight factors contribute to a good life: housing,transportation, walkability, social inclusion and
participation, respect, community support and health services, communication and information, civic
participation and employment. A working group would prioritize needs, plan, implement and evaluate.
The process:
• Needs assessment
• Partnering with community leaders, Human Services and other entities
• Action Plan
• Implement Plan
• Publicize and Evaluate
Charlotte Rodgers recommended forming a diverse working group of stakeholders to work on the Age
Friendly Initiative; a long but flexible process.
Julie Ann Shapiro introduced the two new COA Board members.
• John Zhao-a consultant to retail stores, he enjoys volunteering in community activities
• Sudhir Jain-the chair of the Indian American Seniors Group has a passion to bring people
together to talk, reduce social isolation and improve health
Staff Reports:
Charlotte Rodgers (Human Services)
Melissa Interess and Hemali Shah are attending a conference for the National Institute of Senior
Centers where they are receiving a Programs of Excellence award for their innovative, creative and
replicable work.
• Dana Home grant awarded for a mobile computer lab, a secure, mobile cabinet with laptop
computers, iPads, and other devices; planned instruction; includes funds to hire IT staff.
• Pilot caregiver outreach program with technology for homebound caregivers
• Transportation study with Burlington and Bedford to improve transportation
• Mental Health initiative CHNA grant for all ages
Christine Dean (Community Center)
• Dana Grant$5,000 to provide scholarships for fitness programs to seniors
• Pool opening celebration 6/16
• Bright Ideas Lexington Field and Garden Club will put in raised beds in the back of the
Community Center
• Archery class for 8 seniors,4 sessions
• After dinner facilitated drop-in discussion group at Community Center, library
• Film Bytes-movies on Wednesday followed by discussion
Liaison Reports:
Disability Commission
• Bonnie reported ongoing discussion about center streetscape and disabled and minority
students discipline in the schools
FCOA
• Ellen Cameron reported on Bright Ideas, Garden Party 6/29 5-7PM
Recreation Committee
• Pool will reopen 6/16 with a celebration, details to follow
Lexington Housing Authority
• Camille Goodwin reports Pine Grove conversion to begin; Greeley Village signage has been
improved.
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee
• Camille reported approximately 60 people attended the June 4th meeting.There have been a
total of 6 regional panel discussions (on topics like transportation, housing, economic issues). All
meetings are available for viewing on the website at www.lexintonmal. ov/coman.
New Business
Liaison discussion priorities,vacancies to be continued in August
• Nancy advocated to have COA representation on the Community Center Advisory Group, FCOA,
Transportation
Lunch update
• Pat Hilsinger submitted memo
• Options for additional hot meal are not possible at this time. Ellen and working group have
looked at cold lunch options; a survey will be available to determine if people are interested
and, if so, how much they might pay.
Meeting Adjourned 4:03 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Bonnie Teitleman
Secretary