HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-08-01-COA-min Town of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting
Wednesday,August 1, 2018
2:30pm to 4:05
Lexington Community Center, Dining Room
Present: Betty Borghesani,Julie Ann Shapiro, Camille Goodwin, Bonnie Teitleman, Gerry Howell,John Zhao,
Sudhir Jain, Rich McDonough, Sandra Shaw,Jyotsna Kakullavarapu
Staff: Christine Dean (Community Center), Hemali Shah (Senior Services), Melissa Interess (Senior Services)
New COA Board members were introduced:
Sandra Shaw is a lifelong Lexington resident who has been active in the League of Women Voters,Town
Meeting, and Recreation Committee.
Jyotsna Kakullavarapu is a 4-year resident of Lexington with a passion for health care, helping seniors.
Public Comments:
Janice Kennedy voiced approval of the new Board members
Approval of Meeting Minutes:The June 2018 minutes were approved.
Guest Speakers:
Phil Pennellatore of LCB Senior Living presented a proposed development of 110 units of assisted living and
memory care to be built on 6 acres on Concord Avenue. Many details are yet to be determined but the process
of getting approval to begin building is ongoing. LCB website:onrorw w.rash _rncelexi.in.,gtorn,com.
Staff Reports:
Hemali Shah
• Martha's Vineyard trip popular, 2 buses attending
• Oktoberfest planned for 10/13 2-4PM at the Community Center for all ages.
• Technology programming for seniors has two instructors, one is a high school student. They will do monthly
presentations.
• Heather,volunteer coordinator, has planned a workshop for high school students to teach seniors how to
take selfies.
• An art therapy workshop will be offered on a trial basis once monthly in the Fall.
Melissa Interess
• Hemali and Melissa will be presenting the technology and virtual programming they have developed to the
Massachusetts Councils on Aging Fall Conference in October.
• The CHNA-15 grant funding awarded to Human Services, Lexington Public Schools, and Health Department
will allow for the creation of a mental health and wellness task force, which is in the planning stages.
Community stakeholders will be asked to participate in various ways.
• The Town is seeking to offer a behavioral health provider referral service and is currently reviewing options
for providers who may offer this service. An RFQ for the work is in process of being sent out to providers.
• A closed bereavement group will be offered for 5-6 weeks in November/December, led by hospice clinician.
• The cost of Lex-Connect taxi vouchers for in-town rides will go from $3 to$5 on 9/1. Current$3 vouchers
will continue to be honored if purchased prior to 9/1.
• Looking for 2 board members to volunteer for working group on Age-Friendly initiative; interested people
can contact Melissa.
Christine Dean (Community Center)
• Fall programs are gearing up; registration opens 8/20
• Drop-in groups are popular: Issues in Aging,Arts and Crafts and watercolor painting.
• New senior fitness programs in karate and Zumba
• $3500 allocated to reline tennis court for pickleball, a very popular game
• There is an updated room usage sign up now available
• Dana grants are offering financial aid for seniors for health and wellness programs. Confidential application
through Melissa Interess.
• Next Recreation Committee with Community Center Committee meeting on 8/15 at 6:30 will discuss indoor
pool idea, capital budget.
• Sandra described upcoming 25th anniversary party for the Bikeway on September 29 11am-3pm will be held
at the Visitor's Center
Liaison Reports:
• Sandra will be liaison from COA to the Community Center Advisory Committee
• Sudhir will be liaison to Transportation Committee
• Jyotsna volunteered as liaison to the 20/20 committee
Disability Commission
• Bonnie reported ongoing discussion about center streetscape and review of discipline practices of disabled
and minority students in the schools.
• COD has requested a meeting with COA to explore mutual interests.They have also requested office hours
at the Community Center and library. Bonnie will invite them to a COA meeting.
FCOA
• Janice Kennedy would like COA representative to join policy task force to look at mission, role for FCOA
• OWLL doing well; new sign up 9/6
• Second issue of Lexington LifeTimes now available with some hard copies, online availability.A reception for
the new issue is scheduled for 8/23.
Human Services Committee
• Betty described referral service program
• Advocates(Emergency Services) for urgent cases is not well known, needs better outreach
• Other communities will be studied to see what services they provide;will report to Selectmen and School
Committee; recommendation that counseling and suicide prevention be available
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee
Camille Goodwin shared that categories have been identified related to information gathered and discussed so
far, e.g. accessibility, affordability, housing.
Minuteman Senior Services
Gary Fallick and Lou Conrad
• By Your Side- private geriatric case management program available for$125/hour
• Executive Office of Elder Affairs looking at Medicare Advantage statewide; BCBS working with this group
• Transportation workshop on 9/26 at the CC to teach seniors how to use Lyft, Uber and other transportation
Meeting Adjourned 4:05 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Bonnie Teitleman
Secretary