HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-06-COA-min Town of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting
November 6,2019
2:30-3:53PM
Lexington Community Center
Present: Bonnie Teitleman, Ellen Cameron, Betty Borghesani,Julie-Ann Shapiro,John Zhao, Sudhir Jain,
Rich McDonough, Gerry Howell, Sandra Shaw, Suzie Barry
Staff: Michelle Kelleher, Hemali Shah, Melissa Interess,Christine Dean
Public Comments: None
Approval of October minutes
Staff Reports:
Michelle Kelleher—Senior Services Program Coordinator
• Busy October, Elizabeth Chen, Secretary of Elder Affairs, met with seniors
• Armenian cooking was a great success
• Trip to NH on Turkey Train was full
• Minuteman Senior Services started Matter of Balance
• November
o New Red Cross program on disaster preparation
o %day trip to American Heritage Museum 11/15
o Trip Indian Head NH Christmas show 11/7
Hemali Shah-Assistant Director
• Age Friendly meeting w/UMass Boston presented findings:
o Transportation and housing major concerns
o Lack of communication about programs and services
o Isolation
o Behavioral health needs
o Age Friendly public meeting 11/7 4PM
o COA Board will brainstorm on report and findings December meeting
o She will send out report to COA: High percent of protective services reports
Melissa I nteress-Di rector
Mental Health Task Force and Recreation Department were acknowledged in national Recreation
magazine
Christine Dean-Community Center Director
• Registration open 12/1, online end of November
• New programs: Holistic eating, Eating according to Seasons, 1 free opportunity then f/u
workshop
• Updates on safe driving course by DMV in Community Center
• John suggested requesting that able bodied people park down the hill, leaving space for seniors
• Center track underlaying layers in progress but will be delayed until spring completion
New Business
• John discussed IT training for seniors, looking for students,will try Help Around Town
• Volunteers for Thanksgiving (11/19) and Holiday luncheons (12/17)
• New Liaison positions: Sandra Shaw will be liaison to Lexington Center Committee (Julie Ann will
try and connect her w/chair)
Liason Reports
Transportation-Sudhir Jain Lexpress forming new routes, eliminating old routes. Lexconnect
transportation manager looking at an app for 2 hour notice;The Ride can be engaged 24 hours ahead.
Stats: 175 people used rides in 2017, 59%of rides by 14 people; new software for better service will
have 3 warnings for pick up
FCOA-Sudhir Jain notes$4295 was raised from FCOA fundraiser
Bright Ideas has 4 proposals,will discuss and advice
Commission on Disability-Bonnie Teitleman-Amazing Teen Queen award; met with Koren Stembridge
and library staff and discussed emotional support and service animals; decided only service animals at
library
Human Services Committee-Betty Borghesani- Melissa and others looking at their mission,values plan
to reshape committee, then meet with Selectmen
Housing Partnership-Rich McDonough-86 Bedford Street development of 11 units, 4 affordable, all 1
bedroom units. Met w/Selectmen,will seek support of Town Meeting members for support.
Goals: More storage, reduce noise in AM and eves, discourage residents from parking in neighborhood,
locate dumpster away from neighbors
Rotary Club provided Veteran's breakfast for seniors
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee- Rich McDonough has been invited to apply
Mental Health Task Force-Ellen Cameron-4 groups currently active, looking into communication, next
meeting of Prevention group 12/11
Melissa in process of report on community mental health,gaps, recommendations
Meeting adjourned: 3:40PM
Next meeting of COA : December 4, 2019 Community Center