HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-06-COA-min Town of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting
January 6, 2021
2:35-3:52 PM
Zoom Video Conference
Present: Bonnie Teitleman, Ellen Cameron, Betty Borghesani, Julie -Ann Shapiro, John Zhao,
Sudhir Jain, Rich McDonough, Sandra Shaw, Jyotsna Kakullavarapu, Bea Holland, Peter
Holland
Staff: Michelle Kelleher, Hemali Shah, Sharon Gunda, Melissa Interess, Christine Dean
Betty Borghesani called the meeting to order, took attendance and read Charlie Baker's
instructions on public meetings via Zoom.
Public Comments: None
Approval of December minutes with addition of December discussion of the new Citizen's
Advising Committee on Diversity and Inclusion; Ellen Cameron volunteered.
Staff Reports:
Michelle Kelleher, Senior Services Coordinator
• Programs on zoom, MyRec new software going well
• Program on Russia 1/5 had 65 participants
• Grab n Go for Chinese New Year February
Hemali Shah, Assistant Director
• AARP tax program won't be offered due to volunteers being seniors and building closure
• Many calls on vaccine, referred to Town website as they are following State guidelines;
discussion of distribution taking place in a working group format
Melissa Interess, Director of Human Services
• Mental health task force paused, schools focused on COVID, remote learning, steering
committee granted 6 month extension to allow schools breathing room
• Framingham State will do mental health survey of Lexington, will seek input from COA
for questions
Christine Dean, Community Center Director
• Winter classes on zoom started, new website good,planning for summer programs
Sharon Gunda, Outreach Worker
Upcoming events:
• MLK event high school seniors will do chores for seniors
• Psychological Consequences of Racism in the Black Community 1/27/21 6:30-8:OOPM
Ate Friendly Initiative
Updates:
-Senior Parking Program
Need feedback from parking committee before meeting w/Select Board
-Commerce Program/ Shopping for Seniors-complete
- Neighborhood postcards-complete
Next Steps for COA:
Suggestions: small group work on accessibility, disability, inclusivity, designated senior parking
at Community Center, updating rest rooms, asking retailers to open restrooms to public (no),port
a potty in center (no)
Purple Table reservation is a restaurant training program designed to accommodate
customers/families with dementia, autism, PTSD or TBI, hearing, vision, physical or cognitive
condition that would benefit from accommodations when dining out. Staff will accommodate
(i.e. quieter location, more patience in ordering, close to restroom, etc)to make dining
experience more enjoyable. Restaurants can advertise this service.
Discussed doing with the Commission on Disability. Bonnie Teitleman, liaison to that
commission, will discuss this idea with them. Betty B and John Z agree to help, Ellen Cameron
will join and suggested consulting with Artis community liaison Amy Winn. Hemali will send
out link to Age Friendly Action plan to COA members.
New Business-none
Liaison Reports
Minuteman Senior Services- Bea Holland praised MMSS. Described MOW volunteer who
smelled gas and called 911. Advocating to pay workers better.
Transportation-Sudhir Jain—Changes: MBTA has service cuts, Rts 62 and 76 to be combined
because of low ridership. Lexpress service will be reduced. Ridership on Lexpress 25% of pre-
covid.
FCOA- Peter Holland- FCOA offering successful OWLL courses via zoom, good article in
Colonial Times
Commission on Disability-Bonnie Teitleman-discussion of lack of affordable housing, Full
Inclusion Resolution. Pros and roles in hiring DEI Officer (diversity, equity, inclusion)
Human Services Committee-Betty Borghesani- no updates
Recreation Committee Ellen Cameron—request to plow artificial turf for football rejected
Lexington Housing-Rich McDonough Gov. Baker's housing bill passed so won't need 2/3 to
pass, only a majority. Means more dense housing close to MBTA stations.
Vision 20/20 Jyotsna Kakullavarapu -no updates
Housing Partnership- Rich McDonough - no update
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee- Rich M—has not had meeting since August
Mental Health Task Force-Ellen Cameron no update, on pause
Lexington Center Committee-Sandra Shaw- will be public art in Center
Next meeting of COA: February 3, 20212:30 4PM via Zoom
Submitted by Bonnie Teitleman