HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-03-COA-min Town of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting
February 3, 2021
2:45-3:42 PM
Zoom Video Conference
Present: Bonnie Teitleman, Ellen Cameron, Betty Borghesani, Julie -Ann Shapiro, John Zhao,
Sudhir Jain, Rich McDonough, Sandra Shaw,Jyotsna Kakullavarapu, Camille Goodwin, Gerry
Howell
Staff: Michelle Kelleher, Hemali Shah, Bea Holland, Melissa Interess, Christine Dean, Suzie
Barry, Diana Bishop
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 January minutes
Staff Reports:
Michelle Kelleher, Senior Services Coordinator
Grab n Go for Chinese New Year February
• March/April Sage coming out
• Lexington Symphony sending 50 singing Valentine cards to Lexington residents
funded through Dana Home grant
Hemali Shah, Assistant Director
• Town is receiving 100 doses of vaccine weekly, housing site residents first, then
responders to email invitation from 1800 seniors
Lexington joins Arlington and Belmont in setting up clinic
• Human Services will assist residents in signing up for State vaccine sites but cannot help
with transportation, suggest Help Around Town
Melissa Interess, Director of Human Services
• Praise to Hemali for great job managing COVID vaccine for town
Christine Dean, Community Center Director
• Spring summer programming progressing
• Received grant from MA Transportation to fund 40'x40' tent outside Community Center
for meetings, classes
• CHNA grant providing for monthly pop-up activity for mental health, exercise, outdoors
o January made bird feeder kits
• Recreation Dept will not remove snow from field and track to avoid damaging surfaces
o Area needs better signage
Age Friendly Initiative
Updates:
Senior Parking Program
• Need further discussion with parking management committee before meeting
w/Select Board
Purple Table update: this is restaurant program to offer diners with physical or cognitive
impairments accommodations by training staff. Bonnie presented idea to Commission on
Disabilities, who were enthusiastic. Unfortunately, the initiators of Purple Table do not appear
to be active. Bonnie will contact Alzheimer's Association, Artis and other resources to explore
other possibilities for COD and COA.
New Business-none
Liaison Reports
Minuteman Senior Services: Bea Holland praised MMSS. Diana notes budget almost passed.
500 responses to survey will be analyzed to formulate plans for FY 2022-25.
Transportation-Sudhir Jain— Better communication needed on transportation, coordination;
Hartwell Avenue area transport network active; discussion of design of bus shelters.
FCOA-Sudhir Jain- $15,000 in fundraising, 150 thank you notes sent; total of$20,000 for
Lexpress and other transport needs. Lifetime has collected $3250 in advertisements against
$3500 publication costs.
Commission on Disability-Bonnie Teitleman-discussed possible joint project for COD and COA
for restaurants to assist diners with cognitive and/or physical impairments, more information
needed; examined proposed Full Inclusion Resolution which will be presented to Town
Meeting.
Human Services Committee-Betty Borghesani- Leslie Zales enthusiastic new chair, working on
diversity, inclusion and equity, police training (see website www.lexingtonma.gov/police)
Recreation Committee Ellen Cameron— Farmer's Market looking for new location, possibly
football field; center court named after Bob Farris;
Citizen Advisory Committee-focus groups with video to look at early planning steps for
diversity, equity and inclusion in Lexington.
Lexington Housing-Camille Goodwin no update
Vision 20/20 Jyotsna Kakullavarapu -several meetings to prepare survey which will be
distributed; invitation to online candidate's forum sponsored by Indian Americans of Lexington
and other groups 2/6 2-3:45PM
Housing Partnership- Rich McDonough needs to resign, will need new liaison from COA
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee- Rich M —joint meeting planning board, Select Board
and CPAC; consultant has been hired in planning stage, will do outreach.
Mental Health Task Force-Jyotsna -no meeting
Lexington Center Committee-Sandra Shaw-considering kiosks instead of parking meters;
parking permits will extend until 3/22; streetscape construction will begin after Patriot's Day
and continue for 2 seasons.
Next meeting of COA: March 3, 20212:30-4PM via Zoom
Submitted by Bonnie Teitleman