===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Council on Aging Meeting Minutes June 12, 2018 Annual Meeting CALL TO ORDER: 9:30 a.m. Present: Chairperson Pete Lincoln, Director Sue Doherty, Cheryl Moisan, Betty DiGiacomo, Diane Nowd, Jane Rabbitt, Jacquelyn Dwyer, Deb Lincoln, Kevin McNally, Judy Tarbell, Sarah Grant Absent: Brian Guenard GUESTS: Board of Selectman liaison Jamie Toale ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mr. Lincoln congratulated the board for having six members with perfect attendance this year, and also commented that there are currently no Talent Bank forms on file at Town Hall that indicate interest in volunteering on the Lunenburg Council on Aging. Mr. Toale thanked the board for the opportunity to serve as liaison between the Board of Selectmen and the Council on Aging, and asked for feedback to bring to the Selectmen in order to assist in clearly defining the role of a liaison, as well as attracting more people to volunteer, training of volunteers, and improving communication between boards and committees and the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Toale explained that he thinks the relationship between the COA and the Selectmen is a good one, and can serve as an example for the rest of town to follow. Mr. Lincoln pointed out that the skill sets of the different boards in town vary, and inquired as to how to advertise what a member of the COA actually does. Mr. Toale responded that a common place to find out about the various boards and committees in town is not available currently. The COA, as a whole, welcomed Mr. Toale to come back and serve as liaison for the upcoming fiscal year. Ms. Lincoln expressed her gratitude to Mr. Toale, and pointed out that not all boards and committees in town take advantage having a liaison to the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Lincoln announced that she attended an Eagle House Supporters Inc. meeting as the COA’s liaison, and while going over the minutes from their previous meeting, one member suggested that Ms. Lincoln should’ve been given permission to speak. Ms. Lincoln asked the COA to support her by making a request that the Eagle House Supporters Inc. include on their agenda a place for a COA liaison report. Mr. Lincoln commented that he thought the Supporters and the COA were on the same team. Mr. McNally pointed out that if the Supporters’ liaison attended the COA meetings regularly they might realize the two groups are on the same page. Mr. McNally suggested inviting anyone who has issues to a COA meeting. Ms. Doherty pointed out that issues between COAs and supporter groups are not unique to Lunenburg. The annual meeting of the Eagle House Supporters is not well attended, according to Ms. Doherty. Ms. Moisan commented that the Lunenburg Friendly Seniors’ monthly meeting is always well attended because their members see what their dues pay for at each meeting. Ms. Doherty said that the Eagle House Supporters sponsor most of the programs at the Eagle House, and they’re recognized on posters, in press releases, and during the programs they sponsor. MINUTES APPROVAL: Ms. DiGiacomo moved to approve the minutes from the May 14, 2018 meeting, Ms. Dwyer seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. CURRENT BUSINESS: 1. Director’s Report:  Patron Complaint about Senior Center Scheduling: A Stitch and Chat participant has expressed that she feels Stitch and Chat is getting bumped too often between programs that take up the room where Stitch and Chat usually meets, and Monday holidays. Ms. Doherty commented that programs are always shifting at the Eagle House. Stretch and Tone gets canceled once a month because of the Pancake Breakfast, Book Club meets on the Tuesday following any Monday holiday that falls in the third week of the month. On Some Tuesdays even Ms. Doherty gives up her own office for the grief Unanimously approved by COA at August 14, 2018 meeting. ===PAGE 2=== support councilor that comes once a month. Ms. Grant, who attends Stitch and Chat regularly, commented that the complainant has brought up other kinds of issues in a book club that meets at the Lunenburg Public Library. Ms. Moisan said the individual complained to her about the activity schedule and urged her to bring it up to the COA. Mr. Lincoln determined the person has a personal problem and the board agreed they would support Ms. Doherty however she decides to deal with the complaint.  Meal Site Manager Position: Ms. Doherty reported that three people applied for the position, and Meals on Wheels Driver Sandra Ricci was hired. Kitchen Aide Judith Alario will fill in until July 1, 2018.  Formula Grant: The grant money for FY 18 has all been spent, according to Ms. Doherty. Any mileage money not collected by Meals on Wheels drivers will be turned back to the town. The Formula Grant for FY 19 has been projected for $11.00 per elder, which is still a raise from last year’s grant; however, the budget has not been signed by Governor Charlie Baker, so that number could still change. Ms. Doherty is ready for three likely scenarios where funding is concerned, and also pointed out that two meal site assistants are paid out of the Formula Grant.  State Capital Plan 25K designated to Eagle House Senior Community Center for HVAC Repair: Senator Dean Tran advocated for the Eagle House and designated $25,000 to repair the HVAC system in the older part of the building.  Election of COA officers for FY 19: Ms. Lincoln moved to nominate Pete Lincoln as Chairperson, and Jacquelyn Dwyer as Vice Chairperson for a term of one year. Ms. Grant seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. “We are all chairmen on this committee. Everyone participates,” Mr. Lincoln said.  Recommendation to Board of Selectmen to reappoint Deb Lincoln and Betty DiGiacomo: Ms. Doherty reported that the Selectmen already reappointed Ms. Lincoln and Ms. DiGiacomo to the COA. Mr. Toale commented that the Selectmen are working toward improving the reappointment process.  Bridges Together: Ms. Nowd reported that the program was successful, and that the fifth graders involved now have a whole new perspective of “seniors.” When asked about what it means to be old, the kids said nothing of wrinkles or slowing down, but talked about being wise and having experience instead. Ms. Nowd said after hearing about the program, it’s likely more people will volunteer for the fall session. The goal is to get enough volunteers to span the entire fifth grade class at Turkey Hill Elementary School.  Tri Town Landing Proposed Senior Housing: Ms. Doherty said the Tri-Town senior housing project was recently approved by the Lunenburg Planning Board after appeasing abutters who were concerned about the height of the buildings. Mr. Lincoln suggested members of the COA go to the complex when it’s finished so new residents can learn about the Eagle House, and what the COA has to offer.  Age/Dementia Friendly Community: Ms. Doherty and Ms. Rabbitt attended a seminar on Dementia Friendly Communities, which featured a speaker who has dementia. The speaker talked about how welcomed she felt, at 53 years old, to a senior center exercise class. Ms. Doherty plans to attend a “Percolator Meeting” in Waltham about Memory Cafes. Ms. Doherty said she also spoke with the Lunenburg Business Association about Lunenburg becoming a Dementia Friendly Community at the Arts Festival in Lunenburg over the weekend. Ms. Doherty also reported that Emily Kearns coordinator for Dementia Friendly Massachusetts would attend a Department Head meeting to talk about prepping the community to become Dementia Friendly.  SNAP: Ms. Doherty reported she received $71.00 from the first quarter, and hasn’t heard back about second or third quarter reports. Ms. Doherty expressed her frustration due to the lack of communication from UMass, and is considering leaving the UMass program. The Eagle House will still be able to provide assistance with SNAP applications, as anyone in the general public can access the SNAP website and apply on their own.  MART: No report  Building Report: The side door of the main entrance now has an accessible push-button door opener. Ms. Doherty purchased new porch furniture with Formula Grant funds. Landscapers, ===PAGE 3=== contracted through the town, recently mowed over two lily plants in the Eagle House garden. Helen Balcom, the gardener paid by the Eagle House Supporters, was very upset when she saw the plants, and put cages around them to protect them from further damage. NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS: None BOARD COMMENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT: None ADJOURNMENT At 10:53 a.m. Ms. DiGiacomo motioned to adjourn the meeting, Ms. Dwyer seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE Next Meeting: Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 9:30 a.m.