===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Council on Aging Meeting Minutes December 11, 2018 CALL TO ORDER: 9:30 a.m. Present: Chairperson Pete Lincoln, Director Sue Doherty, Cheryl Moisan, Betty DiGiacomo, Diane Nowd, Jacquelyn Dwyer, Deb Lincoln, Kevin McNally, Judy Tarbell, Barbara Brown, Sarah Grant Absent: Jane Rabbitt GUESTS: Outreach Coordinator Pauline Roy, Selectman Jamie Toale, Eagle House Supporters Liaison Marie Burchfield ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ms. Doherty informed the board that former Meal Site Manager Joanne Brazell passed away. Ms. Doherty announced that Secretary for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs is leaving her position. MINUTES APPROVAL: Mr. Lincoln noted that Jacquelyn Dwyer was included on both the present and absent list. The minutes were corrected. Ms. DiGiacomo moved to approve the minutes from the November 13, 2018 meeting as amended. Ms. Grant seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. CURRENT BUSINESS: 1. Director’s Report:  Bridges Together: Ms. Roy commented that the program did not go quite as smoothly as it did the first time around, and that she and Ms. Doherty are working on collaborating with the teachers and principal at Turkey Hill Elementary School, but a date has not been set. Ms. Nowd commented that she was aware there were some glitches and pointed out one teacher was new to the program, and new to teaching fifth grade. Ms. Nowd said that based on the feedback she heard, it seemed the seniors participating in the program took their assignments seriously, while a few of the students were not prepared. Ms. Nowd added that the teachers were given a new curriculum to implement in the fall, and adding Bridges Together, plus a teacher new to fifth grade seemed to be overwhelming, and scheduling the sessions on a day other than Monday might also help improve the program. Ms. Burchfield commented that she participated in the first and second session, and pointed out that the locations of the sessions were planned in advance for the first session, and from the second session it was obvious that one teacher was brand new. Ms. DiGiacomo asked why the program was with fifth graders, and opined that maybe the fourth grade would be more appropriate for the program. Ms. Lincoln opined that there were two “big” failures with the program, one being the lack of a closing meeting with the groups, and the other with the lack of planned locations for the groups to meet. Ms. Lincoln said her group was put in a room with no chairs and a washer and dryer, and she went out and found chairs for everyone to sit. Ms. Lincoln saw the situation as a missed opportunity to teach respect for elders. Ms. Nowd said that was the first she heard of Ms. Lincoln’s situation. Mr. Lincoln listed five areas that need improvement. The first, the curriculum was scattered, the second is that there is a “Study of Maturation” session, which Mr. Lincoln expressed, “was directed toward adults, and read like a PhD thesis.” The third concern was consistency. Mr. Lincoln said that for the first two weeks all groups met in the same room, and no one could hear each other, and then his group was put in a different room each week. Mr. Lincoln suggested a room be set up ahead of time. The fourth concern was the homework. Mr. Lincoln suggested the seniors assign the homework, as he was unsure whether the teachers were assigning it. Mr. Lincoln asked whether the students had a choice in participating in the program, and opined that they should have a choice. Mr. Lincoln’s fifth concern was the lack of a closing meeting. Ms. Roy commented that the point of the program is to bring children and seniors together to build relationships, and that the curriculum is just the starting point, and also added that students would not be graded on their participation. Ms. Roy also agreed that everyone involved should be on the same page, and is hopeful that the conference between the principal and teachers will go well. Mr. Toale suggested that all volunteers, regardless of whether they participated in the Unanimously approved by COA at January 8, 2019 meeting. ===PAGE 2=== program in the past, should attend the training session in the beginning so everyone can discuss situations they’ve encountered and how they dealt with them. Ms. Grant pointed out that the fact that so many volunteers returned to participate in the second session proves that Bridges Together is a good program.  FY20 Budget: Ms. Doherty reported there would be a meeting in January concerning the budget, and said she won’t be asking for more than level funding. Ms. Doherty also reported that the Formula Grant funds for FY 19 have officially been distributed.  Capital Plan: Ms. Doherty reported she has submitted her request to DPW employee Kit Walker, and has yet to hear feedback from DPW Director Jack Rodriquenz.  Dementia Friendly Community: Ms. Doherty reported there would be another meeting of the focus group on December 18, 2018. The group is working on brochures to distribute to businesses about becoming dementia friendly. Ms. Doherty also reported that she plans to attend a percolator meeting in Waltham on December 12, 2018.  Memory Café: Ms. Doherty reported that the Memory Café is going along so well, even better than she could expect, and that there are plenty of volunteers on hand to make sure things run smoothly. Last month’s snow people craft was a success. Ms. Moisan, who helped out at the Memory Café said someone told her that their spouse actually counts down the days until the Café comes again.  Building Report: Ms. Doherty reported that the leaks in the roof have been repaired.  Upcoming Events: Ms. Doherty announced upcoming events at the Eagle House, including a new “Armchair Travel” program where seniors are invited to take virtual trips featuring local guest speakers. EAGLE HOUSE SUPPORTERS REPORT: Ms. Lincoln reported that there is no report from the Eagle House Supporters as their meeting was canceled so members could attend Joanne Brazell’s funeral. Ms. Lincoln did find out that the Supporters are changing their meeting time to the second Friday of each month. Ms. Burchfield added that the Supporters are looking for ideas for fund raisers. NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS: none BOARD COMMENT: Ms. Lincoln encouraged board members to spread the word about telephone call scams. Ms. Brown distributed an AARP article about themed Memory Cafes. PUBLIC COMMENT: none ADJOURNMENT: At 10:23 a.m. Ms. DiGiacomo motioned to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Dwyer seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 9, 2019, 9:30 a.m.