===PAGE 1=== Minutes approved at 6/10/25 COA Meeting Lunenburg Council on Aging Meeting Minutes May 13, 2025 CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Deb Lincoln called the meeting to order at 9:35am Present: Deb Lincoln (Chairperson), Jane Rabbitt (Vice-Chair), Peter Lincoln, Diane Nowd, Elena Christopher, Susan O’Sullivan, Jim McGuigan, Cathy Beale, Ana Lockwood, Judy Tarbell Excused: Helen Balcom Guests: Caesar Nuzzolo (Lunenburg Select Board Chair – COA Liason), Barbara Coulombe (Eagle House Supporters Vice President), Deb Goodsell (COA Director), Jack Rabbitt (Board of Assessors) ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ms. Lincoln noted that Governor Healey is holding a meeting tonight on affordable energy and hoped that all board members had received her email with the information on that meeting. Ms. Rabbitt noted that In the Meadow Farm will be shearing their Alpaca’s tomorrow from 9am- noon. PUBLIC COMMENT: none BOARD COMMENT: Mr. Lincoln shared that he felt the kiosk should be getting used and proposed that we should put three large posters up on each of the three sides. He proposed that we do on with information on the LAAC including the hours of operation, phone numbers and names of employees. The second poster should have information on the COA Board – what they meet for, their members and a link to the you tube to watch their meetings. The 3rd poster should have our 5 days of programming and the regular events that are unchanging. Mr. Lincoln offered to cover the cost of the posters. MINUTES APPROVAL Discussion on using AI to assist with minutes was discussed. Ms. Lincoln asked how we can make sure that meeting agendas and minutes are distributed in a timely manner. Ms. Goodsell offered to email out the agenda when it is sent up to Town Hall. Amendments were made to the minutes regarding staffing changes, budget for programming, and that Mr. Sanderson is 101. Ms. Lockwood moved to accept the minutes with the noted amendments. It was seconded by Ms. O’Sullivan. All approved, motion was carried. NEW BUSINESS 1. Recap of Town Meeting: Flooring and Parking Lot Plan were approved. 2. Tax Advantages for Seniors: Mr. Rabbitt reported that an applicant has not applied for a deferral, and that they are continuing to work to fine-tune this process. The board thanked him for the work he is doing to assist seniors. ===PAGE 2=== Minutes approved at 6/10/25 COA Meeting 3. Letter from Matthew Brenner: Mr. Brenner had heard that funding for Meals on Wheels was being cut. Ms. Goodsell reported that she isn’t aware of any cuts in Lunenburg at this time. 4. FY 27 Budget: Ms. Goodsell reported that her priorities for the FY 27 Budget are to advocate for a new position of Program Coordinator. She would also like to advocate for a change in the job description of the Outreach Coordinator and have that position become Assistant Director/Outreach Coordinator. Ms. Goodsell has spoken with the facilities coordinator about the need for a feasibility study to add a Lula Lift to access the second floor and to incorporate that into the Capital Plan. 5. Nomination of Officers for FY ’26: Mr. Lincoln made a motion to nominate Ms. Lincoln and Ms. Rabbitt for another year as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Susan O’Sullivan seconded the nomination. The slate will be voted at the next COA Meeting. 6. End of year Party: Ms. Lincoln asked if there was interest in doing an End of Year Party. There was and Ms. Christopher offered to organize. CURRENT BUSINESS 1. Recap of Boston Post Cane/Century Club: Ms. Lincoln reported that the celebration was a success and a lot of fun. Mr. Sanderson appeared to enjoy the event and his granddaughter gave a wonderful tribute to him. 2. Financial Reports: none. There will be a report next month. 3. Senior Advisory Team for Task Force for Healthcare: Ms. Christopher reported that she made a list of agencies that have been very helpful as she is caring for her aging mother. The board indicated that would like to continue to look at how they can provide information and advocacy. 4. Updates on local hospital services: Mr. Nuzzolo reported there are no new updates at this time. Umass is currently working on public outreach. 5. Update on Lunenburg Master Plan Meeting: Ms. Lincoln reported that they met recently but there isn’t another meeting scheduled at this time. 6. Update on 300th Anniversary Committee: Ms. Lincoln reported there is a desire for a bonfire, and that talks are in the works with Mr. Lattanzi about holding it at Hollis Tree Farm. 7. Master Plan – Town Green on Memorial Drive: Ms. Lincoln reported that there is an item for discussion on the Master Plan Document which recommends creating permanent green space on Memorial Drive. Discussion followed on how this would create a hardship for seniors accessing the LAAC as well as would defeat the purpose of a Parking Lot Design currently approved on the Capital Plan. Cathy Beale made a motion to not be in favor of making Memorial Drive a green space. It was seconded by Susan O’Sullivan. All approved, motion was carried. 8. Lula Lift/Elevator – Space Issues: Ms. Goodsell reported that Chris Ruth will be requesting this as part of the Capital Requests in August. We are currently struggling with a lack of space for programs and have had to move programs to the Library. ===PAGE 3=== Minutes approved at 6/10/25 COA Meeting 9. Sand for Seniors Program: Ms. Goodsell reported that Town Manager will be scheduling a meeting in the future between the COA/Fire Dept/DPW. DIRECTORS REPORT Kitchen Project: Work is completed and is being utilized. This is a very useful space. Upcoming Programs and Events: Ms. Goodsell reviewed the upcoming events for the remainder of May and into the Summer. Discussion on holding Town Concerts in the Pavilion EAGLE HOUSE SUPPORTERS REPORT: Ms. Christopher is stepping down as Supporters Liason. Ms. Beale offered to take that role. Ms. Coulombe reported that the Supporters have a new logo and put together a flyer. They also sent out their annual membership letter and are receiving many responses. They are also now taking donations by venmo, which people are finding very convenient. Their next meeting is June 4th at 10:30am at the LAAC. NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS none BOARD COMMENT Ms. O’Sullivan reported that she was out at the Pavillion and noted a lack of flowers. She offered to reach out to local nurseries and ask if they would consider donating flowers. Ms. Beale asked if the LAAC could start taking venmo or credit card payments in liu of requiring a cash or check. Ms. Goodsell indicated she would look into the feasibility of that. Ms Lincoln noted that the LAAC has been short-staffed due to the Meal Site Manager being out on Medical Leave. She commended the staff for stepping up and filling in. Ms. Rabbitt asked if we could have a workshop on how to set up and use MyChart. She also wanted to draw attention to the Quilt of Valor that was presented to Mr. Sanderson. If there are others who might want to receive on there is a nomination form that needs to be filled out. Ms. Goodsell thanked Ann Penney and volunteers Betty Storms, Odette Harvey, and Joyce Boyes who have been very helpful in filling the needs of our Meal Site Program. Ms. Lockwood thanked the Eagle ADJOURNEMENT A motion was made and seconded. It passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 10:56 am.