Council on Aging

Approved at COA Meeting on 5/9/2024 Council on Aging Board of Directors Monthly Meeting April 13, 2023 1:00pm FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Fitchburg Senior Center Fireplace Room Jul 23 2024 4:19 pm 14 Wallace Ave, Fitchburg, MA 01420 Meeting called to order at 1:05pm Present: George Bourque, Peg Padovano, Deb Dion, Michele Morin, Bonnie Hautala, Joe Byrne, James Craigen, Josie Woods, Annie Demartino, Bill Walsh Not Present: George Rodriguez, Bill Walsh, Annie Demartino Guests Invited: Andrew Van Hazinga Guests Attended: Andrew Van Hazinga Minutes: Minutes from February meeting were reviewed. Corrections noted. Motion to accept approved. President’s Report:  George B recognized and thanked Andy Van Hazinga and his daughter Adeline for the delicious Chicken Tetrazzini meal they prepared and served to out seniors.  George reminded BOD members COA Board Training by MCOA (Mass Council on Aging) will be taking place on May 18th at 1:30pm Director’s Report 1. Past programs: Valentine’s Day Program had 70 in attendance, On the Lamb had 26 in attendance, Magic for Seniors had 38 in attendance, 2. Volunteer Appreciation is on 4/20. All BOD members are encouraged to attend. AARP Driving is on 4/21 3. Senior Safety day is 4/26 featuring the Mayor, the DA’s Office, Sam Squalia and more. Topics will include scams and Rx collections 4. May 15th from 10-11 we will have a Mother’s Day Breakfast provided by Ashley from Fitchburg Rehab. 5. FY2024 Budget: Increase for Heat & Electricity in Preliminary Budget 6. Newsletter Update for May – will increase from 12 pages to 16 pages 7. EOEA (Executive Office of Elder Affairs) FY 2022 COA Annual Report – includes programming, attendance and engagement. 8. Armory Cafe a. February 256 b. March 301 Treasurer’s Report: 1. Sunshine Fund Donation Request & Current Balance: a. Current balance $148, last meeting (Feb) $25 was donated, thank you. 2. Financial Report: Page 1 of 2  a. February, March Communication: Andy shared that the Council voted 4-1 to approve a NCOA grant for vaccinations. This will include 80 clinic vaccinations and 1000 home visits. Old Business: 1. RFQ(Request for Quotes) a. Still in process – concrete, masonry and repointing 2. Covid Reno Funds a. There is $50K allotted – looking to upgrade AC by using portable units so AC is used only where needed throughout the building. New Business: 1. George R. will not re-apply for a position on the BOD 2. Jennifer indicated that a potential new BOD member was being considered. 3. The issue of the most recent snow day was discussed. Jennifer outlined the reasons for canceling programming to include parking and safety. She is working with the DPW to implement a process for making sure there is ade- quate snow removal on surrounding the Armory during a storm. 4. With regard to parking, there is additional court parking available to the gen- eral public but it is not visible and is past the court house hence the addi- tional parking in fron of the Armory. 5. For the meeting scheduled in May, the BOD would like to put the Friends of the Senior Center on the agenda and extend an invitation to their leadership to attend our next meeting. Motion to adjourn by Deb and Jim. Meeting adjourned at 1:51pm Page 2 of 2