Council on Aging

Approved by Fitchburg COA at 10/10/2024 meeting FITCHBURG COUNCIL on AGING FITCHBURG CITY CLERK September 12, 2024 MEETING MINUTES Oct 11 2024 2:55 pm PRESENT: George Bourque, Joe Byrne, Bonnie Hautala, Margaret Padovano, Eleanor Zichelle, Rose D’Alessio, Todd Goodwin, Anne Fitch, Nancy Donohue, Debbie Dion, Pastor Annie Belmer (1:20 PM), Amanda Koeck, and Andrew Van Hazinga ABSENT: Jim Craigen Bourque called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM and a QUORUM IS PRESENT. Please Note: Prior to addressing today’s agenda Bourque asked each one of us to share a brief bio as a means of introduction to our colleagues. MINUTES from the June 13, 2024, meeting were emailed to Board members. Donohue motioned and Goodwin seconded the motion to approve those minutes. No discussion. There was a unanimous vote of approval. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT: George Bourque *Bourque reported there are comments being made by Senior Center insiders and outsiders stating some people don’t come to the Senior Center due to a negative vibe. We should do our part to encourage inclusion and prevent the spread of gossip. Please report any of these situations to Koeck. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Amanda Koeck *Koeck expressed an interest in renaming our newsletter (“Fitchburg Senior Focus”) in an effort to remove a perceived stigma associated with the word/label senior. Some Councils on Aging have already done this with the hope of attracting more senior participation in programs and activities. Your renaming suggestion(s) should be forwarded to Koeck asap. This topic will be revisited at our next meeting on October 10. *Koeck requested the review of meeting minutes from January 13, 2022, April 14, 2022, October 26, 2023, and November 30, 2023. Due to the lack of a quorum the Board was unable to approve these minutes at their subsequent meeting. Copies of these minutes were distributed and we will address their approval at our October 10 meeting. *Koeck reminded us that the Fitchburg Senior Center will receive $120K from FY25 Formula Grant funding. Governor Healey allotted these funds based on $15 per elder. The funds can be apportioned for things such as program support, purchase of furniture, and payroll assistance. *Friends of the Fitchburg Senior Center will convene for their next meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 3:00 PM. Koeck reported that The Friends have agreed to sponsor trips for seniors. The COA is grateful for their sponsorship because it removes the financial responsibility from the Senior Center. Bob Baylis has volunteered to organize these trips and he is expected to share his plans at our next meeting on October 10. Thank you, Bob! Please note that Linda Byrne, Friends President, joined us after adjournment. She confirmed that the fashion show project/Pastor Belmer will be included on their September 19 agenda. Thank you, Linda! *The date for the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon is Thursday, October 24, 2024, at noon. Invitations have been mailed to our amazing volunteers who must RSVP their intent to attend the luncheon and their meal selection by Thursday, October 10, 2024. The caterer is Finicky Fork and Eagle’s Nest will provide live music. *Massachusetts Councils on Aging has scheduled its fall conference in Falmouth from October 23-26, 2024. Koeck plans to attend on the 23rd and return to Fitchburg for the luncheon on the 24th. *Ethos Fitchburg Cannabis Dispensary forwarded a written request to Koeck/COA requesting permission to advertise in our monthly newsletter. Koeck stated the newsletter is not funded by the Senior Center because advertising fees cover the cost. Dion reminded the COA that the cannabis dispensary Local Roots previously advertised in the newsletter. This was followed by a lengthy discussion of differing opinions. Fitch motioned and Goodwin seconded the motion requesting Koeck to seek legal advice from the City Solicitor. No further discussion. The motion passed with unanimous approval. We will revisit the request from Ethos after receiving legal advice. *Koeck provided an update on digital literacy education. Fitchburg is in the early stages of the Digital Equity program and has received input/support from Making Opportunity Count, UMass Lowell, and Fitchburg State University (FSU). Eight students will participate for two hours per week in the six-week program and they will receive Chromebooks. There is a waiting list to join this ongoing program. Two FSU interns will earn college credits for teaching the class. Koeck has contacted the adviser of the Fitchburg High School (FHS) National Honor Society to ask about the possibility of FHS students earning community service recognition for assisting with digital literacy education on an after-school basis. COMMUNICATIONS: Amanda Koeck *Koeck included the communication from Ethos Fitchburg Cannabis Dispensary in her Executive Director’s Report. See above for details. No OLD BUSINESS was discussed at today’s meeting. No NEW BUSINESS was discussed at today’s meeting. NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, October 10, 2024 ADJOURNMENT *Byrne motioned to adjourn and Goodwin seconded the motion. No discussion. There was a unanimous vote to adjourn at 2:08 PM. Respectfully submitted, Debbie Dion