Council on Aging

MEETING: Council on Aging Board of Directors Meeting DATE: March 12, 2024 TIME: 8:30 ATTENDANCE: Jim Confrey, Joe Bisol, Leslie Biggar, Pat Gallier, Judy Kane, Ray Magee, Donna Scalcione, Linda Warren, Judith Benedetto, Zelle Haesche,Trish Pope, Kathy Faddoul I. Called to order at 8:30 AM II. February Minutes had one error. The minutes will updated and approved at the April meeting. lll. Special Guest Trish Smith from Springwell Trish reviewed the funding sources for Springwell and some of the services Springwell provides, including Supportive Housing, access to support, and the state Home Care Program. Trish Smith reviewed differences in services for Mass Health recipients and private pay or other types of insurance. She emphasized the need for more home care staff. Trish Smith also reviewed funding through the Older Americans Act and how that impacts the Senior Center. Community Grants are available every other year from Springwell for most needs, including behavioral health, transportation, and nutrition. Senior centers must apply for grants, which are in effect for two years. Some of the volunteer programs have yet to be resumed since COVID-19. These volunteer programs include friendly visitors, transportation, and community transition liaisons. lV. Director’s Update: 1. Enough people have signed up for the bus trip on 4/18/24, so the trip will continue. 2. The St. Patrick’s Day luncheon filled up in 2.5 hours. People can sign themselves up and one other person. 3. The Bemis Farm activity filled quickly. There have been requests to offer this more than once, but the people from Bemis Farm are not available to repeat the program.  4. The tax write-off program can accept 30 seniors. If more than 30 people sign up, there will be a lottery. There is an income level to be eligible for the program. 5. Starting in April, the monthly newsletter will be available electronically. The electronic delivery will save on mailing costs. Currently, the cost of the mailing comes out of the senior center budget, not from the Friends of the Marlboro Senior Center. Ads help pay for the cost of printing. The newsletter is mailed to 1700 households. 6. Classes and regularly scheduled programs were held on voting day. It was bustling. There was a high voter turnout. V. Chairperson’s Update 1. Joe will share Trish Smith’s email if board members have more questions. Please be cautious about using residents' names to protect their privacy. 2. The Vice-Chairperson position is open. The Vice-Chairperson fills in for the Chairperson if needed. The board votes on the position; the mayor does not appoint it. 3. The Contact list will be updated. 4. Next meeting April 9th The meeting adjourned at 10:00 AM.