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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOA 10/01/2020Minutes of of the COA Board Meeting of October 1, 2020 n (Virtual Meeting as per Town of Mansfield)I J, = E Present: Lynda Christiansen, Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Mary Hourigan o' ' —' Smith, and Paula Topjian. Josephine Madrazo, Director; Lynette Boldrighini, Assistant Director._ Call to Order: Board Chairman Richard Kelsay opened the meeting at 3:12 p.m. Minutes of the Board Meeting of February 12,2020: After examining the minutes of said meeting, Norma offered a motion to accept them, seconded by Joan. There was no discussion and the minutes were accepted by a unanimous roll call vote of the board. Estimated Budget Status to Date and Warrants: Jo called our attention to the financial reports sent to us. Treasurer Tom Keogh commented favorably on the new format of the budget reports. He also inquired as to the status concerning the purchase of new tables for the lunchroom. This purchase has been put on hold for now, as no meetings are taking place in the building. As there were no other comments or questions, acceptance of the reports was moved by Joan and seconded by Norma, then passed by a unanimous roll call vote of the Board. Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Tom Keogh reported a balance in the Gift Fund of $4,953.49. As there was no discussion, a motion was made by Paula and seconded by Norma to accept the Treasurer's Report, followed by a unanimous roll call vote of the Board. Correspondence: None Chairman Dick Kelsay read a disclaimer from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts concerning the Open Meeting Law during the COVID pandemic. Our virtual meeting is being simulcast on Mansfield Cable. Interested Mansfield residents with questions or comments may contact the COA board by email or phone call to the Town Hall during the meeting. Director's Report: Director Josephine Medrazo cited the statistics for COVID cases as of October 1, 2020, in Mansfield: of the 215 cases reported, 68 were people over 60 years of age. She reported that attendance in our virtual programs is steadily increasing, and gave an overview of the many programs we are still offering during this time of the pandemic. They include Bingo, Health Clinics, Knitting/Quilting/Crafting, Coffee and Conversation, Caregiver Support, Book Club, and Walking Club. Our Wellness program continues online with Drums Alive, Core and More, and Chair Yoga. The BESI tote bag giveaway was a big hit with the seniors who received the bags. Another bag give-away containing Halloween treats is planned for late October. In November we are planning a "Friendsgiving" drive-through boxed Thanksgiving meal, instead of the usual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Congregational Church. Health Clinics, Flu Clinics and flu vaccinations for homebound seniors are upcoming in October. There will be a virtual Veteran's Talk by the Town's Veteran's Agent on November 4. Our Social Services continue uninterrupted by the pandemic. People may contact Lynette for SHINE, utility assistance, mortgage/rental assistance, and help for caregivers of seniors during this time. All appointments with COA counselors will be virtual, through email, or by stamped mail. Jo would like to bring back support for the grandparents caring for school -aged grandchildren, especially at this time, as they may be challenged by the technology required for at-home virtual schooling. Old Business: Dick asked the Board what we would like to do about electing officers for the coming year, as it was supposed to have been carried out at our April 2020 meeting. After a short discussion, it was moved by Tom that we extend the terms of the current officers until 2021, with nominations to be made in March and the election of new officers at our April 2021 meeting. The motion was seconded by Norma. After a short discussion, the motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. New Business: Dick expressed our concern for our senior population during this pandemic and led a discussion about ways to keep people motivated, active, and connected to others while remaining safely distanced from one another. Dick pointed out that any attempt to get people together must be carefully planned out and approved by the Town, giving the example of the food pantry, which has allowed people on site recently. Right now we are unable to safely conduct any programs inside the COA building, according to our town Fire and Health Departments. To meet this challenge, the Board brainstormed ideas for getting people involved and active: -Plan scavenger hunts- people go out to hunt for objects locally and then share in an online (Zoom) format -Continue the walking groups outside with masks and distancing -Ask various community people to prepare interviews to share online, make videos -Ask people to prepare a mini -lecture (TED talk -like format) to share with others online -Ask people to visit places around town and give the history of that place (Card Memorial Chapel at Spring Brook Cemetery, for example) The Board raised the concern that not everyone in our senior community has access or know- how to sign on to Zoom -type programs. How are they to participate? Jo pointed out that all Zoom activities are available by phone call, but that it eliminates the visual component of the program. Helping seniors gain access to online programming and videos remains an issue. To study the possibilities for future programming both by video/virtual means and eventually inside a building, the Board formed two sub -committees: Dick, Paula, Joan, and Mary will research ways to present video activities. Dick and Tom will continue to work on finding ways to bring people together in a physically safe environment. Next meeting TBD for November 2020. The meeting was adjourned at 4:10 pm. The motion to adjourn was made by Joan and seconded by Norma. The motion was accepted by a unanimous roll call of the Board. Respectfully submitted, Mary Hourigan Secretary Voting Summary: 2020-00 A vote to accept the minutes of the February 12, 2020 Board Meeting. Motion by Norma Smith, seconded by Joan Hoey. Vote: Affirmative- 7; Negative- 0. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Norma Smith, Mary Hourigan, Lynda Christiansen, and Paula Topjian. 2020-00 A vote to accept the Budget Status and Warrants. Motion by Joan Hoey, seconded by Norma Smith. Vote: Affirmative- 7; Negative- 0. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Norma Smith, Mary Hourigan, Lynda Christiansen, and Paula Topjian. 2020-00 A vote to accept the Treasurer's Report. A motion was made by Paula Topjian, seconded by Norma Smith. Vote: Affirmative- 7; Negative- 0. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Norma Smith, Mary Hourigan, Lynda Christiansen, and Paula Topjian. 2020-00 A vote that we extend the terms of the current COA Board officers until 2021, with nominations to be made in March and the election of new officers at our April 2021 meeting. A motion was made by Tom Keogh, seconded by Norma Smith. Vote: Affirmative- 7; Negative- 0. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Norma Smith, Mary Hourigan, Lynda Christiansen, and Paula Topjian. 2020-00 With all business being completed, a motion to adjourn was made at 4:10 p.m. Motion by Joan Hoey, seconded by Norma Smith. Vote: Affirmative- 7; Negative- 0. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Norma Smith, Mary Hourigan, Lynda Christiansen, and Paula Topjian.