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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOA 10/09/2019Minutes of the COA Board Meeting of October 9, 2019 `ICc Present: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Norma Smith, Paula Topjian, Mary Hourigan. Josephine Madrazo, Director. Excused: Lynda Christiansen +, P Guest: Nancy Graf Call to Order: Board Chairman Richard Kelsay opened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. Minutes of the Board Meeting of August 21, 2019: The Board examined the Minutes of the Board Meeting of August 21, 2019. 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 vote of the board. Estimated Budget Status to Date and Warrants: Jo reported that the Turkey Dinner trip and the Elton John Trip have been paid for from the gift account. The balance in that account was reported by Treasurer Tom Keogh- $13,713.72. After no further discussion, acceptance of the reports was moved by Paula and seconded by Joan, then passed by a unanimous vote of the Board. Paula asked if we have a month -to -month budget. Tom reported that they are working on that. Jo suggested that the next budget cycle would be a good time to change how we look at the figures month -to -month. Correspondence: None Director's Report: Josephine attended the MCOA Annual Conference, where she reported workshops were held dealing with people recently retired, who are trying to determine what to do in the future. Self -evaluation issues seemed to attract more attention than workshops dealing with financial planning. We are looking into intergenerational partnerships with our schools. High school students may come to help us with technical issues, with phones, iPads, etc., especially when these devices can be helpful for people wanting to explore ancestry.com or other online interests. This time would count toward the students' volunteer hours. Josephine will be exploring updates for My Senior Center software and ways we can use it better, in order to expedite front desk tasks, like sign-ups for programs, etc. The Board discussed various ideas concerning screens with daily, current and future information and even videos, that would be visible from the Library/COA Lobby. Peter Ham, Certified Mental Health Professional will be speaking at Willow Crossing on Thursday, October 24 from 4-6 on Living with Alzheimer's. On this subject, Dick asked that we return to the goal of making Mansfield a Dementia Friendly community, which will involve many different facets of our town. Public Safety and businesses can work together to make our town safe and easy to navigate for those with forms of dementia. We will begin this initiative after the first of the year, following ideas we have gleaned from other communities doing the same thing. We will seek Cultural Council Grants to fund programs like the Audubon Society and the Aldrich Astronomical Society program on climate change and luncheon. At our next meeting, we will discuss the Formula Fund Grant. Jo mentioned the need for new tables for the lunchroom area, ones that are more easily stacked and that provide more flexible use of the room. Right now we are very crowded, trying to accommodate growing programs, with not enough space. Old Business: The Drums Alive Program is very popular. The Board discussed purchasing the equipment ourselves. Norma asked if it could be rented. It was suggested that it would be difficult, given the nature of the equipment. The present program will run until December, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Tom reported that the recent Flu Clinic was very successful. The Open House, scheduled for October 23, 6-8 pm, has become a town/library-focused event for the benefit of newcomers to Mansfield. We will participate by showcasing our outreach workers and our many programs, such as Drums Alive and the upcoming fair. A discussion among Board members called for more cooperation and better communication between the library and the COA. Paula suggested that we need more visibility in the community, places, and ways to promote our ideas. Tom suggested that the aforementioned video screens could replay past events and advertise future ones. New Business: No action was taken as to the question of renaming our senior center to attract a wider audience of participants and do away with age -related terminology. The names Mature Living Center, Young at Heart Center and Mansfield Center for Active Living were suggested. A future newsletter will include an article asking for more suggestions. Dick asked the Board at our last meeting to be prepared to discuss aims and goals for this coming year, i.e. what would we like to accomplish as a Board. Tom suggested that we prioritize our goals and look at them to determine if they are aligned with our mission statement. We need to decide which ones are short-term vs. long-term, establish deadlines, and appoint ad hoc committees to achieve them. No action was taken at this time. Our annual Holiday Party will be held on Friday, December 6. Questions and Answers: Mary: What is the status of the search for our Asst. Director? There are two finalists. We are waiting for the Town Manager to review them. Tom: Can we look into the Duxbury COA's cafe program? Mary will get information on this for the next meeting. Dick: What can we do to help you, Jo? We are here to support you 100%. Adjournment: Norma offered a motion to adjourn at 5:00 p.m. Paula seconded the motion. The vote to adjourn was unanimous. Respectfully submitted, Mary Hourigan Secretary Voting Summary: 2019-00 A vote to accept the minutes of the August 21, 2019 Board Meeting. Motion by Norma Smith, seconded by Joan Hoey. Vote: Affirmative- 6; Negative- 0. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Paula Topjian, Mary Hourigan, Norma Smith. 2019-00 A vote to accept the Budget Status and Warrants. Motion by Paula Topjian, seconded by Joan Hoey. Vote: Affirmative- 6; Negative- 0. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Paula Topjian, Mary Hourigan, Norma Smith. 2019-00 With all business being completed, a vote to adjourn at 5:00 p.m. Motion by Norma Smith, seconded by Paula Topjian. Vote: Affirmative- 6; Negative- 0. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Norma Smith, Paula Topjian, Mary Hourigan.