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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOA 11/24/2020V Minutes of the COA Board Meeting of November 24, 2020 (Virtual Meeting as per Town of Mansfield) n. t97 Present: Lynda Christiansen, Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Mary Hourigati,.,arid' Paula Topjian. Josephine Madrazo, Director; Lynette Boldrighini, Assistant Director. Excused: Norma Smith Call to Order: Board Chairman Richard Kelsay opened the meeting at 4:37 p.m, with a reading of the regulations regarding virtual meetings. Minutes of the Board Meeting of October 1, 2020: After examining the minutes of said meeting, Tom offered a motion to accept them, seconded by Lynda. There was no discussion and the minutes were accepted by a unanimous roll call vote of the board. Estimated Budget Status to Date, Warrants, and Treasurer's Report: Jo called our attention to the financial reports sent to us. Treasurer Tom Keogh reported that the balance in the gift account is $4,976.14. As there were no other comments or questions, acceptance of the reports was moved by Joan and seconded by Paula, then passed by a unanimous roll call vote of the Board. Correspondence: None Director's Report: Director Josephine Madrazo reported that attendance in our virtual programs is good and the limited use of the big room for in -person programs has begun. Classes listed last month continue, with the addition of a trial self -directed painting class, which may be replaced by an additional exercise class in December. A "Friendsgiving" meal and a December meal, prepared by The Mansfield Deli with funds donated by Mansfield Bank will be distributed to approximately 70 seniors. In addition to these holiday meals, Jo would like to provide a holiday gift for each senior in the form of a 2021 personal calendar and pen. She requested that the Board vote to fund the purchase of these holiday gifts. A motion was made by Lynda and seconded by Joan to allocate up to $500.00 for said purchase. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call of the Board. Upcoming events include a virtual holiday tree decorating party on December 4, an in -person holiday craft session on December 11, a virtual New Year's Eve Party, and our usual January Birthday Bash with sandwich and cupcake, provided by Eric Shepherd, probably by pick-up. Old Business: Chairman Dick Kelsay continued the Board's discussion concerning ways to reach out to isolated seniors. Most of our ideas require the ability to be online — storytelling, play reading, home-made films, old-fashioned radio type programs, etc. These exclude our seniors who do not have a way to access the internet. Dick has been in touch with Margie at Mansfield Cable Access to discuss ways we could present programs or films on cable, which most, if not all, of our seniors can watch. Joan suggested that we try to involve high school or vocational students somehow. Jo reminded us that the COA does distribute activity packets to the senior housing locations at various times throughout the year. New Business: Dick inquired as to the COAisrole when the COVID vaccine is made available. Josephine explained that we will take our lead from the town in informing our senior population about this. When the Fire Chief and the Town Health Agent have information, it will be printed in our newsletter. No one is sure yet what form this will take. Tom mentioned that the CDC has a program designed to provide information to ensure confidence in vaccines made available to the public. This applies not only to COVID, but to the flu, pneumonia, and shingles vaccines. Josephine assured us that the COA will provide the information people need to make an informed decision about receiving vaccines when the time comes. Jo was asked if we perform any COVID testing at the COA. The answer is no, but in the lobby of our building, there is a "COVID Ambassador" trained to screen people who enter to use the library or COA. No temperatures are taken; only screening questions are asked and contact tracking information is gathered. Dick informed the Board that members Norma Smith and Lynda Christiansen will not be reapplying for their positions as of December 2020. We will all be sorry to have Lynda and Norma retire from the Board, but we wish them well and extend to them our heartfelt thanks for their many years of service to the Town of Mansfield and the COA. Thanksgiving greetings were shared around the virtual meeting table. At 5:25 p.m., a motion to adjourn was offered by Paula, seconded by Joan, and passed by a unanimous roll call vote of the members present. No December meeting date has been set. Respectfully submitted, Mary Hourigan Secretary Voting Summary: 2020-00 Avote to accept the minutes of the October 1, 2020 Board Meeting. Motion by Tom Keogh, seconded by Lynda Christensen. Vote: Affirmative- 6; Negative- 0. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Mary Hourigan, Lynda Christiansen, and Paula Topjian. 2020-00 A vote to accept the Budget Status, Warrants, and Treasurer's Report. Motion by Joan Hoey, seconded by Paula Topjian. Vote: Affirmative- 6; Negative- 0. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Mary Hourigan, Lynda Christiansen, and Paula Topjian. 2020-00 Avote that we allocate to the Director the sum of $500.00 to purchase a holiday gift of a calendar and pen, which will be distributed to all seniors. Motion made by Lynda Christiansen, seconded by Joan Hoey. Vote: Affirmative- 6; Hourigan, 0 Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, MaryLynda Christiansen, and Paula Topjian. 2020-00 With all business being completed, a motion to adjourn was made at 4:10 p.m. Motion by Paula Topjian, seconded by Joan Hoey. Vote: Affirmative- 6; Negative- 0. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Mary Hourigan, Lynda Christiansen, and Paula Topjian.