HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOA 05/21/2024Minutes of the COA Board Meeting
May 21, 2024
Present: Neal Boldrighini, Joan Hoey, Paula Devine, Pat Compercio, Lee Ann Ceretani, Dick
Kelsay and Mary Hourigan. Josephine Madrazo, Director.
Excused: Wendy Adams, Asst. Director
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Guests: Gail Gilman, Nancy Graf, Marie Grygienc
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The meeting was called to order by Board Chair Lee Ann Ceretani at 3 31
Update from the Friends of the COA by Marie G.
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Marie spoke about upcoming fundraisers, including the Fresh Catch dongting 200A'of fi p]
purchases to the COA made on June 4, 2024 between 11:30- 8:00 pm. c'
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June 1 is the Elks Breakfast for Seniors.
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The Pet Craft Fair earned $1700.
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Marie handed out a comprehensive list of programs at the COA supported by Friends
funding.
Membership is up to last year's level. 50 new members, 106 members total.
Minutes of March 19, 2024:
With a few corrections, the minutes of our last meeting were accepted by unanimous vote.
Paula made the motion and seconded by Dick.
Treasurer's Report:
Pat stated that there was nothing significant to note. The report was accepted by unanimous
vote, motion made by Dick, seconded by Paula.
Director's Report:
Jo reviewed upcoming programming as follows -
Triad Senior Safety Day coming up on June 7.
MHS is currently working on finishing the outdoor mural.
There will be an in -person tour of the Ames Mansion at Borderland State Park on June 26th.
Joyful Chorus Spring Program- June 13- Harry Cook's guitar class will participate.
An educational talk on Politics, Protests and Turmoil will take place on June 4. Indoor
Corn Hole games are on June 28.
Pat and Lee Ann volunteered to help review a Code of Ethics for the COA. Old
Business:
Election of Officers: The Board voted unanimously to install the following slate of officers for
the coming year: Paula Devine, Chair
Neal Boldrighini, Vice Chair
Pat Comperchio, Treasurer
Mary Hourigan, Secretary
Building Update- The funding sources have not worked out as hoped. The plan has been to
push the project design forward quickly, should the funding become available, thus putting us
at the front of the line with a shovel -ready project. The question was raised as to whether or
not we can fund raise for this project. We were reminded that the town is planning a 250th
birthday party for August of 2025, plans for which are underway. Activities for this will take
place throughout the year 2025. We may be premature in our wanting to fund raise prior to full
acceptance of the building plans.
Veterans Memorials Update- Neal reported that with very efficient help from the DPW the
plaque and bench will be completed at Memorial Park by Memorial Day. He also mentioned
help from his volunteers, including the Elks, and Pat and Frank Compercio. The Board is
grateful for Neal's leadership of this ongoing project to refurbish and establish memorials to
Mansfield's veterans.
Family Fun Night- We are registered for a spot for Tuesday, July 9. Volunteers are needed to
sell water, give away chip clips and perhaps popcorn. The Friends are working to create
cooling neck bands to sell, also. Since Kelly will not be able to be'there with some drummers,
a discussion was held to determine a substitute feature.
Some seniors will walk in the Memorial Day Parade. It is hoped that a car can be found that
can carry folks, who find walking that distance difficult. New Business:
Paula opened a discussion concerning the seniors in public housing and getting programming
or activities to them. In the past, the COA has tried to create interest, but found people there
not really interested in having activities brought to them. Lack of space in the housing
buildings presents a challenge. Jo agreed to revisit the issue with the Resident Coordinator.
Paula suggested that we organize a yard sale at the COA, where people could rent a table and
sell interesting items they find when cleaning out their houses. Lee Ann suggested having it
outside. Paula said that the Elks were willing to donate their hall for the event. Among the
problems discussed were difficulty in transporting items to and from the sale site and the
disposal of leftover items that no one wants. Dick suggested that high school students looking
for volunteer hours could help. Some members preferred that such a sale remain at the COA
building. Jo stated that the COA would not be able to facilitate a yard sale due to lack of space.
She suggested that Paula approach the Elks with this idea.
Paula thanked Lee Ann for her term as chair of our board. A motion to adjourn was made by
Dick, seconded by Paula at 4:45 pm.
Next meeting will be June 18, 2024.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Hourigan, Board Secretary