HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOA 06/18/2024Minutes of the COA Board Meeting
June 18, 2024
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Present: Paula Devine -Chair, Pat Comperch io-Treasurer, Mary ourigan-�Segret�ry,s
Joan Hoey, Josephine Madrazo and Wendy Adams UL
Excused: Lee Ann Ceretani, Neal Boldrighini-Vice Chair, and Dick Kelsay
Residents: Nancy Graf
Minutes of May 21, 2024:
With a spelling correction, the minutes of the last meeting were accepted by unanimous
vote. Pat made the motion and seconded by Joan.
Treasurer's Report:
Pat mentioned there was a large difference in the gift account. There was a large
deposit from the upcoming trip. Also, Pat will add the Triad account to her treasurer's
report. Mary made the motion to accept and seconded by Joan.
Director's Report:
Heat Emergency- Today, Wednesday (MEMA will open the COA), and Thursday. COA
will be the cooling center. We have been checking on vulnerable clients.
Social Services/Outreach Update
• We've seen a spike in a request for rental assistance for seniors and families.
o Landlords increasing rents
o Raft has begun to implement additional restrictions to their program.
■ People need to prove hardship in addition to a notice to quit
• Need to be off Raft assistance for a year before they can reapply
• Mansfield Municipal Electric Fund
o Request for $30,000 to the Electric Commissioners
• Increase requests for Food Pantry
• Increase in requests for medical equipment.
• Increase in residents with Mental Health issues
• SHINE- Medicare Savings Program (March asset review was eliminated only
income)
o This program helps pay for Medicare Part B
o Extra help with paying for prescriptions
o Savings can be $200.00 or more a month
• Famers Market Coupons are $50.00 this year. BESI
Programs
o Parks and Recreations collaboration:
o Steel Band Performance sponsored by the Friends of the COA on July
18th at 1:00 pm at Memorial Park.
o Gameshow Guy Program On August 9th at 12 pm older kids and seniors
o Senior Community Service Employment Program
o Work -based job training program for older adults funded under the US
Dept of Labor grant. 55 and over assistance with employment training.
July 10th.
o Retirement Bliss — Mansfield resident Joan Gagnon will discuss how to have
bliss in your retirement. July 30th
o Al Program presented by Rick Sterling in August
o Cornhole — June 28th 15 people have signed up
o Friends-
o Summer Garden Party Luncheon on August 231d
Old Business:
Family Fun Night: We have chip clips to hand out. Joan, Pat, Frank, Josephine, Wendy
and Elisha will be volunteering.
Senior Safety Day: A successful event. Approximately 100 people attended. In addition
to town departments we also had outside vendors. We received positive feedback.
Suggestions for future events: chairs available throughout the big room, clearly mark
where lunches are, instructions for the volunteers and do not have raffle at the check in.
New Business:
Senior Prom: Will be held on September 22, 2024 at the Elks. Paula, Pat and Mary will
be on a committee to work on this event. We will advertise in August newsletter.
Piano tuning: Mary will get the piano tuned in the Fall. The COA will take this over from
the library.
Summer break: We will take July off and meet again on August 20, 2024.
Comments and Questions:
Nancy Graf had an idea that we use a wagon on Family Fun night and walk up and
down the street to sell water bottles.
Mary shared stories of Norma Smith who recently passed away. Norma was an active
participant and COA Board Member for many years. Mary made a motion to send a
plant to the family in honor of Norma, not to exceed $100. Paula seconded.
Mary made motion at 4:35 to adjourn and Paula seconded.