HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-10-11 Council on Aging Minutes
Department of Elder Services Kathy Shelp, Director
Connecting our Community through Service, Experience and Advocacy
North Andover Council on Aging
North Andover Senior Center
October 11, 2022 @ 8:30 A.M.
Minutes
Attendance
Members Present: David VanArsdale {Chair}, Lucius Michel {Vice-Chair}, Quentara Costa
{Secretary}, Patricia Riley, Dr. Harry Kaloustian, Remo Zimbaldi, Priscilla Raposo, Allen Naffah, Eileen
Elliot, Jennifer Abou-ezzi
Absent: Maria Rosati
Others Present: Kathy Shelp, Director of Elder Affairs; Paula Lynch, Administrative Secretary;
Cahla Ahlstrom, Outreach Manager; Tallie Abernathy
Call to order: 8:33 AM
Roll call was read by Dave VanArsdale.
Melissa Rodrigues, Town Manager re: Solutions for Electric Rate Increases:
Electric rate 8 cents lower this coming season (till May) if choosing local North Andover
supplier.
It can take up to 30 days for it to take effect, it depends on your bill read date. Opt in
ASAP.
652 consumers in town fall into a low-income category (could be renters also).
o Discount rates available to low income who are already on certain programs (ie -
SNAP, Fuel Assistance, Medicaid, public housing, WIC, and more.) You
automatically get 32% off your electric bill). Eversource running a similar
program but also has a 60% income threshold.
o State has a “cold relief brochure” available with all energy savings options listed.
o Greater Lawrence Community Action Council (GLCAC), you may be able to get
free weatherization if you own your home.
o Gas/Electricity CAN NOT be shut off for seniors (65+) mid-winter, even if you
have trouble paying bill. Having a minor is not a requirement.
o Town is looking to create Federal Funding for electric bills using Covid Relief
surplus. It would benefit the town at large or low-income households/seniors. It
would look like a credit on the bill.
North Andover Elder Services 120R Main Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov
Minutes: Minutes reviewed for August and September. August motion to approve by Jennifer
Abou-ezzi, seconded by Lucius Michel. Unanimously approved. September motion to approve
by Jen, seconded by Luke. Unanimously approved.
Update on Advocacy Board, Lucius Michel and Dave VanArsdale:
Requesting a meeting of this committee to reconvene and discuss new ideas, next steps.
Wednesdays, 9-10am special no-appointment hour for seniors at Lawrence Registry
seems to be a result of board efforts.
Also, a special phone number dedicated for seniors to help get appointment. This was
tested by a known senior and it worked as intended.
Update on Membership, Dave VanArsdale:
Tallie to be named associate member at upcoming selectmen meeting (we believe tonight).
Update on Senior Center, Kathy Shelp:
They started Pickleball sport for the season.
The building has windows now, soon possible to tour building.
Working on all the narratives for accreditation process. Help not needed from the COA right now.
Aiming for late November to have this piece done. It is a joint effort with other boards.
Initiative right now is to combat loneliness. IE) Remember to ask neighbor out to shopping,
event, etc.
o Help could be used on the individual level, not necessarily via committees.
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Program committee is meeting Wednesday, October 26 at 1pm. Intent is to discuss interests,
what’s working, not working, and direction of senior center. Open to the public.
Fall Festival event went well. Passed out 50 pieces of material.
Question: Will Senior Center be represented in Santa Parade? Jen and Tallie will look into this. Jen may
have a truck and driver. Kathy will look into banner.
Adjournment at 9:30 A.M., motion by Dave VanArdsale. Seconded by Dr. Harry Kaloustian.
Unanimously agreed.
Respectfully submitted,
Quentara Costa, Secretary
North Andover Elder Services 120R Main Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov