HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-11 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
April 11, 2023 @ 8:30 A.M.
Minutes
Attendance:
Members Present: David VanArsdale {Chair}, Lucius Michel {Vice-Chair}, Quentara Costa {Secretary}, Dr. Harry
Kaloustian, Remo Zimbaldi, Allen Naffah, Maria Rosati, Patricia Riley, Priscilla Raposo, Joan Thompson, Jennifer
Abou-ezzi, Eileen Elliot, Tallie Abernathy
Others Present: Kathy Shelp, Director of Elder Services; Cahla Ahlstrom, Outreach Manager/Assistant Director; Lya
Morse, Program Coordinator; Paula Lynch, Administrative Secretary
Call to order: 8:32 AM
Roll call by Dave VanArsdale:
Minutes:
Motion to approve March minutes by Jennifer Abou-ezzi. Joan Thompson seconded. Unanimously approved.
Updates from Dave VanArsdale:
· Request to review sub-committee groupings and to start meeting amongst themselves as needed.
· Discussion on Healthcare Escort idea. Concerns related to liability and availability. Would need to rely
heavily on knowledgeable volunteers to pull this off. Grant money may be available to hire someone to head
it/train. Existing programs in place that could be used as a model.
Advocacy Sub-committee Update, Lucius Michel:
· Discussion on the state budget.
· MA grant to help enhance digital literacy, deadline May 22.
o Library providing Chromebooks that seniors or friendly visitors can use. Having a hotspot associated
with the Chromebooks would be helpful. This grant could be applied toward that. Kathy to link with
advocacy group to tackle this grant request.
Update on Senior Center, Kathy Shelp:
· Update on move-in to building. Furniture delivered. Fitness equipment in. Piano donated.
· Conference on Aging mailer sent out bulk-mail to people aged 60+.
· Beginning to program for the Fall.
Discussion to move COA meeting to 9:00a.m and location will change to the new senior center. We will do this for the
upcoming May meeting and likely continue at that time.
Adjournment at 9:06 A.M., motion by Harry Kaloustian. Seconded by Jennifer Abou-ezzi. 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