HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-07-18 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 (new location)
July 18, 2023 @ 9:00 A.M.
Minutes
Attendance:
Members Present: David VanArsdale {Chair}, Lucius Michel {Vice-Chair}, Quentara Costa {Secretary}, Allen
Naffah, Maria Rosati, Patricia Riley, Priscilla Raposo, Joan Thompson, Jennifer Abou-ezzi, Dr. Harry Kaloustian,
Remo Zimbaldi
Absent: Eileen Elliot, Tallie Abernathy
Others Present: Kathy Shelp, Director of Elder Services; Paula Lynch, Administrative Secretary; Denise Casey,
Deputy Town Manager
Call to order: 9:00 AM
Roll call by Dave VanArsdale
Minutes: June minutes unanimously approved by the council.
Advocacy Sub-committee Update, Lucius Michel:
· Received responses from representatives related to formula grant funding.
Update from Kathy Shelp:
· Grant received for a solo-ager pilot program, $14,700. Stipend for a medical escort. This person will pick
person up, bring to appointment, provide reminders for what questions should be asked during appointment,
review afterwards to see if answers were provided. Service does NOT provide advice. But would have a plan of
action on how to disseminate notes and what questions/next steps should be taken (ie – provide notes to caretakers,
family, medical team).
o They have spoken with others implementing similar programs who are running into the problems that have
been anticipated, such as finding enough volunteers to participate.
· Another grant for Digital Divide has also been applied for.
· On-site accreditation review coming up at the start of August.
· Request help to write up a statement of non-discrimination, Quentara and Dave to lead effort.
· SWOT analysis, aiming for a date in September 2023.
· National Night Out coming up August 1.
North Andover Elder Services 481 Sutton Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov
General Discussion on Advocacy Group letters:
· Discussion on sign-up process for events/activities.
· Discussion on signage at senior center.
General Updates from Dave VanArsdale:
· 4 members officially reappointed to the board.
· Motion by Quentara to skip August meeting. Harry seconded. Unanimously approved.
Adjournment at 9:47 A.M., motion by Lucius. Seconded by Maria Rosati. Unanimously agreed.
Respectfully submitted,
Quentara Costa, Secretary
North Andover Elder Services 481 Sutton Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov