HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-11 Council on Aging Minutes
Department of Elder Services Kathy Shelp, Director
North Andover Council on Aging
North Andover Senior Center
June 11, 2024 @ 9:00 A.M.
Minutes
Attendance:
Members Present: David VanArsdale {Chair}, Lucius Michel {Vice-Chair}, Quentara Costa
{Secretary}, Maria Rosati, Eileen Elliot, Patricia Riley, Priscilla Raposo, Jennifer Abou-ezzi, Dr.
Harry Kaloustian, Joan Thompson, George Kangos, Remo Zimbaldi
Absent: Allen Naffah
Others Present: Cahla Ahlstrom, Outreach Manager; Janice Phillips, North Andover Select
Board and liaison to COA
Call to order: 9:00 AM
Roll call by Dave VanArsdale
Minutes: May 2024. Motion to approve minutes by Luke, seconded by Jen. Unanimously
agreed.
Update from Quentara Costa, Nominating Committee:
Those with expiring terms are being renominated by the selectboard which is largely
done or in process. Those with renewing terms are Patricia, Jennifer, Maria and Remo.
A motion made by Jen, seconded by Luke to vote on Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary.
Unanimously approved. Existing seats of Dave VanArsdale (Chair), Lucius Michel (Vice
Chair), and Quentara Costa (Secretary).
Update from Lucius Michel, Advocacy Committee:
Legislation they’re monitoring hasn’t had any substantive action.
Harry and Luke to do research on DMV process related to optometry reviews.
o Harry shared thoughts on his personal experience related to confusing
restrictions and requirements that need to be better disclosed in advanced.
o Requesting that the board help create and approve a letter detailing issues and
recommended improvements.
o The last time this was done they were responsive and positive changes were
noted to the website and resources shared.
New focus, AGs website has quite a few resources for seniors. Elder hotline, how to find
an elder law attorney, bank reporting to prevent fraud, preventing general fraud, veterans’
services, and more. It’s worth ensuring we’re aware of these resources to see how they
supplement local services.
North Andover Elder Services 481 Sutton Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov
Latest outline from committee providing more detail:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_bb3qFyNQ61f_beiJxXR5z7lw03pFyJ-
A8_05SLhqOg/edit
Dave shared that the name of Elder Affairs is changing Executive Office of Aging and
Independence. The chair also resigned, so there will be new leadership.
Update from Cahla Ahlstrom, update on Senior Center:
As part of the strategic planning initiatives, we’re being asked to add our insight on the 4
main focuses: Culture, Personnel/Volunteers, Financial/Facility, Outreach/Programs
UMass Needs Assessments report: there has not been a formal meeting set up with the
selectboard quite yet, but that’s in the works. They’ve received it so far for review.
o A note from this was the % of youth is about equal to the % of 60+ in town.
Senior Center will soon start serving a noon-time congregate meal 5x week.
o Funded by Title III, directed through AgeSpan.
o Cahla discussed the process to sign up for meals and track attendance.
General update on programing and use of grant money for tech (Chromebooks).
Adjournment at 9:46 A.M. Pat motion to adjourn, seconded by Maria. Unanimously agreed.
Respectfully submitted,
Quentara Costa, Secretary