HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-12 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
November 12, 2024 @ 9:00 A.M.
Minutes
Attendance:
Members Present: David VanArsdale {Chair}, Lucius Michel {Vice-Chair}, Quentara Costa {Secretary}, Maria Rosati,
Patricia Riley, Priscilla Raposo, Allen Naffah, Jennifer Abou-ezzi, Dr. Harry Kaloustian, Joan Thompson, George
Kangos, Remo Zimbaldi, Eileen Elliot
Absent: None
Others Present: Kathy Shelp, Director of Elder Services
Call to order: 9:00 AM
Roll call by David VanArsdale
Minutes: Review of October 2024, minor edits suggested and will be updated for Paula. With edits, minutes unanimously
agreed.
Update from Kathy Shelp, update on Senior Center:
Heating assistance will automatically get heating assistance for those taking advantage of other programs, such as
SNAP. More details on eligibility to come out.
Review of latest marketing materials.
Review Strategic Plan over next 3 years.
o A big point is to pilot and study Saturday programs, with surveys set up for feedback.
o Develop 5-10 year plan for building maintenance, for example, high traffic aspects like carpeting would be
first considered. Larger aspects would be coordinated with town facilities and likely skew to the 10-20
year mark.
o Create ongoing and updated information for senior resources, such as food pantries and banks, town
services, etc, It was suggested to also make some notes for how to afford pets. The senior center actually
already does accept donations like this to give to seniors.
o Birds of a Feather program to be coordinated. Groups of people with similar interests to largely self-run
activities. These would be sponsored by the center and insurance coverage would extend to these activities.
Waivers or doctor’s notes may be required as is already the case, but details can be ironed out as the
program develops.
o Implementing ways to better identify seniors in need by mapping out services, etc. Use some more
language in plan when discussing stats for seniors in need.
o Target public outreach efforts and eliminate low yield efforts. COA board can step in as needed to help
staff in these efforts.
o COA members to advocate for the center in front of the select board.
North Andover Elder Services 481 Sutton Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov
Motion to approve strategic plan with changes discussed today by Jen, unanimously agreed.
General Discussion
Discussion on changes to MA law, expected in 2025, related to more medical care being provided within assisted
livings. Right now, MA is considered a social model for care. But soon they’ll be able to help with wound care,
eye drops, administering insulin, etc.
Received annual report to read through.
4pm presentation about Portugal happening at the Center today.
Nov 22, there will be a Veteran’s fundraising event at the VFW.
Adjournment at 10:25 A.M. Motion to adjourn by George, seconded by Allen. 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