HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-13 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
May 13, 2025 9:00 A.M.
Minutes
Attendance:
Members Present: David VanArsdale {Chair}, Lucius Michel {Vice-Chair}, Quentara Costa {Secretary}, Maria
Rosati, Patricia Riley, Dr. Harry Kaloustian, Priscilla Raposo, Jennifer Abou-ezzi, Remo Zimbaldi, Joan Thompson,
Eileen Elliot, George Kangos, Allen Naffah
Absent:
Others Present: Kathy Shelp, Director of Elder Services; Cahla Ahlstrom, Outreach Manager; Denise Casey, Deputy
Town Manager at Town of North Andover
Call to order: 9:00 AM
Roll call by David VanArsdale
Minutes: Review of April 2025. Motion to approve by Eileen. Seconded by Maria. Unanimously approved.
Update from Luke Michel, update on Advocacy Committee:
As a reminder, Healey signed a bill improving access to care at assisted livings. It’s TBD how and when
communities implement these new health care allowances.
The State Plan on Aging, created in 2021, is set to expire September 30, 2025. We may see something new
come through given that expiration.
Update from Kathy Shelp, update on Senior Center:
George did an analysis on how to amortize the inside/outside of the senior center building for the purposes of
finessing into the overall budget.
Brain health program is very full, which is an early morning Saturday slot. They are expanding seating to
accommodate it so they don’t have to turn people away.
There is a big waiting list for the Conference on Aging, and everything is on track for planning purposes.
Outside groups are having sessions here at the building and that’s going well (AA group)
Healey announced an initiative for reimaging senior living. Kathy was invited to go because our translation
scanner was included in initiative. Healey is also promoting age friendly practices.
Reviewed slides from IQ online learning center – Older Americans Act 101. Federal budget for 2026 is
proposing to reduce or eliminate key aging services under this act. One of the most notable cuts is the long-
standing ombudsman program. In the past each skilled care had an assigned outside point of contact to address
complaints of elder abuse, etc. Another materially reduced program is the direct care workforce strategies center
– people responsible for hiring/training caregivers. Resource Centers also eliminated which was particularly
helpful if you were crossing state lines and needing help from the system to find and receive care. LIHEAP is
North Andover Elder Services 481 Sutton Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov
also eliminated (those receiving energy assistance) which helped low-income seniors, block grants that help to
revitalize low-income communities, and the CDC injury center that monitors trends and conducts research to
raise awareness and create prevention programs.
Formula Grant – hoping it will be raised to $16/pp from $15/pp. This would increase budget for the senior
center by $7,000 if approved.
General Discussion
Town meeting – adding the wall in the common space is in the capital budget which will be voted on. Kathy
isn’t expecting an issue on it passing.
Adjournment at 9:55 A.M. Motion to adjourn 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