HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-12 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
August 12, 2025 9:01 A.M.
Minutes
Attendance:
Members Present: Lucius Michel {Chair}, Quentara Costa {Secretary}, Joan Thompson, Eileen Elliot, George
Kangos, Allen Naffah, Priscilla Raposo, Maria Rosati, Patricia Riley, Jennifer Abou-ezzi,
Absent: David VanArsdale, Remo Zimbaldi
Others Present: Cahla Ahlstrom, Outreach Manager; Kathy Shelp, Director of Senior Center
Call to order: 9:01 AM
Roll call by Lucius Michel
Minutes: Review of June 2025. Motion to approve by Joan. Seconded by Maria. Unanimously approved.
General Discussion:
Motion to approve thank you note to Priscilla and Harry for their service to the board. Both members are
stepping down.
Farmer Market coupons came out but reduced compared to last year.
Considering a yearly service award in the name of Jeff Deschenes to acknowledge all the work he’s done.
Home safety assessments, is there an opportunity here?
Update from Membership Committee, Quentara Costa and Lucius Michel:
o Priscilla is stepping down, opening up her associate position.
o Harry is stepping down.
o Motion to approve George Kangos moving up from associate to fill position.
Motion to approve by Joan, Maria seconded. Unanimously approved.
o George was nominated to the Vice-Chair position.
Motion to approve by Jen, seconded by Joan and Pat. Unanimously approved.
o Motion to endorse Wendy Venti to select board. Joan approved. Pat seconded. Unanimously approved.
o Opening on Program committee. Opening on advocacy committee.
We can let Wendy know these are open and recommend advocacy to Dave given his interest in
that topic specifically.
Update from Kathy Shelp, update on Senior Center:
Senior Center was approved two grants related to leftover funds from Merrimack Valley gas explosions. This
will be paid over 2 years. It has to be spent on resiliency and preparation.
North Andover Elder Services 481 Sutton Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov
o For example, emotional, mental, emergency response, financial independence.
o Looking into offering 6 week program on when something traumatic happens in your life.
o Offering emergency kits that includes battery backup lantern.
o CPR, first aid, self-defense training.
o Luke suggested fire safety after what happened in Fall River.
State also approved grant for $25,000 toward programing. It’s a 1-year grant, lose it or use it. It can be used
more broadly toward programing.
Review of FY25 Annual Report
Review of FY26 Goals to Develop Organization Vision and Direction
Looking to coordinate with MEVA for certain advertising of available resources
Adjournment at 10:12 A.M. Motion to adjourn by George, seconded by Maria. 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