HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-14 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
October 14, 2025 9:00 A.M.
Minutes
Attendance:
Members Present: Quentara Costa {Secretary}, Joan Thompson, George Kangos, Allen Naffah, Maria Rosati, Patricia
Riley, David VanArsdale, Remo Zimbaldi, Jennifer Abou-ezzi,
Absent: Lucius Michel {Chair}; Eileen Elliot, Wendy Venti
Others Present: Kathy Shelp, Director of Senior Center; Cahla Ahlstrom, Outreach Manager; Anthony Petronio
Call to order: 9:00 AM
Roll call by George Kangos
Minutes: Review of September 2025. Motion to approve by Dave. Seconded by Maria. Unanimously approved.
General Discussion, Board at Large:
Impacts of government shutdown on seniors. George brought along a couple articles that could be shared on
social media, etc. One of the issues is related to Telehealth being limited, which puts more pressure on the need
for ride shares.
Congrats to Kathy on her recent promotion.
Introduction of existing board members to prospective board member Anthony Petronio.
Update from Membership Committee, Quentara Costa:
Wendy had a vacation planned in advance so we’ll get to meet her in November.
Anthony hasn’t been interviewed by selectboard quite yet, I’ve emailed them to encourage the process along.
George has a list of committees that we can decide to join or move from. Everyone encouraged to review the list
and get back to him on preferences.
Update from Kathy Shelp, update on Senior Center:
They’ve finished up the CHEF grant which helped fund the “grandma hobbies” program. There were 80
participants in the program. They did things like can food and distributed many of them. Feedback was positive
and the goal of socialization and learning something new met. They had set higher targets for the program in
other areas, but have the opportunity to reach out to participants and reflect on who did not participate to figure
out how to reach more people next time. They can use these statistics to help apply for new grants in the future.
Looking to extend walkway around the building so it’s a complete loop for a walking group.
Firming up details for the spring conference.
Adjournment at 9:46 A.M. Motion to adjourn by George, seconded by Jen. 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