Below is a summarized version of the Council on Aging meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
Meeting Overview
Meeting Summary: Council on Aging (COA) – April 14, 2025
Start Time: 6:30PM
Format: Hybrid (in-person at Town Hall Berger room and Zoom)
Chair: Karen Janowski
Present: Marilyn Shapleigh, Jean Prato, Karen Pinette, Nancy Ziemlak, Debbie Small, Rosemary DeBenedetto, John Saczynski
Elder & Human Services Report
- 0:21 – 4:12 (Chris Kowaleski Elder/Human Services Administrator): EHS report highlights:
- 4:17 – 5:06 (Chris K, Karen): Discussion on workoff program placements and application deadline flexibility.
- 5:44 – 9:38 (Chris Haley, Karen): Select Board update:
- Town warrant includes Killam School/RECAL vote, proceeding regardless of town meeting outcome to save ~$400,000.
- If town meeting votes no but voters approve, it returns to town meeting for reconsideration.
- Final forum on April 16 via Zoom; vote on May 13.
- 11:08 – 15:37 (Chris, Rosemary, John): Additional EHS updates:
- Successful tax season with volunteers and ARP program.
- Online registration via My Active Center reducing phone calls.
- Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on April 23, ~70 volunteers invited.
- Discussion on expanding tax workoff program in future.
- 15:43 – 20:22 (Chris, Rosemary, John): Budget and funding:
- Trust funds untouched; next month, request from Patrons Fund for birthday lunch.
- ARPA funds (~10 months left for exercise programs); plan to extend into next year.
- Revolving fund vote at town meeting to enable charging for programs gradually in late 2025.
- Rosemary raises concerns about payment models (e.g., avoiding strict policies like Lynnfield’s).
- 20:29 – 23:33 (Chris, Rosemary, John): Community outreach:
- Reading residents prioritized for events; concerns about Stoneham’s senior center budget issues.
- Discussion on exercise class pricing models (e.g., Sandwich’s tiered approach).
- 23:41 – 24:42 (Nora, likely a Friends of Reading representative): Friends of Reading 60+ update:
- First annual meeting held, board officers re-elected, two new nominations.
- May 31 fundraiser (“Treasures in Your Attic”) at St. Agnes Church Hall.
- Will attend May 20 Health Fair.
- 25:07 – 30:41 (Nancy, Jenna, Chris): RECAL updates:
- Final forum on April 16 via Zoom; RECAL website regularly updated.
- Killam video released by Pat Tompkins; RECAL video by Jane to be released soon.
- Concerns about simultaneous video releases to avoid perceived favoritism.
- RECAL project entering design development, with input on room dividers for flexibility.
- 30:46 – 32:06 (Chris): Thanks team for RECAL efforts, acknowledges long and tiring process.
- 32:16 – 33:17 (Chris): Volunteer appointment discussion:
- Expiring terms: Joan Koko, Sally Hoyt, Deborah Small.
- Vacancies: one associate, one COA member; John has reached out for replacements.
- 33:23 – 42:49 (Nancy, Chris, Jenna, Karen, John): Town and Family Day (June 14):
- Debate on participation due to staffing challenges and younger demographic.
- Proposal for a Community Services booth (EHS, COA, veterans, possibly Friends of Reading).
- Jenna to secure booth via Lions Club contact; decision pending May 13 vote outcome.
- 43:02 – 54:57 (Karen, Rosemary, Chris, Jenna): New ideas – Election access:
- Rosemary suggests a shuttle service from PSC to polls due to parking issues at Performing Arts Center.
- Jenna confirms flyer for May 13 special election; insert in newsletter proposed.
- Shuttle idea supported as a social and accessible service; EHS van considered.
- Town common sign and police electronic signs to promote election (2 weeks prior).
- 54:59 – 1:05:18 (Karen, Chris, Rosemary): New ideas – Senior feedback:
- Karen proposes a “question of the month” or survey (e.g., QR code on postcards, utility bills) to engage 60+ population beyond PSC users.
- Suggestions: SurveyMonkey, door hangers, student internships, Manager Minute emails.
- Chris suggests setting a realistic response goal (e.g., 200-300 responses).
- Karen to brainstorm specifics for next meeting.
- 1:06:03 – 1:09:21 (Chris, Karen, Rosemary, John, Nancy, Marilyn, Jean): Meeting scheduling and closure:
- May COA meeting rescheduled to May 19 (post-election) instead of May 12.
- Agenda items for May: secretary vote, town hall support for meetings, Karen’s feedback proposal.
- Motion to adjourn by Karen, seconded, unanimously approved.
Key Outcomes:
- EHS Achievements: Strong March performance, successful events, and fully subscribed tax workoff program.
- RECAL Progress: Final forum and vote scheduled; concerns addressed about communication equity (video releases).
- Election Access: Plan for shuttle service and election promotion (flyers, signs) to improve senior participation.
- Community Engagement: Proposal for Community Services booth at Town and Family Day; senior feedback mechanism to be developed.
- Volunteer and Budget: Volunteer appreciation event planned; trust and ARPA funds discussed, with revolving fund vote upcoming.
- Meeting Adjustment: May meeting moved to May 19 for post-election discussion.
