The Council on Aging met on February 12, with Vice-chair Robert Hopkins presiding.  Hopkins was quick to compliment Senior Center Director Linda Marshall for her recent presentation of the FY2021 budget before the Select Board earlier this week.

Marshall presented the Director’s Report to the Council, beginning by recognizing the hard work of all to make the Valentine’s Luncheon, supported by the Holliston Cultural Council, a success.

The Select Board approved the Senior Center FY2021 budget.  The next step will be a meeting with the Finance Committee on March 3.

Of interest to the Select Board and highlighted by Hopkins were the following statistics shared by Marshall: 

Marshall also noted that the town of Holliston provides $0 for Senior Center programs.

Concerning building issues, Marshall cited Bob Nemet of HDPW and his efforts to complete work on the new window frames and hang new curtains.  She anticipates his work to replace kitchen-ceiling tiles with those that will meet the fire code regulations.

The Senior Center will submit a request through Sen. Karen Spilka’s office for $54,000 to complete work previously discussed with and submitted to the town. 

Among planned events highlighted by Marshall:

• HHS student Akshara Shankar will perform a Bharatanatyam Dance, a major form of classical Indian dance, sharing her culture with attending Seniors. (Feb. 20 @1:00 PM) Requested sign up through the Senior Center.
• HHS students, members of the Golden Youth Technology Club, will assist seniors with their online census forms, phones, tablets, and computers.  
• Presentations from Gary Hylander, March 9 and April 30
• Henry Quinlan presents “USSR/Russia Myths, Mysteries, and Spying,” March 12
• Fire Chief Michael Cassidy presents “Emergency Preparedness” on March 20, and will provide attendees with an emergency to-go bag. 

Requests for funding from the Senior Support Foundation of future events were approved by the Council. 

Also reported by Marshall was an increased demand for outreach services for seniors in crisis.  Among these issues:  homelessness, abuse, self-neglect, and food insecurity, all of which are increasing in number.  

Minutes from the January 22 and December 11 meetings of the COA were approved.  Hopkins adjourned the meeting at 2:37 PM.  The next meeting of the Council on Aging is March 11, at 1:00 PM, at the Senior Center.