Council on Aging (CoA) chair Yvette Cain called the December meeting to order at 2:00 on Thursday, December 9, 2021.  The meeting was moved from its normal second Wednesday of the month so a very successful COVID Booster clinic could be held on December 8^th (more on this later).

After conducting the Council business of approving minutes and setting a date for a meeting in January, the membership received the monthly Director’s report.

Director Lisa Borchetta shared the following:

• The tent erected to provide outside meeting/dining space has been stored for the winter.
• Donations continue to come in – especially through the Gifts for Seniors collection boxes located around town.
• Many programs and meals are returning to the Senior Center – with appropriate COVID precautions.
• 102 COVID Booster shots were administered during the clinic on December 8^th.
• A new van driver has been hired and is receiving training to drive the Sr. Ctr. Mini-bus
• The annual Thanksgiving meal returned to an indoor event and it was very well attended Thanksgiving Luncheon Article
• The Senior Center facility has been recently used by other groups: Lions, American Legion, Girl Scouts, and the Holliston Garden Club.
• Looking to the future (near):
  • The annual winter holiday party will actually be two separate dates in December to accommodate the large interest – HPD personnel will be serving the guests.
  • The popular Coffee with the HPD monthly gathering will resume in January 2022.
  • Lunch and a Movie is also returning in January.
  • Gary Hylander will be returning soon.
  • The Valentine’s luncheon will feature music by the Blackstone Valley String Duet
• Looking to the future (further):
  • The MetroWest Health Foundation has granted the CoA $25,000 toward the cost of a survey of Holliston seniors.  The survey data will be used to determine how best to serve the needs/interests of seniors.  This survey is separate from the online survey referenced below.
  • Director Borchetta continues to work with Town Administrator Ahern to refine a program to provide critical home safety repairs to Holliston seniors.  The Town’s ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Steering Group has reviewed the proposal and some questions/concerns remain.  The proposal is being refined and will be resubmitted.
  • Envisioning Future Holliston – CoA Associate Member Peter Eagan represents the CoA on the EFH committee.  Mr. Eagan updated the Council on the status of the town-wide online survey now available for all residents.  To date, the response rate has been very low – especially among the town’s senior population.  All residents are encouraged to complete the survey Envisioning Future Holliston Survey.  The Council sent Mr. Eagan back to the EFH committee with a request to make the survey more accessible / user-friendly for those without computers or smartphones, or those who are uncomfortable working online.
• The Council approved requests totaling $1,670 from the Senior Support Foundation (SSF) for upcoming programs.  It should be noted that most programming provided by the Senior Center is not covered by the annual budget but rather SSF funds, donations, and grants.

Following the Director’s report, others updated the CoA.

• Assistant Director Amanda Boralessa announced that she was celebrating her 6-month anniversary at the Center.  Also, the Center is seeking volunteers to help out in the kitchen, reception, and HCAT videographer.  If interested, contact Amanda boralessaa@holliston.k12.ma.us
• Outreach Coordinator Marty Schneier shared a story of how the Framingham Rotary paid a generous donation forward.  The Rotary received a donation to support “one-time” gifts to cover special needs.  A Holliston stroke victim was the beneficiary of a motorized wheelchair through this donation program!
• Associate Member Georgia Papavasiliou is Holliston’s liaison with BayPath Elder Services.  Ms. Papavasiliou reported that grant requests are being solicited by BayPath through January 10, 2022.

The meeting adjourned at 2:53pm.