CoA Holds January 2022 Meeting

The Council on Aging (CoA) recently held its January meeting.  Chair Yvette Cain called the meeting to order at 2:06pm on January 19, 2022.

Chair Cain shared the following:

• MA Vax card can now be loaded to iPhones – https://myvaxrecords.mass.gov/
• 4 COVID rapid tests can be ordered at CovidTests.gov these tests will be mailed to you.
• N95 masks will soon be available at pharmacies.

Senior Center Staff Updates:

• Asst Dir. Amanda Boralessa:
  • Professor Gary Hylander’s lecture on Martin Luther King will be January 20^th.
  • HCAT is looking for someone to record Sr. Ctr. events to be broadcast on HCAT – Please contact Amanda if interested – > boralessaa@holliston.k12.ma.us
• Outreach Coordinator Marty Schneier: (3^rd from the right below)
  • 116 holiday gift bags were delivered to Holliston seniors by “Santa”
  • Fuel assistance grants are still available
  • Bruce Connolly is the Center’s new full-time van driver

• Director Lisa Boralessa:
  • Friday January 21, 2022, is Marty Schneier’s last work day at the Center.  Thank you for your six years of service.
  • Working with the UMass Gerontological Institute to develop and distribute a survey focused on elder care / services.  The survey will begin in April, with reporting available by the end of the calendar year.  Funding for the survey is from a Grant from the Metrowest Health Foundation and Holliston’s ARPA grant.
  • Director Borchetta is working with Fire Chief Michael Cassidy to provide a Senior Safe program.  The program grant provides funding for grab bars, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Fire Captain John Gagnon will install needed equipment.
  • A larger Essential Safety Repairs program is under discussion.  Partnering with an area non-profit to administer the program using funds from Holliston’s ARPA grant.  The details are yet to be worked out and the funding has yet to be approved.
  • COVID has caused changes in some Center activities – especially those involving dining.
  • Monday and Wednesday meals have returned to a delivery format.
  • The proposed CoA / Sr. Ctr. FY 23 budget totals $267,852 (+2.68%)
  • Linda Marshall will fill in as Outreach Coordinator – funding is still available from the previously approved amount.
  • A part-time van driver opening still exists
  • The users of the Pool Room have asked that the two pool tables be refurbished.  It has been more than 5 years since last done.  The cost quote is $1,259.98.  Senior Support Foundation (SSF) funds will be requested.

Council Business:

• The Council unanimously approved Director Borchetta’s proposed FY23 budget.  The approved proposed budget will be forwarded to the Town Administrator no later than January 21, 2022.
• The CoA approved a formal request for $1,259.98 from the SSF for pool table recovering.

Other Business:

• Chair Cain asked the Associate Members of the CoA to consider filling a vacant seat as a Member.

The meeting adjourned at 3:10pm.