Council on Aging Holds March 2023 Meeting

Chair Yvette Cain called the March meeting of the Holliston Council on Aging to order at 2:00pm on Wednesday, March 15, 2023.  The meeting was conducted using the special guidelines for holding open meetings using remote participation (these special guidelines are currently set to expire at the end of this month – unless the State legislature and Governor extend the pandemic-related rules).

New Assistant Director Amy Rose is seated at the far end of the table.

After approving the minutes of the February 2023, meeting, the Chair read into the Public Comments a note from Millie Kampersal.  Mrs. Kampersal shared several suggestions (from herself and others) for the Council / Sr. Ctr. to consider.

Senior Center Director Lisa Borchetta introduced the Sr. Ctr. Asst. Director Amy Rose.  Ms. Rose comes to Holliston with extensive experience and shared some details with the Council.

In the Director’s Report, Ms. Borchetta shared that the Center’s stove / oven was recently repaired which involved new wiring to the appliance.  Soon the staff offices will be painted.  Earlier in the week, Governor Healey’s proposed budget included an increase to $14 / senior (currently $12) for the State’s formula grant to municipalities across the Commonwealth. 

The Habitat for Humanity critical home repair program available to Holliston seniors is still available.  To date, two projects have been completed, one is in process, and one is in the acceptance process.  Money is still available for those seniors who qualify to have livability / safety repairs done to their homes.  Contact the Sr. Ctr. for more information.

The Council approved Director Borchetta’s $1,985 request for funds from the Senior Support Foundation (SSF). SSF funds help support programing, meals, and special events held at / through the Sr. Ctr.

As a follow on to February’s UMass Gerontologic Institute’s presentation of the Senior Survey, Chair Cain returned to two recommendations made by the survey’s tabulators: focus on one “big idea,” and one or two quick hits / changes.

Holliston, moving as a town-wide initiative, should strive to achieve the State’s Age and Dementia Friendly Community designation.  In other words, a town that welcomes and is livable for all ages and is inclusive of those who suffer memory loss, their families, and their care givers.

Several ideas for quick hits were mentioned (including those from Mrs. Kamperal’s note) in the discussion that followed.  The discussion was tabled for further discussion at next month’s meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 3:35pm.  The next meeting is scheduled for April 12, 2023.

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