BOD Meetingminutes Nov 13, 2024 Beverly Council on Aging Advisory Board Minutes
Date: November 13, 2024
Place: BCOA and Senior Center, Colon Street
Members Present: Blair Smith, Daniel Wuenschel, Cynthia Montalbano, Susan
Feeney, Barrence Whitfield, Stephanie Tallo
Members Excused: Rich Tabbut
Staff Present: Suzanne Kosch, Chris Gomez
Staff Excused: Bruce Doig
Meeting Called to order: 2:36 p.m.
Secretary Report: Motion to accept minutes of meeting October, 2024 by Stephanie Tallo
Seconded by Dan Wuenschel. All in favor.
Overview
The Board Meeting held on November 13th began at 2:36 PM with a review and approval of the
previous meeting's minutes, including the introduction of a new student from St. Joseph's in
Maine and updates on Beacon Properties managing Beverly Village. Technology enhancements
were addressed, highlighting a new computer cart equipped with iPads and laptops, alongside IT
security measures and sanitization efforts. Staff training insights were shared from the
Massachusetts Council on Aging conference, covering Al and dining programs, followed by
discussions on upcoming community events. Health and finance initiatives were previewed,
including a hearing aid clinic and estate planning workshops. Policy revisions were proposed,
with reminders of the current board vacancy and a plan to reintegrate Claire Marie Hart into the
board newsletter. The meeting concluded with discussions on transportation challenges for
seniors, specifically regarding the Beverly Housing Authority's application process and the need
for multilingual support. Action items were assigned for follow-up at the next meeting.
Notes
• Meeting called to order at 2:36 PM
• Minutes from previous meeting reviewed and accepted
• Discussion about a student who started as an intern mid-October from St. Joseph's in
Maine
• Mention of Beacon Properties managing Beverly Village at old Briscoe School
Technology and Building Updates
• New computer cart purchased with 12 iPads and 10 laptops
• IT department configuring devices for security
• Discussion on UV lighting in computer cart for sanitization
• Update on lighting and shades for the center
• Yearly budget reports attached
Training and Conference Attendance
• Four staff members attended Massachusetts Council on Aging conference
• Topics covered included Al possibilities, team building, and dining programs
• Discussion on different dining program models in senior centers
Programs and Events
• Upcoming events: silk scarf painting, astrology seminar, game night at Endicott College
(51 people are signed up)
• Festival of Trees planned for next week in Lynn
• Discussion on holiday-related activities and decorations
• Altogether there were 21 programs mentioned for November, as listed in the director's
report
• It was noted that the date for the LGBTQ discussion group's date was in error, where
August 20t'was listed, it should have said November 20th
Health and Finance Workshops
• Upcoming hearing aid clinic from new sponsor Beltone
• Financial workshop planned on estate planning
• New MassHealth programs presentation for staff
• AARP tax prep program to be hosted at the center
Policy Review and Board Matters
• Discussion on reviewing center's charter/rules and regulations
• Suggestion to bring copies of policies for review at next meeting
• Mention of Claire Marie Hart as board member emeritus to be added back to newsletter
• Reminder that the board is still short one member
Transportation and Housing Issues
• Discussion on transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities
• Concerns raised about Beverly Housing Authority's application process and lack of
multilingual forms
• Suggestion to look into translator services or resources for non-English speaking
applicants
Action items
Chris
• Bring copies of the senior center's charter/rules and regulations to the next meeting
• Add Claire Marie Hart back to the newsletter as board member emeritus
• Email Martha and tag the Mayor about the need for a new board member
• Look into the legality of Beverly Housing Authority only having English language forms
• Consider implementing a cardio drumming class
•
Unassigned
• Investigate translator services or resources for non-English speaking applicants
Motion to adjourn BOD Meeting by Stephanie Tallo , seconded by Dan Wuenschel. All in
favor.
Adjourned 3:39 pm
Next Meeting: Decmber 10, 2024
Respectfully submitted: Blair Smith, Chair