September 3, 2020 MinutesBeverly Council on Aging
Board of
Date: September 3, 2020
Place:
remote meeting, on-line via google meets
Members Present
: Claire-Marie Hart, Bob Hobbs, Cynthia Montalbano, Susan Feeney,
Stephanie Tallo, Jessica Wistran
Staff Present:
MaryAnn Holak
Meeting called to order 2:35 pm , with one change;
Board member Jessica Wistran was not in attendance.
Meeting Law, GLC 30A S18 and the 15, 2020 order Imposing strict
limitations on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the BCOA
Board of Directors will be conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible.
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Building Concerns and Usage
Installation to increase the height of existing cubicle walls to meet the Covid 19 guidelines were
completed at a cost of $127.00 dollars.
Administration and Finance
The Zoom cameras have been installed thanks to Sam. We are now able to have visual staff
meetings, while social distancing.
New laptops have been purchased though a state grant, were delivered by IT, enabling work
from home.
Mary Ann Reported on the BCOA Budget.
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Handout showing interactions with seniors during shutdown, numbers reported July 31.
Phone Contact- 2,383 Robo-Calls-7,547
In-Person contact-61 Social Media-38,995 Newsletters-14,000
Programs
Curb Side visits are very successful. Great way to keep in touch during these unusual times.
Bev Cam is live streaming concerts to their viewers: COA is promoting these through robocalls.
Social worker is piloting a Gratitude Group by phone call-in every Tuesday. Additional
information on the Gratitude program to follow.
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Social worker, Amanda Kirk held a discussion group on August 27 via a Zoom call to discuss
the life and work of Fred
author is Maxwell King.
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Grab and Go Lunch Box Fridays will take place in September. Sept 4 & 11 Grilled Chicken
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Wrap; Sept 18 & 25 Tuna Salad Wrap lunches include potato salad and pasta salad with a
cookie. Pick up your box lunch to go must call in order two days in advance cost is $3.00 call
978-921-6017.
September is Senior Center Month.
Mary Ann in discussion with the Mayor will be looking into outdoor activities and small social
distancing events within the center. More information to follow.
Blueberry Hill will be sponsoring an outdoor event in October, The Apple Crisp and ice cream
event is still in the talking stages, more info to follow.
Mary Ann is currently waiting to hear back from the mayor as to the change from part time to
full time for the Outreach Coordinator position.
This is a revitalization plan for the downtown area. We are partnering with the BMS and The
Remodeling Company on a project that will design 50 mini gardens for seniors across the city.
50 senior residents who could benefit at their homes for the positive that gardening provides. The
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first day to sign up for this project was August 4. A grant was awarded to BMS to cover the
entire cost of the project, through an AARP Community Challenge grant. Signups ended for this
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project on August 15. More information to follow.
Community Garden and produce distribution -
sdays and
Thursdays from 10am-12pom for distribution as long as we have the produce available. This
program will be held outside of the front door of the Senior Center building. Fifty Farmers
Market Coupons have already been distributed. Call to be sure product is available before you go
to the Center, only one person allowed at the table, be sure to keep social distance. Looking for
help accessing food? The Senior Center can help-call us at 978-921-6017.
Meetings/Activities/Clients of Concern
We are engaged with monthly phone meetings with MCOA and the EOEA
Bi-Weekly meetings are taking place withy area COA Directors.
Bi-weekly phone meetings are taking place with Seniorcare, Inc.
Case review with AD, Social worker intern and Director.
MaryAnn let us know of some cases the staff were involved in helping to resolve.
Committee Reports
Grant Committee
The Grant Committee approved two refrigerators to
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Awards Committee
The Senior of Year event honoring Volunteer Peggy Wilson, was held on August 6, 2020
on the lawn outside of City Hall. It was lovely. Mayor, Michel Cahill acknowledged her
at City Hall, as well as City Council President Paul Guanci, Representative from Rep.
Bob
Hobbs represented the board at this event. Congratulations Peggy, and thank you for the
wonderful volunteer work done on behalf of the Center and benefits to our community. A
check for $1,000 was donated to the BCOA for th
in honor of Peggy. Boxed lunches were provided with sponsorship by Ledgewood. Very
nice time. Bob, thank you for attending on our behalf
Personnel Updates
Outreach Coordinator position vacancy.
Transportation Coordinator vacancy...
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Montserrat College Summer Intern will work at the Center through September 24
The staff has been working during the pandemic, a combination of at home and in the office.
Unfinished Business
Slate of Officers voted in for the BCOA Board are;
Claire-Marie Hart/Co Chair
Bob Hobbs/Co Chair
Cynthia Montalbano/Secretary
Meeting adjourned: 3:50 pm
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Next Board Meeting
: October 6 2:30 pm
Respectfully Submitted
Cynthia Montalbano