Minutes November 2020Beverly Council on Aging Director's Meeting
Date: November 12, 2020
Place: Zoom meeting
Members Present: Claire -Marie Hart, Bob Hobbs, Cynthia Montalbano, Stephanie Tallo
Jessica Wistran, Esq.,
Staff Present: MaryAnn Holak, Samatha Kossow, Bruce Doig
Meeting called to order: 2:35 pm Secretary's Report: Minutes were accepted as written.
Ms. Holak read the complete text of Governor Baker's order, summarized as follows: Pursuant
to Governor Baker's March 12, 2020 order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting
Law, GLC 30A S18 and the Governor's March 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.
Director's Report
Building Concerns and Usage
The building at the second floor level is set up with stanchions at 6 ft. intervals; markings for 12
ft .distance between participants in the hall for exercise classes.
Meals on Wheels has taken over the entire dining room for preparing the meals for delivery.
This set up will need to be re- evaluated when we are able to serve congregate lunches again.
The Board of Health has expanded into the Arts and Crafts Room and also into the Conference
Room. We understand that the use of this space is only temporary through the duration of the
pandemic and will be returned to senior activity space.
Administration and Finances
October Financial Reports reviewed. Donations to the BCOA in memory of those who have
passed away amounted to $444.00. Update on the Eastern Bank grant of $10,000.00 -
approximately $4,000.00 of the $10,000.00 grant has been spent on direct services to seniors
during the pandemic. The Senior Care Inc. donation of $ 6,000.00 received.
Two new I- Pads from the Care Acts funding will help with program registration and outreach
during the pandemic.
My Senior Center touch screens are not being utilized at this time.
Program participants are getting pre- screened before attending an activity.
A FEMA 209 report which updates work completed and issues or concerns during the COVID
pandemic is completed and submitted each week by Mary Ann or Sam.
Formula Grant $12.00 per senior over $98,000.00 will be received by the State pending the
approval of the Governor's FY '21 budget.
Program and Events
The Arthritis Exercise Program is back! Arthritis exercise class meets in parking for lot,
Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30 pm. Classes are limited to only 8 participants classes and are
held in the outdoor parking lot, weather permitting. You must sign up in advance, and there will
be no walk ins allowed. Masks are required at all time and social distancing will be enforced.
During inclement classes will be held in Suite A and B. Please be aware that you may only sign
up for 3 events total per month.
Thirty CSA farm shares for 10 weeks have been distributed to senior households.
109 Curbside visits have taken place.
The Monday Movies take place at 11:00 am and accommodate 10 to 12 seniors.
An ice cream gift card give -a -way was very successful. Thanks to Rotary over 200 gift
certificates were distributed from our parking lot. This would have been done at Senior Day in
the Park known as the "Brad Gage ice cream social."
Our weekly e- newsletter is being distributed.
Property Tax Work off Program will be announced on December 15 with applications due
January 15, 2021.
Due to COVID -19 we have seen a decrease in participation of advertised activities. However, we
are still on track to reach many of our previous numbers primarily through outreach phone calls
and visits.
Meerings /Activities /Clients of Concerns
October 19 through the 23r the MCOA Annual Conference was held as a virtual event. Virtual
Speech by the Secretary of Elder Affairs focused on ways to reach older adults during the
pandemic. She especially reminded us to think of how we can help the caregivers whose burden
during the pandemic shut downs has become even greater.
Discussion on the COA Area Directors bi- weekly talk, via telephone conference meetings.
Seniorcare, Inc also meet bi- weekly vial telephone conference.
Case reviews take place with AD, Social worker, Intern and Director.
Samatha reported to the Board on the EOEA Annual Report
The Grant Committee- 2 grants five people were assisted through the program.
Discussions with the Mayor about services and activities during the winter months ongoing.
COVID-19 updates and responses have been extended through April 2021.
Personnel Updates
All the staff have returned to working full time in the building.
Mayor Cahill has approved the full time Outreach Coordinator position for posting.
Welcome Skylar Carr our new Endicott Intern. She is currently working on her bachelor's degree
in Hospitality Management.
Medical Leave news
We are now advertising for a full -time Outreach Coordinator
Unfinished Business
The Board voted for the slate of officers put forward at the last meeting:
Claire Marie- Hart Co -Chair
Bob Hobbs — Co- Chair,
Cynthia Montalbano- Secretary
The Fall leaf raking program is being investigated to see if we have partners to do the work. If
not, the Board agreed that a senior could apply for reimbursement from the grant fund for up to
$100 to reimburse the entity they paid to do the work.
Holiday schedule- December 24 closing at noon and on December 25 closed.
The Council will close again on December 31 through January 1, 2021.
Transportation Services are resuming Monday- Wednesday 8- 2:30pm
Thursday 8- 6:OOpm and Friday 8 -11:30 pm
Limited services are available, maximum of 3 passengers at a time per bus with one driver.
Safety protocols are in place.
Announcements
The Senior Center received a $5,000.00 donation from Dr. Peter and Jane Coleman of Beverly,
in honor of MaryAnn Holak
Meeting adjourned: 3: 40 pm
Next Board Meeting: 2:30 pm January 12, 2021
Respectfully Submitted,
Cynthia Montalbano, Secretary