COA Board Meeting

Speaker:

Chairman Dufresne introduced the speaker. Janice Gibeau, Director & Coordinator of Northern Hilltowns Consortium located in Chesterfield COA, spoke on the Sig Grant HO#1, an enterprise funded by MCOA. The purpose of the grant is twofold:  to assist older adults to remain in their homes and to provide a frame work to reduce isolation.  To assess the extent of the needs, a survey HO#2 was thoroughly explained.  The survey administered in Worthington & Goshen showed a 33+% response rate with hopes that the response in Williamsburg will be at least the same.  Charlene stated that she will assist the implementation by adding information in writing to a mailing and also to a voice mail to town residents.  Jan reviewed the discussion on Medicare Forum in Chesterfield on 8^th of Oct.  She finished with a review of the Hilltowns Newsletter.

Old Business:

#1.  A motion to accept the minutes of Meeting #1 of August 06 2018, was made by Daria and seconded by Nancy with a correction of a name spelling.

#2. A motion was made by Daria to adjust the By-Laws over a period of time, starting with the duties of the Officers.  Seconded by Nancy.

#3.  Public Comment Period from Agenda.

#4. Two COA Positions were still unfilled, that of Treasurer and Vice-President. 

Nancy stated that the Treasurer position as posted was too complicated.  A motion was made that Nancy work with Jennifer to adjust the duties of the Treasurer and that Nancy would accept the position as Acting Treasurer until June 30^th 2019. Motion made by Margaret; seconded by Jim.

Also, the position of Vice President was converted into Acting Vice President until June 30^th 2019 was accepted by Jim. Daria made the motion; Nancy seconded.  See HO#6.

New Business:

#5.  Jennifer announced that Sherry Loomis has a new title that of “Senior Center Administrative Assistant.”  See HO#10.

#6. Jennifer outlined the requirements of the Elder Trust Fund.  HO#3 & HO#4.  Jim was requested to recruit two persons from his men’s group to review, not manage, the fund as stated in the handouts. He agreed to inquire.

#7. Jennifer will contact Hope Guardenier to reactivate and review a previous project.

Outreach & Senior Center Activities

#8. Jennifer attended the Keys to Aging Well Expo on the evening of October 4^th.

#9. Nancy and Jennifer will meet to create a call list.  There will be a Lunch & Learn Tuesday December 4^th at Senior Center information and training program designed to help and instruct about senior abuse. HO#5.  Lorrie Childs [Chesterfield] was contacted for a “First Call for Help” for neighborhood group.

#10. Transportation--Van Service Valley Sun CVC to Big Y part of PVTA fixed route system as part of overall Hilltown service.

#11.  Jennifer visited with Regional School Principle for seniors to interact with 6^th graders via a reading program.

#12.  Jennifer will reactivate the Pen Pal Program.

Highland Valley Elder Services of Hampshire and Hampden Counties HVES

#13.  Margaret reported that she is in attendance and also on the Executive Board.

By-Law Revision & COA Advisory Board Guidelines and Procedures

#14.  Jennifer distributed 2pp copies of the By-Laws (Article IV Officers to and including Article VII Amendments).  HO#6. Highlighted were two positions, that of Vice-chair and Treasurer.  The A/C will work on an updating of the job description for these two positions so that the position can be filled with a permanent and not “acting” officer.

#15. Jennifer distributed COA handout. HO#7. There were two items highlighted: “All Board members will complete a 3 hour Board orientation and receive a WCOA Board Handbook” and “All Board members serve a maximum term of 3 years. (see term limits guidelines).”  Reviewed by Board with a more detailed discussion for future agenda.

#16.  To support changes in the By-Laws HO#8 and future direction of COA Jennifer reviewed material for future agenda references.

Future Plans

#16.  Jennifer handed out a copy of “Soroptimist, Best for Women” an organization that improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. HO#9. She is exploring starting a chapter and has been in contact with the national.  This society can help the COA serve its senior population as there are more women seniors and also fulfill an intergenerational service for the younger age group.  Agenda item.

Honor for COA & Staff Member

Sherry Loomis was lauded for her commitment to her position during the gap to fill in the COA director’s position by the Town’s Board of Selectmen.  HO#10.

End of Meeting

Jacqueline called for a motion to adjourn.  Daria proposed; Margaret seconded.

Handouts to COA available in the COA office by appointment