COA OTIS MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING JANUARY 2023
Wednesday January 25, 2023, 9:10am
Present were Eila Bell, Jane Bernasconi, Janice Howley, Evie Loring, Dede Loring, Ralph Gleason, Diane Dyer, Else Devoti, and Kendra Rybacki
The Meeting was called to order by Eila Bell chairperson at 9:am.
Jane Bernasconi read the previous meeting minutes. The minutes were accepted as read.
Treasure’s report was read by Jane Bernosconi, everything is good-everything is up to date according to Ralph and Jane. The report was accepted as read.
(In the future a starting balance and ending balance will be in the report and an account of spending.)
Old business:
Things are changing Evie Loring asked Janice Hawley to take the minutes of the meeting:
Diane Dyer spoke about what each of us need to do to have a better run of the pot lucks.
Else Devoti and Evie Loring are chairpersons of the potluck lunches.
Out Reach:
Kendra Rybacki is doing a wonderful job with her new position as the Out Reach Coordinator. Kendra has learned a lot about this position and has shown great initiative. Kendra has reached out to many families that needed help. She has given them guidance and understanding. Kendra has been taking care of Share a Ride also. She is having a difficult time finding help for seniors in Otis. The rest of the world thinks we a at the end of the earth. Ralph is offered her any help she needs.
Eila is doing a good job also.
New Business:
We will be opening the center at 9 am-2PM. on Wednesdays to keep in step with the food pantry.
Eila will try to reach out to TV channel 22 Albany to report weather cancellations;
860WSBS in Great Barrington radio station. She will ask the town clerk if she would post a closing on the Town web site.
Tim Van Egmond will be performing at the Valentin Lunching at 1:30pm.
(Eila got a grant to pay for this entertainment throw the Cultural Council)
Kendra has arranged for a blood pressure clinic on the last Wednesday of the month. The nurse from Community Health will be at the Center 10am-11am. She will also bring flu shots and covid vaccine.
Diane Dyer has set up a self-drive trip to the Log Cabin in Holyoke on March 13th. To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Jane Bernasconi has made reservations to The East Restaurant in Great Barrington for out-To Lunch on March 2,
A paint and sip or a jewelry party was discussed. It was decided to put them on hold for now.
Answering the phone was discussed. It was decided that if you are near to the phone PLEASE ANSWER IT and take a message.
Diane and Else have three trips planned for this year. King Arthur in Vt. May 24th.Lake George Luncheon Cruise on July 13th. And a trip to World’s Largest Cranberry Grower on October 25th.They are looking into a Casino Trip for the future.
The Traveling Foot Nurse will be back on March 1st.
Ralph asked if someone would track of the Hair dress and Foot nurse’s Schedules. Dede Loring has volunteered.
Eila will be away May 1st.-10th.
May 24th. The center will be closed. The ladies will all be on the Vt. Trip to King Author’s
Diane would like to arrange a self-drive trip to The Three Sisters in Goston MA. We will wait until warmer weather.
June 14th. Will be a pot lunch luncheon. We will also be flag day.
Our Bar B Q is on July 19th. Lynn Pyenson has to be notified.
Grill has to be rented. Hopefully cornhole will be played.
Diane has a trip to Lake George planned for July 13th.
Dec. 21st. we hope to have a holiday lunch at the Pittsfield Country Club.
Ralph stated the Foot Nurse is retiring and we need to search for a replacement.
Everyone needs to be on board to take The Conflict-of-interest Law for Municipal Employees.
Eila is not having much luck with the news media.
A larger room was discussed.
Other Business:
Crystal Wright from the Huntington council of Aging has a grant to help caregivers with a rest-bit.
Phyllis Fitzgerald donated an electric wheel chair that has sat unused. It is available to anyone that could benefit from the use of it.
On Friday Feb. 10th. At the Becket Town Hall Elder services of Berkshire County will there for an informational meeting.
Eila would like to reassure anyone uncomfortable doing task, will not be forest in to participate in those duties.
Our next board meeting will be held on March 27th. At 9am.
Motion was made and seconded to agurin the meeting at. 10:10am.
Respectively summited by Janice Hawley.
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