Otis Council on Aging Board Meeting
May 31, 2023
The meeting was called to order at 9:05 AM, by Eila Bell.
Present: Eila Bell, Kendra Rybacki, Ralph Gleason, Evelyn Loring, Diane Dyer, Dedra Loring, Janice Hawley, Elsie Devote, Nancy Kreis, Mark Balinda and Jane Bernasconi.
Minutes from March 24,2023 meeting read and accepted as written.
The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted.
Elsie DeVoti reported that the VT. Trip to King Edwards flour and the VT. Country Store went well. Carol the bus driver was very nice.
The Lake George Trip (luncheon on a cruise) is coming up in July. Invoices are going out to those that have not paid yet.
Seating on the bus was addressed by Diane Dyer for those with disabilities. Ralph Gleason stated he saved 4 seats in the front of the bus for this.
Kendra Rybacki has asked Larry Southard to perform at the July barb que.
Kendra is trying to contact Sarah the Fiddler to perform for us.
Jane Kelley is retiring as the Foot Nurse. We are looking for a replacement. We are working with other C.O.A.s on this.
Debit card is still being discussed.
Ralph asked to be remover from the checking account as July 1,2023.
Eila will be added to the account. Jane Bernasconi is all right with this.
Every six months the town transfers fund to the C.O.A.s account to pay the Outreach Coordinator.
Ralph Gleason is still going to help and support us.
Jane Gleason will continue to help with the book work.
We are now using the towns Amazon account. Do we need our own? No.
Recruiting new members. This is a challenge. There are new people on the trips. Perhaps this is a good place to start.
The Library Fair on July 8, 2023 was discussed. We would need someone to man a table. Boxes of ice cream treats could be bought and sold individually.
It was decided We would not participate at the Library Fair.
Cultural Council asked if we would maintain the flower buckets at the town hall.
Volunteers are needed for the State Shine Program.
Elder Services of Berkshire County has a Benefits Support Specialist ready to assist you with filling out MassHealth Redetermination paperwork and/or answering any related questions you may have. Please send an email to SHINE@esbci.org or call 413-236-1747.
July 1st The Farmers Market Coupons should be issued for distribution.
This year they will have the value of $50.
Eila is going to address the Select Board asking to have a director appointed for the Council on Aging. 20 hours a week is needed to start.
Outreach may need more help in the upcoming year.
We have money we need to spend by June 30,2023 or we will lose it.
Eila would like another computer (or laptop). (And possibly another printer).
The one we have does not have Zoon or a camera.
We have too many on the one we have. Files have been lost.
The new computer will be used by administration only.
WE have money we need to spend by June 30,2023 or we will lose it. We could use this to finance the purchase.
Our board now has 5 members and 1 honorary member:
Eila Bell
Diane Dyer
Elsie De Voti
Jane Bernasconi
Janice Hawley
Honorary Board Member: Evelyn Loring