A major topic of the meeting was the future of the SHINE program, which provides health insurance information to seniors. The council discussed a recommendation to remove SHINE from the town’s website, as the program had been absent since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In its place, Integrity Medicare Advisors have been providing similar services, filling the gap left by SHINE. The council deliberated on the implications of this change and considered updating the town’s resources to reflect the current service providers accurately.

Financial updates were another focal point of the meeting. The council received an update on a formula grant based on Townsend’s senior population. According to the 2020 census, Townsend has approximately 2,361 seniors, which qualifies for funding of $15 per senior, totaling $35,100 for the current fiscal year. The council noted that this grant is primarily used for staff wages, underlining its importance to the council’s operations and the need to ensure its efficient allocation.

Adding to the financial discussions, the Local Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) announced a grant allowing free van services from December 1 through September 2025, except for special trips. This initiative was met with approval, as it will enhance transportation accessibility for Townsend’s seniors, enabling better access to community activities and essential services.

The meeting also touched on the “Meals With Friends” program, where a survey was released to gather feedback on meal preferences and attendance. The council observed varying participation levels, with Tuesdays being slower and Thursdays seeing higher turnout. Specific meals, like a meatball day, appeared to attract more attendees, prompting the council to consider adding an additional meal day based on survey results. This feedback aims to understand attendance patterns better and possibly introduce more appealing meal options to increase engagement.

Another notable discussion involved the upcoming Holiday Fair on December 7. The council addressed the logistical need for a van to operate throughout the day to transport vendors from a distant parking lot. The Friends of the Library and Friends of the Seniors agreed to cover the costs for the van drivers. The council debated whether formal approval was necessary for this arrangement and discussed scheduling and logistics for the fair and other upcoming events, including a computer use session scheduled for December 16.

The meeting addressed a procedural matter regarding a member named Natalie, who had missed several consecutive meetings. The council’s policy stipulates that missing three meetings in a row would lead to removal from the board. After a brief discussion emphasizing the need for adherence to established policies, a consensus was reached to remove her due to her attendance record. It was noted that she had attended only one meeting after being reinstated and missed the subsequent sessions.

In addition to these discussions, feedback was shared from the recent Massachusetts Council on Aging (MCA) conference attended by some members, including program coordinator Jean Era. She expressed satisfaction with the conference, stating, “It exceeded my expectations,” and highlighted the value of connecting with other Council on Aging staff across the state. Jean mentioned attending sessions on mindfulness, financial empowerment for older adults, and estate planning, along with a keynote address that emphasized the council’s positive influence on older adults’ lives. Another attendee, Donna Fenton, shared insights on team building and cannabis for seniors, noting the positive environment of the conference and the benefits of networking.