The primary focus of the meeting was the ongoing debate regarding the Council on Aging’s mission statement. As members reviewed the statement, discussions centered on simplifying the language to clearly communicate the COA’s purpose. Suggestions were made to remove redundant phrases and terms like “documented disability” to streamline the message. The proposed new mission emphasized advocacy for older adults and caregivers, aiming to present the COA as a hub of resources for identifying and meeting the economic, health, social, and cultural needs of the community.

A crucial point of contention emerged around the terms “individuals” versus “community” within the mission statement. Some members argued that focusing on “individuals” could narrowly target single cases, while others preferred “community,” which would promote inclusivity in service provision. One participant underscored the importance of inclusivity, stating the mission should encompass all members rather than isolating individuals. This led to a consensus on ensuring the mission statement covers all community members, including caregivers and families.

The commission also considered the need for a vision statement to outline future goals and aspirations. It was acknowledged that such a statement should succinctly express the COA’s objectives, while the mission statement would focus on current roles and responsibilities. Members agreed on the importance of both statements in providing a comprehensive understanding of the COA’s purpose.

The dialogue further extended to the COA’s collaboration with the Southshore Community Action Council to provide fuel assistance and food distribution. This partnership aims to ensure first responders can assist families facing economic hardships. There was a proposal to change the mission statement’s language by removing “older” from “older adults,” thus broadening the scope to include all adults. This suggestion arose from concerns that current wording might limit assistance to those who meet a specific age requirement. A participant pointed out that individuals under 60 could still receive support, highlighting a willingness to assist anyone in need regardless of age.

Alongside mission statement revisions, the commission addressed the director’s report, which included a budget status update. Despite a 10% decrease in town funding, it was noted that the organization managed the budget effectively through grant funds. There was a discussion about managing various accounts, including revolving accounts and transportation funds. Concerns about costs associated with maintaining and replacing aging transportation vans were voiced, particularly regarding an older model experiencing leaks. Members emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectable budget for community outreach and events.

The meeting also covered the challenges of board membership recruitment. Members shared experiences and discussed the need for representation from the local senior community. Ongoing outreach efforts are important to identifying potential board members. An individual from the Generations board was mentioned as a potential fit, although her current availability was uncertain.

In addition to administrative discussions, the meeting touched on upcoming community events, such as a “dog and pony show” planned for the summer. The event aims to be family-friendly, possibly incorporating pony rides. A regular meeting dedicated to the event’s planning committee was scheduled for January, with a follow-up in February. There was also a brief mention of a past event known as the “cow plop,” with discussions about seeking assistance from community members to help with the workload of organizing such events.

Finally, passive income generation strategies were explored, including the successful placement of clothing donation boxes behind the COA, which provide a steady income through recycled clothing. This approach was contrasted with a previous unsuccessful sneaker recycling program. Emphasis was placed on donating quality items to local charities like St. Vincent de Paul, distinguishing between items for recycling and those for reuse by individuals in need.