The most notable topic during the Advisory Board meeting was the formation of a dementia task force, an initiative underscored by the need for a diverse and inclusive representation. The board discussed the task force’s composition extensively, emphasizing the inclusion of various stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing dementia-related challenges in the community. Suggestions for the task force’s membership included representatives from the Advisory Board, the Board of Selectmen, the COA director, the town planner, emergency response representatives, and members from the business community.

The board also considered the inclusion of clergy from local churches and representatives from the police and fire departments, acknowledging the importance of having a broad spectrum of voices to ensure the task force’s effectiveness. There was consensus that a larger task force would be beneficial, allowing for continuity even if some members were unable to participate due to illness or other commitments. A compromise was reached to target a size of 10 to 12 members, with several seats reserved for community members at large.

The discussion included a comparison with similar initiatives in other municipalities like Duxbury and Plymouth, where larger groups had provided stability and continuity. The board recognized the value of consulting with existing task forces for guidance and expressed interest in reaching out to the Plymouth task force for advice. The task force formation is expected to be advertised to the broader Kingston community to encourage participation, with recommendations for members submitted to Keith and the Board of Selectmen for approval.

The director’s report added further dimensions to the meeting’s agenda, highlighting new community programs and updates on the fiscal year 2026 budget. The budget had been reviewed and approved by both the Town Administrator and the finance committee. Among the new initiatives was a line dancing class, set to begin with a free demonstration on February 21st, followed by regular classes starting March 7th.

Additionally, a memory training course scheduled for April 15th was announced, to be facilitated by Old Colony Elder Services. This program aims to enhance cognitive health through various activities and strategies, promoting a holistic approach to memory retention. Community members were encouraged to sign up to take advantage of these opportunities.

A significant initiative discussed was the town’s efforts to achieve an “age-friendly” designation, which involves a series of educational presentations. A speaker from the AARP of Massachusetts is scheduled to present a general overview of age-friendly practices on March 18th. This presentation aims to inform the community about the initiative and its potential benefits, with the director emphasizing the need for active community engagement in this process.

The meeting briefly touched on board membership, clarifying that existing members’ terms would not expire until the end of the fiscal year, alleviating some concerns. However, there was a sense of urgency surrounding the recruitment of new members, with a proposal to vote on candidates during the June meeting. The conversation emphasized the importance of not delaying recruitment, with applications needing submission by the June meeting for proper consideration and recommendations to the Board of Selectmen.