2026-10-20 - Council on Aging

I don't have any of that. >> Okay, we're going to start the meeting at 9:00 a.m. And we're going to start with the Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of

America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. I'm just going to start with reading the public forum. Which is the

protocol. Limited to 5 minutes per topic. Discussions or comments about town employees, agency members, or volunteers are to be avoided so as not to violate individuals' rights. Is no one here? Okay.

So, what we want to do even before we start with the minutes is we want to welcome our new board member, Ann Morris. Welcome to the board. >> Ann, welcome. >> >> Pleasure meeting you. >> Thank you for

being willing to volunteer and be on the board. We appreciate having you here and >> Thank you. >> Okay. Looking forward to your input. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Very good. >> >> Okay. So, we will start

with the minutes from last month's meeting, the meeting of September 15th. >> I think they're in your packet like that. >> I'm sorry. I sent I sent these out in the email, but I didn't send you any,

so I'll get them. >> You don't have one? >> No, I didn't >> She has one. She has one. >> a physical copy, yeah. >> Good. >> We'll catch up with some of the papers that you need, so no worries. Thank

you, Jennifer, all your work on the minutes. >> You're welcome. >> Does anybody have any questions or comments on the minutes? >> She might need a little extra time. >> We don't >> There's a lot of

minutes. >> Yeah, there are. I'm sorry. >> Technically, she doesn't have to hold on it because she was at that meeting at the top. >> You're good. >> >> Are the minutes done for minutes? It was quick,

but okay. Okay? Now, is there any questions at this point? All right. Can I have a motion to accept the minutes? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. Anyone opposed? >> No. >> Right. >> Minutes

accepted. And we will move on to the director's report. All right. So, we are maintaining our normal activities. Um those are provided by that formula grant. Um and we continue to have good good

participation in those. Uh we had a lunch and learn on the upside to downsizing, which was very educational. Um That That was um about moving into uh smaller housing and what how we had a lawyer here

explaining some things about um protecting your assets and a professional um who helps people acclimate to um smaller living space. Um We started the support group on Tuesdays. We haven't really had

anybody showing up for that. We're going to continue to do that for a little longer. Um and see if anybody will utilize that um time for getting together and talking about caring for others or

difficult times. And we started a fiber arts group. We had four people show up for that the first day. So, I think that's going to grow. I I believe that's going to be good. Um and we're still trying

to figure out the direction that that's going in. So, if you're interested in being a part of that, we invite you to come. And I want to thank the members of the school committee uh who came yesterday

with Jessie um to have a listening session. That That was good. Um our food pantry um is doing well. I think this is going to be a tough year. We're getting a lot of requests and um even though

sometimes the pantry looks full in a couple of days it's empty again. So, um any help you can give in that regard is is greatly appreciated. And I want to thank the many people who already um do

regularly donate um St. Mark's first church the legion the writers Waters Farm gave us a booth this weekend um to collect and we had several volunteers sitting there all weekend helping us with that.

>> Was that a success that you find it was it was >> a great success yep >> Saturday wasn't too too good the weather but Sunday >> Sunday was beautiful and yeah there was the car show was lovely that

was it's beautiful up there I wanted to thank Frank Silen Silen Silen sorry Frank for all his work with the food pantries always always trying to find ways to help us fill that pantry and he was there

at the booth all weekend so thank him for his work. >> We do have a list of needed items on the website the town website if anybody wants to go there and look. >> A great way that I've I'm working on

for the food pantry is being able to order through Amazon and just having it mailed here so even people who are wanting to donate can go to Amazon order the items and just have them shipped here. >>

That's a very good idea. >> Yeah that's excellent good. >> Very good. >> >> Yeah so we've tried ordering a few of the items that we need on the list and they come in they've come in perfect they're

great just what we need so I'll try to get together a list of the things that work well for that. >> By having it delivered here the person who's donating it they don't have to get it there or see

about getting it down here or something which is really from the comfort of your own home you can >> from the couch I'll push your order and >> >> Yeah so can >> Can you do that with Walmart delivery?

I mean all of those. >> I believe you could, yeah. I would I would think. I would think. Yeah. >> Sometimes people might be more comfortable I don't know how people feel about Walmart deliveries, but

you know, say you get groceries. I I don't know what you're looking to be have delivered, but Walmart also off- offers a >> They do. I do it myself to be honest periodically with things from Walmart

and they are quick deliveries. Very quick. Sometimes within a day or 24 hours. >> Two days. >> Yeah, so I mean that would be another >> Yeah. >> thing to throw out there. >> I am looking into Walmart

has a registry that you can sign up for. So you give them a list of items you need and then people can just look at the registry and get those have those items sent. So >> That's easy and easy. >>

Yeah. >> Well, the familiarity of Walmart to people. I mean not that we don't know Amazon, but >> Yeah, no. Well, some of us are very familiar with Amazon. >> Well, no. I know, but you know, put out

as many names as you can. >> Yeah, so I agree. >> And people will do a little more if sometimes if they could just be at their own house, go online, do something with Amazon, with Walmart, something

so they can do the good thing, the charitable thing by donating, but yet never leaving home. >> Absolutely. I think so much easier. >> Yeah. >> Um >> Great. >> And yesterday it was brought up that

basically about the food pantry is more for towns people. The elderly aren't using the There are a couple. >> Yeah, it's >> But the majority uh >> families >> families from >> from town. >> It's not

the elderly. >> Well, most people it came out of that meeting yesterday. They were shocked. >> They were shocked. >> Oh, really? >> Oh, yeah. >> They got they figured it's down here it's just for the

for the seniors where they would be the older women. >> I mean that's the school committee. If they don't know >> Yeah, they don't know. >> Well, that's interesting. Yeah, that's very interesting.

Yeah, no it's >> And for Sutton Sutton residents, they have to show that they are residents of Sutton. So that, you know, that's not somebody who at one time they would jump Some people would jump

from town to town or something. >> Yeah, I know. They have to be This is good. They have to be registered with the pantry. Yeah. >> Cuz sometimes that concerns people who want to donate. Sometimes

they kind of want to know who might be getting >> Right. >> some of the things. So >> Yeah. All right. And our meal program is continuing to do well. You know, we're holding it together till we figure

out who we're going to how how we're going to fill that position. Um And the sign-up sheets for each Wednesday and Friday meals are at the front desk should anyone want to sign up and partake. Um and

I can't thank the team and all the volunteers enough for all they do to keep things running smoothly. >> It is. It's very nice. It's It's well attended, nicely done, and enjoyed by all who do come. >>

Yeah, really is good. And there are days when, you know, people are running like crazy, you know, Tim and Raina trying to keep everything together between the food pantry and programs and everything.

So >> So since you are doing these meals for on Wednesdays and Fridays, are you supplying I mean, how are how are these done? You're cooking it, you're providing it? >> Shopping for it. >> the whole

nine yards. >> Yes. >> Cleaning up. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> And it's done right where the people can see it. They can see it being served, they can see it being prepared sometimes the day before and Um, a

lot of people get kind of a kick out of that because you know, they can see that the people who are doing it are really dedicated to doing it. And right now, it's the staff who's doing it, the three

staff members, which is really something. >> That is a lot. >> It is. >> But it's one of the most attended things things we do in the community um part of it is so important to be able to come down

and socialize and have a hot meal. Um >> And healthy. >> Yeah, healthy. >> And everyone that works in there is so sincere. >> I think that's the part they like the best is the socializing with a good

meal. They're having a good time and they're eating well and uh it's it's pleasant to see. It's pleasant to watch them. >> are good cooks. >> Oh, yeah, they >> >> certainly are. >> But that's a lot

week in week out for you know, just spreading yourself very thin. >> Oh, oh, they're very thin. >> Yes. >> That's for sure. >> Yeah, and as thin as they can be. Yeah, you know. >> And I must say

they're greatly impressed when they see the director cooking or the outreach coordinator or Reina who's does so much of everything. Uh so, they're really impressive. And they're cooking and mostly

from scratch. Absolutely. >> They also they mentioned um or I brought up about the help that we had received from the school. I don't know if a lot of young people came in and socialized with the

older people. >> yeah. >> And the school committee seemed to accept that and gave me the impression they would be willing to have more people from the young people from the school come down and help.

>> That's good. >> I thought that was good. >> That is it was. >> That is good. >> You know, and I must say for the the several years, quite a few years that that's been going on, they really are

good, the kids. I mean, they're uh they're interacting with people who are most likely, most of us are like the age of the grandmothers or great-grandmothers in some cases, but they're having a good

time and they're really willing to work. They do whatever you ask them to do. Uh you know, like helping with cleanup or uh doing the dishes or all of that stuff and they're a bunch of good kids, I

must say. >> Yeah. >> We're lucky to have them. >> in-place Is this an in-place program or is just kind of haphazard? How does that work? >> Well, what they explained is they were doing a program and

then >> Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. >> Hi. Hope I'm sorry to intrude. >> Um we're filming a meeting. >> Y- You're right, but I want to suggest something that I heard last night at town meeting. Uh >> Okay.

>> Um >> Joyce. >> They're thinking >> go around and talk down there? Just cuz you're part of the meeting. And I want your your voice will not be on the camera if you talk up here. Sorry. >> Oh, no,

that's okay. Um so, one of the things that was being mentioned before after the meeting when they were talking, and it was to move not this building, but move the senior center to the school

department or the town hall. I think that would be a big mistake in my opinion. And And if you want, I could give you my reasons, but because they're looking at s- Excuse me, saving money, not taking

care of the senior center to keep us afloat. >> So, what that wasn't part of the town meeting though, right? >> No. No, but they were talking in the hall after. And so, I was >> Can we discuss this

maybe later on? >> Yeah. Yes, as long as you become aware. >> Okay. Okay. >> Okay, that's what I'm thinking. >> Thank you for your input. Thank you. >> Yeah, if you get hit with it all of a sudden. >>

Oh, okay. >> Then it's harder. >> Thank you. >> Okay, you're welcome. >> Thanks, Pam. >> Did you hear him talking about it? >> No. >> Oh, okay. >> Thank you, Pam. Okay. Uh where were we? >> We were >>

>> talking about kids from the high school program. >> Oh, oh, so at the meeting yesterday, they were talking that they were having a program before COVID hit to have the students come down more and

more. And now they're thinking of re-establishing it. >> Okay. >> I mean, a lot was discussed yesterday. And it was discussed that maybe we could use some of the facilities once in a while, but they

weren't talking about >> They mentioned a community center. That may be what that's stirring up there. >> Community center, which would be us, the library. >> Yeah. >> The the school building, you

know, it's only it's built for 2,000 students and there's 1,200. And I don't know how you reconfigure that. I wouldn't know if it's it's security or whatever else. And as far as the town hall's

concerned, there's no parking over there now. >> Oh. >> Parking over there is it it would be awful. >> We've already done that for many many many years. And that's why you had to move our town hall.

>> Right. >> for anybody. >> Yes. >> They get crowded with just the group of us. You know. >> Right. >> Uh and Ian, as to your questioning about the interns who do come down, many of them are doing um

our students, many of them. They're doing community service. Sometimes you get, um, students from churches or something. They have to do community service. So, it's just relatively different things.

And for a lot of years we've had kids come down. There'd be certain programs and the directors would ask the school sometimes. Sometimes it's just sort of almost like almost like like an entertainment

type thing. And they'll come down and join in with the people. And we even, um, from time to time have students who help with something like bingo with somebody who needs a little help or a little

assistance. Sometimes they do. Sometimes it's a private person that comes in with them, but sometimes it would be a somebody else, a student doing service. >> On call sort of thing. >> Yeah, it is.

It's that more more than something totally in Yeah, in place. >> And occasionally you also have the Eagle Scouts that come in to do community service. >> Okay. It always amazes me when we're we're

like scrambling to do the lunch and the volunteers show up and I'm like, "How is this going to happen?" And then boom, it happens. >> Yes, it does. >> It's smooth. It's like everybody becomes like a

well-oiled machine and it all gets done and there's, you know, it's it's such a good feeling at the at the lunch. >> And we've been getting some, actually, younger women who are either work-at-home

mothers or part-time workers or something. And just when they're available, they'll come down probably just for a few hours on the lunch thing. And so, it's, it really is a sense of community that

you're getting all ages willing to help and keep it going. Which is another nice thought, really. >> Yep. >> That's good. >> Okay. I included, um, a copy of the budget, that Austin printed out for me,

as of 10/7. So, as we go into the treasury report part of this, You'll be able to see where kind of where we're at. We're at 33% of our electric, 34.5% of our water, and 55% of our repair and

maintenance, which I know. But, um yeah, out of our 198,000, we are 22.4% with 153,730 left in the budget. Partly, uh we have a little it's it's a little higher than it would be at a quarter because

we have some positions that are open that we're not paying out on. So, that's where we are there. Uh upcoming events, we have the ukulele strummers will be here on October 21st, that's tomorrow. Um

so, that'll be a a large group of people in the dining room. I think 20 members of the ukulele club are coming. We have quite a few people signed up for that. So, that'll be fun. Um we have a lunch

and learn with the Lions Club on the 28th. It's a hospital at home. >> >> Uh Wally's been through that, so he's going to I think are you talking at that? Are you going to I don't know. Yeah. >> >> Um

but, really good program that that is going to be a a free lunch and a lunch and learn. Um so, if you haven't signed up for that already, please do. Um I think that's going to be really interesting.

>> That's becoming very important. A lot of more a lot more people want to be able to have uh children adult children want their parents to be able to stay at home with some outside help. That's

sounds really interesting. >> Yeah, it does. >> of us. Very good. >> I I who wants to be in a hospital when you don't feel good? Do you want to be in a >> For sure, I wouldn't want >> Anyway. >> So,

you have to go in there first. >> You do. You do. Yeah. >> They They release you earlier. >> Yeah. Right. >> Considerably earlier, I say. >> Quite a bit earlier. >> Quite a bit earlier. Yet, they they

maintain They're always checking up on you. >> Yeah. >> So, you have a professional staff twice a day. You have a a consultation with the with the physician. >> Yeah. >> And yet, you're in your own

environment. >> Right. >> You sleep much better in your own bed. >> Yeah. >> They don't wake you up in the middle of the night to check your blood pressure, you know. >> That's Yeah. Good concept. >>

See if you're alive. >> Yeah. All right. And then, um on Halloween, we have the touch-a-truck touch-a-truck trunk-or-treat. >> >> I don't think I could. >> Yeah. I don't think I could. >> Maltese. >>

>> Yeah. Uh so, if anybody is interested in participating, um you can decorate your car, you can wear a costume. They're going to have some prizes. And uh come on down. Halloween, yes, here at the

center. Um I think it starts at 10:00. >> And I believe it's going to be um the food is going to be a breakfast, is it? >> Oh, I don't know. Did some Did somebody say something? >> That was uh Tim's

thought at one time, but unless it's changed, but um >> Yeah, I did I didn't know. >> Um I think maybe just with the participants. >> Okay. >> Bring a truck. >> Okay. >> Or a car. >> Yeah. >> It could

have changed, and Tim's not here to verify it himself. >> That's going to be a car show, too. >> It's still going to be fun, because I think Pucky Huddle is going to try to come down. They often done

They're probably going to do a parade, uh which that's always a fun thing. >> Looks like he touches on it in his report, too, so we'll we'll get a a further information. All right. Yeah. All right.

And we have SHINE counselor appointments in October and November. They're in high demand. Actually, our all of our appointments are full. Uh we are taking um names and numbers on a reserve list

because um a lot of people are losing the the Blue Cross Blue Shield they had and um not knowing quite what to do. So, um most of the centers in the area, they're booked. Um but again, we're taking a

reserve list. Um I can't make any promises. I don't know if Pat's going to be able to get to everybody, but he was willing to let me take a reserve list anyway. So, um yeah. >> He will try. >> He will

try. He will try. >> Yeah. >> I'm bringing them home tonight. >> Okay. Thank you. >> >> On November 10th, we're having a floral arrange arranging um class with Feemus Farms. Uh it's a grapevine and

greens wreath. And um you have to sign up for that, and there is a $20 fee, I think, for that. Um so, if you're interested in making a wreath for your front door for Christmas, come on down. Uh

November 4th, uh we have a solo acoustic guitar performance with Chris the Songwriter. Uh November 9th, we're having coffee with Jesse. Um the bereavement group meets on November 12th at 11:00.

There's a veterans lunch on November 13th. Uh we have a movie, Fantastic Mr. Fox, on November 18th. The wood carver uh class on Saturday, November 21st, from 10:00 to 4:00. That is off. >> That must

be wonderful. >> Which one? >> The the carving class. >> Yeah. I think >> It it it it's just the afternoon. >> Yeah. I haven't I haven't been to one, but I know some people who've been and really

enjoy it. >> Oh, they do some beautiful things. They really do. >> Yep. >> And there's several women as well. >> That's great. >> Very good. Yeah. >> I think there is a small charge for that also. >>

I think so. >> Yeah. And then and you have to sign up in advance for that one as well. And then there's coffee with Austin, the town manager, on November 24th. And I just want to mention again about

the veterans that they may qualify for a tax discount program and many other benefits. So please come in and see Carl Bradshaw, the veterans agent, Wednesday, November 18th if you think you might

qualify. You've earned it. Come on come on in and see what you see what you can get. And don't forget to visit the gift shop and all the wonderful things for sale. All proceeds go to support the

programs and >> Thank you. >> Yeah, by the friends. And want to mention also that the center will be closed on Wednesday, November 11th for Veterans Day and it'll be open until noon on November 25th

and close the 26th and 27th for Thanksgiving. Don't forget to check out our newsletter for all those things we just mentioned. Okay, on to >> Okay, now we move on to the outreach report. >> Yeah. So

Tim's not here for that, so I'll go ahead and just read it. We've got the heat applications in. They were kind of late coming in, but they're here. So we're starting to help people fill those out and

assist with snap and driver's license renewals and passports and fuel fill-ups. Furnace and home repairs, medical transports to appointments and home visits continue to be the number one integral part

of what's of what needs. Sorry, I'm just The trunk or treat car show and touch a truck event is drawing near. All departments have been invited to participate with a vehicle. Um, the police department

and fire department will have at least one vehicle here. And um, he's asking for you to bring a a show car or your car. And uh, you can decorate it and be in costume. It's optional, but there will be

awards for best decorated car, best adult costume, and best children's costume. So, bring candy to pass out. I guess 80 flyers went out to the families at um, Paqui Atol preschool. He says it's going

to be fun. >> >> So, and he also says his door is always open for any assistance he can provide. Thank you, Ken. >> And and he does these um, very he's very good at what he does and also cooks and

does everything. >> Everything. >> A little if anybody's comes to the center, they know Tim. He has a number of different reasons to like him. >> doing everything. >> He really is and he's he's very

good about it. Okay. >> Actually, I just want to add a few statis- I'm sorry. >> That's okay. That's fine. >> was looking at um, our in-town and out-of-town um, numbers. We have 34.2% in-town

participation and 65.8% out-of-town participation. Yeah, um and last fiscal year, I think we had um, over 1,500 um, sign-ins. So. What else? Let's see. >> I'm not counting all the ones that just don't

sign in. >> That's right. Yeah, if we can catch them, we we're I'm trying to. There are people that just come in and don't sign in, so trying to be aware of that, but difficult. Um, and just to give

you an idea, we're averaging about 60 people every bingo. >> >> Oh, easy. You know, it's it's as I've said many times, bingo is not my thing, but they really talk about they have a wonderful time at

lunches here. They have a wonderful time at bingo. And you know something? That's how it should be. They're >> >> all just about all seniors. They've worked, they've done their part, they raised their

families. Now it's their fun time. So >> >> good luck to them. >> It's good. It is good, yeah. >> It is good. >> We had quite a laugh last week. >> Yeah, yeah. >> I got to call bingo and it >> It was

interesting. >> Yeah. It was interesting. >> Yes. >> Um but other classes such as chair yoga, they're averaging about 40, mid 40 um each fit, you know, each class. Um muscle strength is getting also

around 40 people. Tai chi's um almost 30. So you know, our classes are you know, good numbers. Um sometimes it's not easy when they're in the dining room and uh they're a little crowded. >> It works.

>> Yeah. But they make it work. All right, I think I'm done now. >> Okay, I just want to add one thing about this uh a large majority of people who come out of town is what. Um I kind of look at that

as um a good thing because they feel welcome here. Uh they we get a lot of good feedback from the people who come uh how beautiful our center is, how well lit it is, how nice the staff is. So um you

know, there's two ways of looking at it and I think it's nice to know that they're comfortable here and that's why so many come. And plus we all know um uh exercise classes are at this time still

free. So that's a plus as well. >> Well, and they're a big majority of the volunteers are from out of town. >> Yeah. So there's always a so without them on any subject. >> be successful. That's That's

right. >> There's no restriction on out-of-towners attending. >> Anybody in Massachusetts can go to any >> Well, yes. >> You can go any place in the United States. >> Yes. Yes, they can. >> Yeah. >>

Uh not all people are aware of that, but uh many are starting to learn, especially people who go to Florida will stay for several months in the winter. So, they're starting to realize they can go to

other centers, and I'm sure they're welcome because any center would welcome newcomers, even if it's uh for just a short span of time. >> Okay. So, the key fob, does that manage at any center, or is

it specific for Sutton? Do we know that? >> No, we They can use the same key fob from other centers as long as they have the same system. >> Okay. >> So, they do have to register at the center, and we

just put their same number in. >> Okay. >> But if it's a different system, if it's not My Senior Center, um then it won't work. >> Okay. >> I don't know if that's changed, but early days of going to

Douglas, I sometimes and a few others go to Douglas for um an exercise class, and at one time they said that that was But it wasn't working. Now, that was about a year and a half, 2 years ago. I don't

know if that's changed, but um But it's easy enough. Centers will give you, and they have the same system we >> Yes, they do. >> And uh even some of the people from Douglas who come here, they've

tried it. And again, this goes back some a little bit of time. Maybe it's changed now, but it wasn't >> Um Well, the clue is that you have to give the senior the the um the number on your tag. >> The

number on the tag. >> If I should be able to go to Douglas, which I'm going to try that, and see if I will get get because >> I do I have one for Douglas >> confused when I >> Yeah. >> So, it should

sync if it's the same. >> It's It's the same. It's just that you have to have the same number. >> Each center has to put the number in. So, if they already have a tag, I can take that tag, put that

number into our system, and then it'll work at all the But, if you don't go and have them put it into their computer each place, it's not going to work for you. And I've actually even seen different

tags where I've tried putting that number in, and it has worked. >> Okay. Okay. >> You know, but I still have to input all the information in, and the new tag number, excuse me, in order for it to

scan. >> That's annoying. >> Okay. >> But, it's it's not that bad. It's not that bad. >> Okay. >> You know, and they don't have to fill out a form, you just have to input their number. >> They do They

do have to fill out a form. >> Even though they have a tag from another center. >> Yep, that's in that center's information bank, not mine. And so, and these numbers are really important. We report

these numbers for our grants. >> Okay. >> it's about It's a numbers game. So, >> Yeah, right. >> even though this is a Sutton Senior Center, um the 68 people of percent or 30 whatever it was that's

coming from out of town is crucial for us keeping our >> Yeah, our funding. >> our funding. >> Yes. >> or getting more funding in the future. So, um those numbers matter. And I I'd like to say, you

know, I I would love to see more people come from Sutton. Um I hear that it feels too far away for some people. But, it's not that far. >> It's No, it's not that far. You don't understand. We live

here. >> >> Well, you're fine. Okay. I hate to use up your time. I'm just trying >> No, no, that's No, no, you're new. You want to know. And thank you for even asking. These are important things. >>

Yeah. Okay. >> Cuz I'm sure there are other people who don't know also, and >> Yes. >> so it's good for them to hear also. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> If the WRTA was in Sutton, it'd be better. >> Yeah. >>

We'd have a way of transporting people. >> transporting people, yeah. >> Yeah. >> Is that a thing that can >> No. >> Well, >> >> uh well, Austin has talked about getting a grant for a a van and a van

driver. So, that's something we're looking into. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And also, people can use Elder Bus. They can call Elder Bus and we have a couple people that come every day on Elder Bus. >> >> Yeah.

So, >> I just want to add one other I'm sorry, one other little thing about some of the exercise classes. Sometimes they have to sign a type of a waiver or something to take those classes. I know in

Douglas, we had to a new when a new person goes in there for an exercise class. I don't know is did they do something like that here? >> I don't think so, but let me look into that. >> And maybe

waiver isn't the right word, but it was just something I think because you're you're doing exercise and I suppose the center don't want to be responsible if somebody's [cough] >> >> doing a little bit

too much exercise, but I know there was Did you have to sign something in Douglas? >> I think it might be part part of the registration form when you sign up. >> It might be. It might be. And but you

had gone to Douglas for other things, maybe meals or a program or something where I was my first time going there to for something that they held. So, I had to, but it might be and that was a couple

of years ago. But, okay. All right. So, now we will move on to I'll give a quick friends report. >> I'm just going to throw in another date since you guys were talking about the November. On November

10th, the school will be holding their Veterans Day program. So, I emailed them and asked if they had coordinated with anybody. I know that they're celebrating specifically Mr. Rojotte. Um >> Oh,

nice. >> But, it is on the half day. The program set for 9:00. I can't imagine it would last longer than an hour and the half day will end at 10:30 or maybe we could even see if they have any um

options for transportation like they could run one of their small buses down here or something. So >> oh nice. That's nice. >> That's uh Mr. Levensavage is coordinating that. >> Or a few could carpool

or something. >> Yeah, just I know parking was a problem the last time we had talked about it in here. So I just wanted to give you that date. >> Very good. Thank you for that. Thank you. Okay. >> >>

The quick friends um update. Um right now I just want to mention we do have a raffle. I'm not looking for people to buy more raffle tickets, but I just want to say um what we have it's really nice.

It's two separate two separate baskets, but everything in those baskets were donated by a very generous person. Uh she's very well. She wants to be anonymous uh through this, but um she's very um

dedicated to the senior center and very nice in donating especially theme things for different holidays. She's done this for several years. So um we thank her and it's it's doing well. And the winner

will be chosen this Friday. Um that's pretty much it. Um we don't do uh Christmas bazaars anymore or special day. We don't do chain of lights although it's a wonderful thing. We've done it for years,

but um we still have what we started last year was uh there will still be some um baskets. There will still be things here and there around um the center. Um mostly in the store, but uh we will be

setting up small tables with things. Uh we tend to have one or two um money raffles we call it and um they might be in this a prominent place. Uh but um and it worked out last year. So just for people

out there who want wonder if there's going to be a special day, like a Saturday or something. There's not. But, through starting middle to end of November and through most of December, there will be

all Christmas things available. So. Okay. >> Thank you. >> That's it on the Friends report. So, now we'll proceed to new business. >> Okay. Okay. Does anybody want to talk about the We did a

department status report and I didn't know if anybody had any I think it's interesting discussing that. As it was brought up by uh Joyce that maybe they're looking for um outside the box thinking for

how to um make cuts. But, I don't know if anybody had any comments or thoughts about that. >> I don't know how much we want to go through all of this. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> After a meeting. >> What I

want to know is if you know, we have these two positions open. Has this happened filed yet? Can we even hire anybody? >> I think we're still I guess still talking about it. Um I think Austin wants to

try to have the cafeteria do the cooking. Uh he he's interested in having a grant for the bus driver and a new bus. >> Oh, okay. >> So, um I do think he's he's okay posting the clerical position. So,

hopefully we'll we'll see that soon. >> Good. >> Yeah. >> And he'll be here next week. >> Yeah. >> So, we should ask >> Let us ask him. >> Because he didn't answer our letter. >> Yeah. >> No. >> They

sent a letter. The board sent a letter. >> About? >> Um the hiring, the positions that are Yeah. So. >> I can get you a copy. >> Okay. >> I have some papers for you after. Pertaining to that and other

things as well. >> Okay. Oh, so I I don't need to Do you have the the copy of the letter, too? Just take a look. >> I have some. I have the some of the latest things we've got. I have the emails, I

have copies of those. And everything that you Yeah, I do. >> And I will just give them to We'll get those to you. >> I don't have a problem with that. >> Okay. Is there anything else? Is there

anything else? Any questions? Any >> I sent you out a letter. Um no, I sent you out a tape. >> Okay. >> Um it has to do with the new member. >> Yeah. The best best practices. >> Not really. >> >>

That's a copy of the letter. >> Okay. >> It's just it's as >> Oh, this >> 16. >> Oh, oh my goodness. My bad. I will get you 17. I will get I'm sorry. >> Oh, yeah. >> I thought I >> 13 is I don't know

how that happened. >> Anyway, you you you you got the piece of paper at home. And I gave you yours physically. >> Yeah. >> About orientation package for a new member. >> Yeah. >> What should be

included What >> Yeah. >> And it's just suggestions. We don't have to do that. But did anybody look at the uh the paper? >> Of course. >> I mean, you you sent it to us, and I gave a copy to Barbara.

>> Right. >> Well, I did, too. Well, I I did put together a notebook for you. It has the bylaws, the open meeting, um uh guidelines, conflict of interest, and a guide to the COA. This is also in a

notebook in the front office if anybody wants to look at it, but I made you one to be able to take home and and look at. And then if you want to bring it back, you can be, you know, when you're done,

it can it can be here to be checked out. Um I can try to get that online for everybody if it helps. Um >> I just want to add, um we're not usually negligent when a new member comes on board, but in

his and our own defense, we just found out yesterday that you might be attending the meeting today. Otherwise, everything would have been given to you because you do work at the front desk usually

once a week. So, in our defense, we're very sorry, but we will make it up to you. You and I think um sure you already She already has and I already have a few papers of uh just emails we've gotten

within the last few weeks or days. >> That's fine. >> I'm going to take full responsibility. >> I didn't think you were coming on till after, you know, what you have to do in October. Um so, it's it's

my Oh, it's it's a preview then. >> Yes, it's Well, this is the learning curve. So, when you come back from your operation, we expect you to be one And also cuz you'll have a lot of time in here. But

it's not even >> You know I'm only joking. >> It's not only It's not even uh Janine's uh fault because it's all because your husband, I believe, did say you might be attending or somebody told you

might be. So, that's it. >> You put it in front of my face. >> >> Thank you for that. >> Well, it must be your husband's fault. >> We certainly are. >> We're very glad we are. Very glad. >> >> So, is

there anything else anybody wants to discuss or question? If there's nothing else, we'll close the meeting. >> Are we going to go through the bulletin or are we going to go through that? >> I I kind

of did it in my report. >> Okay. >> I just didn't list it like the what meals we were having, but >> >> you can check out the bulletin. >> It'll be ready so yeah. So, we'll close out the meeting at

10:45. >> I move to move to close the meeting. >> Meeting is closed. >> 9:45.