[Music] [Music] All right. Hello out there and welcome to the Kushna Council on Asian Board of Directors meeting. Today is October 8th, 2025 and we're here at 59 and 1/2 South
Main Street. Don't forget that's 59 and 1/2 or you're going to go to the wrong place. On South Main Street in Aushnet, uh this mean is being video and audio recorded for later broadcast on local channel 18 and on the town of Aushnet's
YouTube channel. We're all stars. We're on the YouTube channel. Okay. I'd like to call the meeting to order. Motion to call the meeting to order, please. We have a motion and second. >> The meeting is I don't have my gavl today, so I'm sorry. You're going to have to use my >> knuckles. >> Okay. Present today are
Lauren Golder who's the director. Hi Lauren. >> Myself, Dan Smith, who's the chair, the vice chair, which is Deborah Reposa. Uh Linda Gilbo, which is secretary. And then we have uh Plet Hudson is here and
Pauline Texera. Um Joan Jerry Holland is excused and Patricia Murerski is excused today. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. Now we have minutes from September 10th which we have a copy of right here. Do we have a motion to approve the minutes from motion to approve? Second.
Okay, that's approved. >> Who seconded it? >> Pauline. Pauline. Okay. >> Okay, folks. We got no mail. There's a lot I could say to make sure we get a lot of mail, but I'm not saying it. Send us some mail. Even if you just watch us and and you think we're doing
good or terrible or whatever, it's fine. Send us some mail. We appreciate that. Okay. The old business, the Kush Council on Asian monthly newsletters delivered throughout businesses in Aushnet. You can find those in many of our wonderful places such as the VFW, the uh
the American Legion, different stores, different shops, different restaurants. They're out there. We have gently used medical equipment and incontinent supplies which are not used available here at the ACOA free of
charge. Now next month is the end of hurricane season. We haven't gotten a single storm this year which is wonderful and we're not going to. So, however, speaking of that, during inclement weather, if the schools are
closed, the council on aging here in Aushnik is also closed for all classes and programs. The director and the custodial staff may be here on site for emergencies, but if the town hall is closed, we are closed.
And a reminder, we have our two outreach specialists, which are Patricia Maderki and Samantha Ortiz. You can telephone them here at the ACOA at 508-9980280 to make an appointment. And they're wonderful. They're doing a great job.
Representative Mark Sylvia will be here the first Monday of every month at 10:00 from 10 to 11:00. And Representative Steve Wlette is here on the first Monday of every month from 11 to 12. The veteran's copy social at the ACA is the
first Tuesday of every month with the veteran service officer Brad Fish from 8:30 to 9:30. And you can contact Brad at 5089980207 extension 4207. And I met Brad a couple of times now. In
fact, uh he sponsored the last little >> cookout >> cookout that we had here for veterans. He's a great great guy. He's filled with knowledge. He comes to us from Fair Haven where he was full-time there. Here he's part-time, but he still works quite a few hours and he's willing to help any
veterans that are out there. So, I recommend you take full advantage of Bradfish, >> but strictly residents. >> I'm sorry. Strictly Yep. That's for the >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. Counseling and psychotherapy clinic with Alexa Manise, who is a
licensed social worker. the second and fourth Tuesday each month by appointment. Contact Alexa directly at her cell phone at 508717 4039. And if you're having any kind of
depression or problems or anxiety or PTSD or anything like that, don't be ashamed to come and see her. Uh those kinds of problems are just the same as if you had a physical problem. If you had a broken arm, you'd go see a doctor. Well, if you have depression or anxiety,
you'd go see someone that can help you. Okay. Motion to approve the old bishop. Old old business. Okay. Motion. >> Seconded. Okay. That's that's accepted. This is my gal today. >> New business. First, we're going to start with updates from everyone's
favorite director, Lauren Golder. You're on. >> All right. And she's very fun. She told the joke earlier. [Laughter] Um, so just some quick updates too on the HVAC system. I know we talked about
that last meeting. Um, it did get the new article um because we had one article that was approved in the spring town meeting. Um, but because so much time had passed from when I initially started getting quotes um and then we had to wait for town meeting and all of that to happen. So by the time when we
were ready to start uh the project, the um quote did expire. So costs did go up. Um so we did have to get an additional article which was approved by the board of selectmen and the finance committee. Um so that'll go to town meeting which will take place on October 27th um which
is a Monday at 7:00. Um and then if that passes at town meeting then we can move forward with the with the project. So I'm hoping that you know we're able to do that. Um we're continuing to monitor the roof. I know that's been an ongoing thing here. Um Matt, the uh maintenance foreman for the town, he actually went
up there the other day and he resealed around the like ventilation pipes. Um some of the silicone or whatever was up there prior, already started to lift. And so just to kind of make sure that we can keep things in good condition for right now. Um he seems to think that that will do the trick. And of course, we talked about the nail that was
removed. We haven't had any leaking since then. So that's a that's a good thing. Um but hopefully um what Matt was able to do will kind of prolong >> the you know the integrity of the roof for now so we don't have any other um issues. >> Um I did want to mention too I think it's important sometimes I think we
forget about the transportation that we offer. Um the drivers are uh they do keep up with their training. So the drivers do have a defensive driving training on October 29th. So that'll be at the Rochester COA. Um of course because all of the COAs that do provide transportation also need to keep up with
their training. So, I just thought it was important to mention that um the guys do um continue their training. Um and I'm also working on uh first aid and CPR which is required um especially with the grant that we have with the state for the smaller minivan. That's part of
the requirement for the the grant to, you know, keep up with with all of those. So, I was just speaking with um Chief Farland um to have him come in and do some CPR first aid training. I myself want to um you know, have a a refresher. I've done it in the past, but it's always good to have a refresh and I
would offer it to any of the staff that we have here um in addition to the drivers. So, I just wanted to mention that. Um and a little special shout out. Um Fair Haven had posted a really nice post on their Facebook page. Um they were having their parking lot paved and
um because they host the social day program that's important that folks can still go in and receive their services. So, we opened up our doors to them and we shared our space with them the other day. So they came in on October 1st and then they'll be here again on Friday uh this coming Friday the 10th. So it was really nice to just kind of collaborate
and Martha was here the director there and just to kind of keep that relationship with them. But I thought it was important to you know to note that >> we have friendly neighbors. So um >> but I just wanted to mention that they were really excited that they could continue on with their social day which is important. So >> that's kind of it.
>> Thank you Lauren. I appreciate that. Speaking of friendly neighbors, PJ Keing, who is a great sponsor of of the Christian Council on Nation, he does a lot for us and we very much appreciate it. He's doing tours of his quarry, uh, which will be on Tuesday, October 21st
at 10:00 and reservations are required. So, if you'd like to tour the quarry, you might even see Fred Flintstone there. Who knows? If you'd like to tour the quarry, just contact the Krishna Council on Asian here and uh and uh make an appointment for that. That's going to be on October 21st at 10 o'clock.
>> I did want to just mention, I mentioned it briefly before the meeting. I do apologize that that wasn't in the newsletter. I was approached already once we put in for um printing, so I wasn't able to get that in the newsletter, but we did uh draft up some flyers and it was posted on the Facebook page. So, um I know folks take our
posting very seriously. Um but we just wanted to make sure that everyone's aware of what they're hosting. So, it's a great great opportunity to get over there. >> Thank you. I'd like to see that. >> It was a great tour last year. People raved about it. >> I wonder if they have dinosaurs down
there. >> Maybe. >> I saw one. >> I love you. Mississippi. I have a very old >> the caveman. Yeah. >> The American Red Cross and the Aishna
Police Department are shape. >> I am. >> They got me again. The uh the American Red Cross and the Aishna Police Department are having a community blood drive right here at the Kushna Council on Aging. Uh, this will be on Wednesday,
October 29th, 2025 from 12:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Everybody always needs blood. It's it's it's a great thing to do. I think I want to come and get some of mine if they'll take it. So, uh, so so bear that in mind, folks. It's right here at the
Krishna Calon Agent, 59 and 1/2 South Main Street in Nushna. And that's October 29th from 12:15 to 4:15. And improve your hearing by cotton swabs.
Complimentary hearing screening, hearing aid cleaning, video ear exam. Fridays, October 10th, November 14th, December 12th, right here at the official Council on Aging from 1:00 p.m. to 3 p.m. The phone number here is 5089980280.
And you have to call to schedule that. So, please make sure you call Old Colony RVTS. What does that mean? >> Regional Vocational Technology. >> Oh, the school. Okay. building project community forum at the Arishna Council on Asian Tuesday,
October 7th. That's probably yesterday. >> That is >> so scratch that >> but that um that will be up for a vote I believe through like the 10th. So there's looking for approval to for the new school project. Um so they were here
to um kind of inform the community of they're going along to the all the other uh surrounding towns of the students that the schools that they go to. Um, so they they popped in just to >> Are they actually knocking down the old >> I don't know. I keep joking that it's
>> because isn't it 350 million? It's a lot of lot of money. >> Something crazy. >> I don't I don't even know. >> I joke that it's the new colony. Old colony versus the new colony. I don't know much about the project myself. >> My son graduated from there and my nephew was a teacher there, so I know a little bit about it. >> Yeah. Yeah. Well, I I went there, too. I
just I don't know much about the project itself, but I do know about the school, but I'm not sure if they're going to knock down the school or what they are. >> I think they going to be a few years, so I have to figure they're going to keep that open until long built.
>> That's what I would assume. >> Okay. Um, we have a loneliness and isolation support group here. And this is really important because I can't think of much that's worse than being alone all the time. and you know feel like you want to jump out of your skin.
Um we have a lot of programs here at the uh Kushnet Council on Aging that you can come to and not be alone. But if if you feel like you need a support group, Alexa Manise has one every other Thursday from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. That
would be October 7th, October 21st, November 4th, November 18th, and December 9th. So, if you're feeling like you're really, you know, alone and feel kind of desperate and you want to try to get some something off your off your
mind or whatever, come in and see Alexa. Okay. Caret, help me out again. >> So, the car fit, uh, it's through South Coast, the trauma center. Uh what they do is they have a team that comes in and they from what I understand they observe
you and your car and they'll make suggestions as far as your mirrors and how to you know determine your blind spots and um the position of your your seat. Um >> cool. >> Do they wash the car? >> No. >> Anyway, caret here at the Council on
Aging. >> John like stop it now. Um that's going to be Thursday, October 16th from 9 to 12. I'm assuming that's 9:00 a.m. to 12. Yes. >> Okay. Medicare open enrollment. It's that time of year, folks. You're going to be seeing all kinds of commercials on
TV and people calling you and bugging you and all that. Uh however, if you want to look at the different types of options you would have under Medicare, it is open enrollment from October 15th to December 7th. Uh you can compare benefits. There'll be shine counselors
available here at the ACOA. Uh you can call and schedule an appointment. So, if you feel like you're not getting enough out of the Medicare benefits that you have, please feel free to call and make an appointment for that nutrition demonstration with Barbara Canuel. Did I pronounce that correctly? That's going
to be Wednesday, October 15th at 12:30. We have a diabetes series with Barbara Canuel. Uh, Wednesdays at 1 p.m. October 22nd, November 12th, and December 10th, we have a Halloween bingo party. Now, I
know Linda's going to go to that. >> No, >> I don't have a costume. >> Okay. Oh, is it costume? >> Costumes encourage. Okay. Halloween bingo party, Thursday, October 30th. That's the day before Halloween. The doors open at 12:00. Games begin at
1:00. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Oh, maybe I will come. >> You don't have to wear a costume. >> Okay. >> Okay. And the Christian Council on Asian travel program. Again, I want to give you our phone number here. The Christian
Council on Aging is 5089980280. And we have fall trips for you to sign up. We have the Cape Cod Lunchon Train and Foliage Tour. That's going to be Wednesday, October 15th. That sounds good. >> It does sound nice. the Mesal Luna Buzzard's Bay lunch trip. That's going
to be October 16th, which is a Thursday. We have the Autumn Mystery Bus Tour. And it's a mystery, so I can't tell you too much more. It's on Wednesday, November 5th. The big one, Foxwoods Casino, Thursday, November 13th,
excuse me. And finally, the Newport Playhouse, Sunday, December 7th. And we'd like to make you aware that all of the events that take place regularly here at the accoa flyers are always available well in advance at the front
desk on the bulletin board facing the front desk and also throughout our community here in Aushna. Do I have a motion to approve the new business? We have a motion. Do I have a second? We have a second. Please visit the following websites. the
Krishna Council on Aging, Krishnet Library, a Krishna cultural council which can be found on the town of a Kushnet website. >> Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, November 12th. Can you believe already almost the end of the year? We're going
into 2026. >> Yes. >> Our next meeting will be Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. right here at the Council on Aging. And do I have a motion to adjourn this meeting if we have no other information to Okay.
And second. >> Okay. >> We are adjourned. [Music] [Music]