Recording in progress. Joe, you look good. >> Better ready when you are. >> Okay. Uh it's 11:30. Uh call to order. We'll do the pledge of allegiance. Mary teacher
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 have a few announcements. Uh,
this meeting is being recorded by the local scene. Anyone intending to make an audio or video recording of this meeting should notify the chair at this time. There are a few volunteer opportunities at the Council on Aging, including but not limited to Meals on Wheels drivers
and cafe help. If you are interested in any of these or would just like to volunteer in general, please reach out to the director of the COA. Another thing, the annual town election will be held on Saturday, May 16th at
the Kingston Elementary School cafeteria. Election day polling hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p p.m. Also, the annual town meeting will be held on Saturday, June 6th at the Kingston Intermediate
School Auditorium starting at 9:00 a.m. I want to mention that Oolony Elder Services is looking for a Kingston representative for the OCE board director position. the election held
June 23rd 26 for the new fiscal year. Per OCE bylaws, the select board is invited to nominate one representative to this board considering recommendations from the council on aging. O colony
elderly service is required to have majority of board directors 60 years or older currently recruiting directors of this age. If interested, call Holly Nelli, director, Kingston Council on
Aging at 781-58511. And one last thing, for those who wish to contact the COA advisory board, please note our email coa-ab kingston mass.gov. Is there anybody here for open forum?
Okay. Um, regarding the minutes from April 14th, 26th, any questions? >> Does anyone want to make a motion? >> Motion accept. >> Anybody second?
>> April 14th. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Next item. Business one. We have our guest speaker today, Ian Marie. Is it Stasinos? >> Stasinos. >> Sassinos, the town of Kingston public
health nurse. >> So, >> um, you want to talk about, um, how the blood pressure clinics are going or >> Yeah, sure. >> any epidemics in town issues
>> right now. That's good. So, um, yes, I've been doing the weekly blood pressure clinics here at the COA, 10:30 to 11:30 on Thursdays, and that's, uh, that's gone well. I've had multiple people return to get their blood pressure and blood glucose checked. Um,
so you can do that as well. and a lot of people looking for, you know, dietary information, um, like healthy choices, low sugar, no solid vitamins and that sort. Um, so I think it's been helpful for them to have a opportunity to come
in and get that check, keep track of it, and be able to share with their providers, you know, primary care and specialists and such. Um then so the epidemic I guess if you call it
the tick tick epidemic um but I think that's kind of all over New England at this point in time. It's a tick season. Um so I think um just making sure that people are educated, checking for ticks daily is probably the most important thing anybody can do as far as that
goes. Um I can provide more information um and some visuals because there is the lone star tick that is come up this way. Um they call it the white spot on its back for the um female adult. So if
anybody wants to see a picture I can provide those to people. Um the cards I think from the DPH that we had before don't have the new um the new picture of that specific ton. It's just the deer and chicken.
>> Yeah, it's a deer tick and it has that >> Yeah. Well, yeah. Yeah. So, it's And um so that can >> do they give um Do they give antibiotics for that anymore? They used to give you if you had
>> they recommend that if you've had a tick in bedded for like 72 hours that they can or they might. It's up to the physician and I believe the person that they could do prophylactic antibiotics, but I think
now um there the testing is pretty accessible. Um but you know the more time that the tick is on you the higher the risk of transmitting a disease. So check them off quickly. squeezers,
a lot of information. Um, URI has a really good chicken counter websites that you can get through to through the DPC websites and they will show you the images as well if people are looking for information on >> and I know that we have a few tick kits courtesy of the board of health. Do you
still have some of those or are they kind >> Um, we do have them. They're available. um if want to come in, they can pick up one per family over at the health office. And um if we >> use it, >> it's a small pouch. It has um some fine
tip tweezers um so that we can get right to the head of the tick to pull out. That's the way they recommend to do it. also has some magnifying glass which is very helpful because um and then there's also some alcohol bandaids and a collection bag. >> Yep.
>> And so we don't test in town, but there are places that will test if you send it to them. Um and those links can be found on the DPH website. >> Yeah. Do you know you're supposed to squash the tick before you remove it?
Like kill it the pins release. >> I don't know if that's recommended. Um they say just to get as close to as you can to the head because I think the concern with squishing it is that it might force their saliva, but they're so
fly. How would you squish it? >> I've always squished them before. I've removed them from my gloves. >> Really? I burn the sun. My dad used to use Lucy. My dad used to use a match. >> Oh, I take it off first and then I throw
it on. >> You want to be on my C? No. >> Stop. >> What are the symptoms? Is it similar to the others or worse? >> So, the concern with that one right now is um it's called Alpha Gal syndrome. So, it's actually an allergy to red meat
or products. Um, so it's still fairly new. We just started tracking it in the um the mass haven um recently trying to get a better idea where the pieces are, what's going on, and what um what it is.
But essentially, it can be a mild to severe anaphylactic reaction to red meat or >> we don't want you eating >> animal products. and they can start, you know, six months after
the bite. Um, or >> sooner or later, but it's um generally I want to say like six to eight hours after you eat the meal, if it's the minor um reaction, then you'll start to get nauseous, not feel well. Um some
people, if they have it more severe, would get hives or have an anaphylactic reaction. Um And then if they are in that uh category, there's also a concern for certain medications or products or
vaccines that may contain that they should not have. >> So it's definitely something that should be followed closely with their physician. Um if they test positive for it, then they'll be, you know, educated very on what they should and should
know. >> What does spraying do? like everybody's out there have with pest controls. Does that help? >> It can for that um that location. Um it can I mean if they're using tick specific products then it can kill the
ticks in that area. >> You spray the bar >> but they're you know they're constantly moving um and traveling on on there. >> They have chickens too. They love them, >> you know. Yeah, we love the chickens out here.
I think that's something that would have to be >> So they spray the perimeter >> of the property where it meets the woods. >> Yeah. Because they that's the area that the ticks like to kind of hang out is like the dead leaves on the ground, the brush, things of that sort. Um so they
do say to if you're going to go somewhere, you know that there may be ticks, try to stay on the path, open areas, and um wear long sleeves, long pants and light colors. socks. You can tuck your pants in to your socks if
you're concerned. Um, and then I did read recently that if you are out and you think you might have ticks on your clothes, you can put them in the dryer for 30 minutes on high or you wash them and that supposed to kill them. Um, so I read that on the site if you're
concerned. And if you do go out, um, just either do that or put your clothes directly into the wash because if you leave them on the hamper and the text on them, they could crawl >> throughout your house. >> Nice. >> Um, there are state sponsored mosquito spraying. Is there state sponsored
spraying for the ticks? >> I would have to look into that and get back to you. I'm not sure about that, but I can find out. I don't know if what they use for the mosquitoes does affect the tips as well. Um, some do vote, but I'm not sure what the state
uses. I can ask anything. >> Is there a particular spray for to spray on the body that you recommend more than others? So, if you're doing it on your body, they recommend D. Um, double check, but I think 30% um
>> it's the green te >> on the skin or and then they have meth, which you can do on clothing only, not your skin. They do recommend using deep on yourself. Methin can last a couple of
washes on clothes and that will and shoes and that will protect you from Do you find Okay. Oh, I'm sorry. Um, working in your department, you've had any challenges? >> Um, yes. I think getting
getting to know all the different departments and all the different resources in town because there are a lot of resources in Kingston and just trying to figure out, you know, what's available for for who and how we can help. I guess it's just getting familiar
with it. I was just going to say Annie's been great ever since she started. Um we we've been able to expand the services that we're providing here. >> It's every Thursday now. >> It's every Thursday. Exactly. So it used
to be the blood pressure clinics used to be every other Thursday and sometimes we we would get off schedule for whatever reason and Annie came in and was like why can't we do it every week? I said I'd love to have you here every week. So providing that consistency and that reliability for people to have that the
weekly check-in. There's a card that she gives them. um they hang on to it and like she said that's what they use to consult with their providers to say hey this this is my me tracking it but it's also a check-in for them and for you to
say this is not your normal range you know >> um checking medications talking with them about that the glucose >> again just providing that continuity >> and even if you have a question because I questioned her on a couple of things couple of weeks ago and you were a good
help you know calling me to help. >> Yeah, thank you. >> Yeah. Um she's been great about providing information uh timely uh important information to our newsletter. Um so stuff about the national healthcare decisions month which she was
involved with Jenny last month to provide materials for um just things about the season staying hydrated providing information to our newsletter which obviously gives a broader reach than just the people that see her every Thursday to do the blood pressure. So uh
she's been a great resource to us and constantly has ideas and information to share. So I for one appreciate that and you've just sort of jumped in and been made yourself available to us into the seats.
>> Well, it's a tough tough position and Melissa knows she's a nurse. You guys might have similar backgrounds. Uh so, it's it's not easy, but it's important. Appreciate it. So, she's she's been great. >> Thank you. Thank you. What was the name
of that tick? >> Um Oh, the lone star tick. >> Okay. >> And we did post um pictures on the public Easter public health website of the ticks um with a QR code that can bring you to that ticking counter website that I was talking about. So
that can and I think it's also on our web page. And you guys must work with um the Perth County mosquito um like Blake and >> Yes. Um Joyce um Joyce works with I haven't yet
>> he's like the tick expert here a while ago and um knowledgeable. >> It's a good resource. >> Out of curiosity, do they spray around here? >> Uh fair question. Yes. Plymouth County Mosquito
proper name. Uh they do aerial spraying uh maybe once a month or I'm not sure what their schedule is, but I know that we get alerts when they're starting to come out to do that. So now probably is the time where they start. I think they do it overnight or like in the early
hours, you know, 5:00 a.m. or something. >> Um >> but yeah, all of the towns have to be sprayed along the ground so they're not Well, there's nothing that's going to stop the ticks. They're on the They're
on the deer and they're on the animals. So, you're always >> Well, to keep them away from the property. >> Well, there's a spray that you can you can attach to your hose and spray your yard and it's a tick repellent thing. We use that in the backyard. >> Yeah, like Ing said, I'm not sure what
the uh Yeah, the you know, >> cocktail of spray, but if it includes ticks and mosquitoes. Um, but I know that that's what they they deal with. So again, because it's a a a county sponsored thing versus a private company
who may have a different blend of what they use, I'm not sure if it to your point, I think just directly impacts mosquitoes and not ticks is what you're saying because it's not going around like the perimeter of people's buildings. >> But because we have the woods around
here, but the town scraper ticks around here. Are you going in the woods again? >> Not yet. >> I have too many hours. >> Trails to your point, conservation areas
that you go walking in. Um, but I think, you know, reiterating the point of staying in the >> what's cut uh the lowlying stuff, not sort of expanding out into the um deep brush and the thick leaves. You'd be surprised even brushing on a bush as
you're walking on the wooden things that they have for the walks. I know one day we um our daughter-in-law, myself and my son went on a nature walk. We got in the car, we were loaded with ticks. This isn't recently. This happened a while ago.
>> But it doesn't matter where you are. It's I I always spray the kids shoes before they go outside. >> Yeah, this is help because they're there. And uh you just have to check every single night, you know, even yourself behind your ears
>> and being in your own garden. >> Yeah. >> You know, the crescent, everything, everything that >> And then comes the mosquitoes, right? >> Mosquito. >> I always look at the signs out front. >> Wait a minute. For mosquitoes. >> At the end of the summer, you see the
>> But that has to be here. Yeah. So, um, >> and then other scary things >> that usually comes up. >> Yeah, they test for the they test the mosquitoes. They go out and capture samples and test them just to see what's
probably in each season. >> We can we got chickens. >> Yeah, you can use my chickens. We met the mob blast yesterday just to go eat the free range, you know. >> Thank you for joining us. We appreciate it. >> I appreciate you being here. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> And we have uh if anybody needs to contact Annie directly, we have your email address, phone number, so >> Yeah. >> Thank you. All right. Uh, business number two, agent dementia working group uh, livable kinks action
plan survey update. Paulie, are you going to cover that on your report? >> Yes. Okay. >> Business number three, I want to congratulate Melissa Clemens uh, being appointed to our board. Uh, it was last Tuesday, May 5th, at the select board
meeting and now you're sworn in and >> Yes. >> Well, they saw you saw Thank you. >> See you Thursday. >> So, you're all set to go. Thank you. >> And it's effective immediately. >> See you Thursday.
>> Have a good day. >> Anybody any questions or you have any questions? >> Welcome aboard. >> I second that. Welcome. >> Yes. makeup. She's at it. >> Let me now Harley direct his report.
>> Sure. >> Uh so you all have a copy of my director. Um just quickly the programs for this month. Um and actually there's a on the second page sort of gives maybe a little bit more in depth but uh our frankly
speaking presentation we held a mother's day breakfast last week uh for about 85 people between 85 and 90 people were in that um an iPhone class that was held yesterday. Our local history
presentation with Nick Culus. Uh our community cupboard which I'll talk about as well. We have one tomorrow and then uh the 27th afternoon at the movies, train your brain, craft classes, watercolor painting, our health and
safety expo which can talk about in sing. Uh so the working group for liable Kingston met on May 4th, last Monday and the guest speakers were Charlie Kilmer, deputy director and transportation
program manager. uh as well as David Klene the administrator on the area aging area agency on aging both of old planning old colony planning council Charlie talked about some of the projects that have been identified in Kingston through OCPC's transportation
improvement program one being the route 3A route 53 ramp intersection uh as well as the town's complete streets plan which is updated every four years and the last one was done in 2026. So, it's
due to be redone this year. David provided information on ride shares that are available and resources for older adults to utilize uh outside of COA transportation program such as TPP taking people places and the
Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative. I anticipate being able to present a draft plan to the board of Suggman at a meeting uh either later this month or more likely early June uh after our June meeting.
Um so the we the four areas that we had identified this was the third area that we had a specialist speak on which was the transportation. So, uh, it was good to talk about, you know, not just transportation as we know it,
meaning from a council on aging perspective and our our ban, but transportation in general of the of the streets and the roads within the community that you live in. Um, so, uh, our community cupboard, as I
mentioned, we held three community cupboards in the month of April, and we saw a total of 87 people come through for food items. Uh, in comparison, the last month that we offered the bag and go program, which was the pickup bags that people drove uh, and were handed
off, we handed out 40 bags. So, we're doing double double the amount of people >> receiving. And that was the bag and go was every week. Uh, obviously this is every other week. In April, we have three Wednesdays that we held. I think
for the rest of the month there's only two Wednesdays, but still the numbers are um are increasing each time we held it. If >> there were people who needed assistance, they could always come in here. Right.
So then the amount of food that we're getting from Sashore Community Action Council and that we're able to supplement to through uh donations of gift cards that we're able to get things from the local grocery stores. >> Anything that is not distributed on that day goes back into our pantry. So we
have it here. If someone were to come in on a day that is not absolutely important, we can always put together a bag. There have been occasions where we've had to send stuff out on the banks to people who are homebound um that need a little bit extra. We can put together a bag and we can send that out. >> Sounds good to know.
>> We have the resources here. Yes, absolutely. In addition to the breads and sweets that we get um from the um grocery stores every day. >> Yeah. >> Uh Jenny has provided an outreach chart
uh for the top 10 areas of assistance that were provided in April. Uh again, one of the big things that she and Annie worked on in April was the National Healthcare Decisions Month. They have a table set up for that. Um, but it's, you know, monthto month it changes what what
the what the occurrences are that she's seeing. Uh, this month housing assistance was a big one. I'm sorry for April housing was the big one. So can look through those.
Um transportation in the month of April, we provided 398 rides through our transportation program and we have four new riders. Um after Carrie joined us for the advisory board meeting, Patty and I attended a Gatric training with
Gatra administration. with virtual training two hours uh on reporting and updates to reimbursement requisitions, stat of staff and the upcoming contracts for the new fiscal year. So uh this month, I'm sorry, between this month and
next month, the new contract will be coming up in the new budget for Gatra, which uh the COA director signs off on and then the town administrator signs off on. So, we're working through those numbers um within the next few weeks.
And in April, the cafe served 469 meals, which is great. Uh and just reminders, as you mentioned earlier, Donna, about the town election, which is this Saturday, and the town meeting, which is June 2, I'm sorry, June 6th. K.
Uh, I did just include uh you'll see here the the flyer that has the QR code. This was one of the projects that I was mentioning that um OCPC is working on uh on June 2nd. That's why I had that date in mind. They're doing a public hearing
um to discuss that project for the Route 33A Turmont Street intersection. So, they want public comment. They want people's input. Um, and so there's a link to that and the QR code um,
if people would like to attend that public hearing. >> One question of programs, uh, is that still on the friends te? >> Yes, their tea is on Monday the 18th. So, they'll all be making their goods.
>> Yes. I'm not sure. I haven't seen their signup sheet. I imagine if it's anything like their normal ones. It's probably full. I can't I shouldn't I don't know how many people have signed up. Uh but they'll be utilizing the uh grand room on Monday afternoon for their for their
tea. >> Are you baking, Lucy? >> I didn't think we could bake anymore. Uh I wasn't at I wasn't able to attend the friend's meeting on Friday because I was away, but uh it's my understanding that they are making their own.
>> So do they have to put down everything that's in in it? >> Yes. >> So that still stands? >> No, I'm not baking. >> Yeah, it's a lot. Um, and one of the things on uh the first page that Stacy
had provided um is on June 17th we'll be having the program Dementia Live. >> Oh, I want that. Yeah, >> that was something that had come up at a couple meetings ago and the program and so that's going to be >> I just had a woman come up to me last
week that her husband is she just well she's known it's been coming but it's getting a little bit tough on her. And I told her that >> at the point I didn't know that we were having a program. I told her that to get in contact with COA. She did not
understand that you could go to anyone. >> Oh, okay. >> You know, I said and look and see if they have a program, but I'll see her Friday. >> Great. and I'll tell her about >> Yeah, we just got that on the books off >> because she it's, you know, we worry about the people who have the dementia, but the people that are taking care of
the ones >> that have it, >> they go through an awful lot too, you know, the stress. >> Yes, that's good. I'm glad that that's here. >> Yes. And this program specifically um it gives you know the description is that
it helps individuals experience the sensory and cognitive challenges faced by people living with dementia. So um it kind of gives you that >> and you don't realize what the person who has dementia is going through either, right? So you got to see through sides of it >> what this program is geared towards. So
we'll have more information about signups for that in your June newsletter. Another question. >> We have that um >> the 29th the expo. Do you need do you need a our assistance? >> So the health and safety expo is going
to basically take over the whole center. Um we have vendors and uh partners that will be setting up tables to give information, handouts, uh resources. And so one of the things that I had mentioned was that if any of the advisory board members wanted to
volunteer that morning just to help with sort of wayfinding like, oh, I'm here from ABC company. Oh, okay. You're table number uh 14. You're going to be in the back room. You know, just sort of that kind of stuff. Uh you need access to an electrical outlet. Um um we'll have the
tables all set up, which is sort of wayfinding and helping people around. >> So you do need some help. So come here. >> Like your your help to arrive. Um, anywhere between 9 and 9:30 would be ideal. >> Totally get it.
>> Uh, the So, the event runs 10 to 12. Um, and I think we're going to have I think we told vendors they can start setting up at 9:00. >> Okay. So, >> yeah. Okay. >> Would be good if anybody's available. Um, we're all the staff will be here that day, but just
>> extra. We'll come. We'll make oursel useful, I'm sure. >> And stay too. So, I mean, participate in it. Obviously, um, it's what it's geared towards. So, >> we'll get a lot of great a lot of good information. >> Okay. Great. Thank you.
>> That's on the 29th. >> Okay. Okay. >> And we did it on Friday knowing that town hall is closed. So we'll be able to >> So anything else or >> that's all from me? Yeah. Thank you. >> I don't have too much, but I I just want
to mention I've attached to your package a contact list >> and your name is spelled right. >> Oh, I didn't even spell it. I just look it over when you get a chance just to make sure I get all the right
information, any changes that need to be made. >> Um, just want to mention uh I'm I hope everybody's relaxed with our board and when we vote, you know, we all have our opinions, you
know, some agree with things, some not, but everybody's entitled to have their own voice. uh and anything personal differences put aside and just you know we're focusing on the COA and I'm sure everybody understands that
but everybody should be relaxed you know having their voice and their personal opinion um and I think after experience on the board it's nice for everybody to be able to take on the role of positions
uh help out um you you know, with time. Um, I I want to mention next month will be the election for the officers. And if anybody wants to throw their hat in the ring, uh, I would like
to step down from chair. >> You can. >> Um, and maybe have another, uh, help. >> I'd be interested in doing that. And I >> as long as a good mentor, >> I would be okay with uh vice chair and doing secretary and could preside when
needed, you know. But I just wanted to throw that out there. Think about it and everybody's aware that you're interested. >> Very much so. >> So, um, we can have our vote in June. >> Okay.
>> Anybody any questions? Um it's going to be >> so I want to mention another thing under old business. Uh one of the old business items regarding caring for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients will be discussed again at an upcoming advisory board
meeting. uh and we hope to have maybe uh more discussion, possible guest speakers and any other related information to present along with this group discussion because I know I've been asked to um and
it's such a sub important subject matter >> for the benefit of all. I'm going through it. I mean I'm sure there's others >> and uh we got to keep the caregivers going too. You do because without them >> but you also have to realize that what
you're going through the people with the dementia know it there's both two sides to every point and it's tough to >> but it will you know we can move it to a further you know future meeting >> happening to younger people
>> and expand >> old it's you know the dementia is hitting some young people >> my sister. Well, she has passed, but she was 66
when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. >> Yeah. >> What we went through with her >> and she died when she was 73. >> Yeah. >> It's that's that's sad. >> But it's also hard on the person >> be hard on the person who's taking care
of them. >> Oh, yeah. You know, and that's why you have to learn how to take care of yourself and take that time. >> Donna, >> I think they call I think they call it burnout. >> Yes, they do. >> A real thing.
>> So, and it's so well aware now, like I said, that woman came up to me. She goes, "Oh my god, I don't know." I said, "We'll find something for you, but I'm glad that we're going to have something." >> I think it's it's good. >> Expand on it. Yeah,
definitely. >> So, anybody to be remembered this month? >> Uh, yes. Silia Robinson. >> Oh, yes. Sia Robinson. >> Sylvia. Yeah.
>> Emily. >> Uh, Emily Shrath. She was a bingo player. >> So, those two. Emily, did she come with the ladies from Toronto that used to sit in the back? >> I didn't know that she was that ill. >> I didn't
>> I don't know if she want to see them. >> I'll talk to the ladies. >> Anything else or Okay. Okay. Um, next regular meeting will be held on June 9th, 11:30 here at the COA. The time now is 12:06. Does anyone want
to make a motion to adjurnn? Make a motion to adjurnn. >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Disconnected.