I'm going to call you all set. >> Okay. I just want to make sure she was all set. >> She's still there. We haven't put her to sleep. Oh, >> really? >> All right. Good morning, everybody. Happy New Year. >> Happy New Year. >> I'm calling this meeting to order. Uh by that clock, it's at 9:04 a.m. on January
13th. And our first um item after calling to order is our pledge of allegiance. So could you rise and join? Please. >> I pledge aliance 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. Thank you. Oops. All right. and we're not used to the week. >> I know the thing goes out when you're on the floor.
>> Okay. So, um we now have the minutes of our December meeting. Thank you for sending them out ahead of time. Um Beverly, I hope everybody had a chance to read through. >> Cindy, you did not
>> No, she said she's she's she's got them at home. >> You have them at home? Okay. You're at home? >> Yeah. >> It's okay. All right. on my iPad. >> It's all right. >> I read them. Honey, do you want to read a copy of mine? >> I I I was going to give her a copy. She said she was all set. Okay. >> She said, "Thank you."
>> Any comments or suggestions, updates, corrections? >> I have a correction. >> Yes. >> Um I don't know if it needs to be documented that I participated remotely on that. >> I don't think so. I don't know because your name's up here on present as
present as attended. Okay. >> But I think whether you attend remotely or not, I don't think we have to document that. As far as I know, if if I'm mistaken, I'm sure somebody will let me know. >> But I don't believe so. >> According to Robert's rules, no, I don't know what the state requires. >> I'm sure somebody will let us know if
the state requires. >> Um, but we do know that Lisa was present >> and keeping her germs for myself. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Hearing no corrections or suggestions other than
Lisa's um comment of um her remote. Uh anything else? Okay. Do I have a motion to accept? >> Uh I move to accept. >> I second. >> Any second? All right. All in favor?
>> I Any no opposition? So we can move on. Our next item is our treasures report. you have. >> Okay. I passed out the oldfashioned one and I've got a new one. I tried to see
if people want it. This is because I can't make the report that I make because I don't get the second page of the cumulative report. I need the cumulative report to do all of that.
>> Okay. So, I tried something different and see if anybody likes it. If not, then I won't do it. I'll just keep >> Okay. Would you walk us through then what we what you've given us this morning, please? >> Okay. The first two are um your November
and December. You know, the normal one that the page one of two page two and three. >> Mhm. >> November and December. >> Gotcha. Okay. They're updated because things came in, journal entries were made, and it changed everything when I
got the new reports. >> So, I changed them for everybody to have the updated ones. >> All right. >> Um, the one for December, >> this is updated because the information what came in after our meeting. That's right. >> After.
All right. >> I see. >> Mhm. >> Gotcha. And in the December one, we we we're looking for journal entry. We're still looking for a journal entry from you >> for the AR. >> Yeah. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. Yeah. So, it's still not in the >> Okay. So, >> and then the scholarship, you probably have to do that. >> So, >> I just did the scholarship for December yesterday. >> Okay. >> Cuz I was waiting to get the stuff from Ann. >> Well, I got the stuff Monday from Oh, so
>> there. Okay. I wasn't done yet. >> Okay. >> Um, so >> this is as of Monday. >> So I will update and send you all on computer the updated one when I get the rest of the information that coming after this meeting. But for the December
one, I I changed it just to the month like we were doing before for that one so that you see what's happening in a month, >> you know, >> and time. >> Yep. Yep. And I don't know if you want
this to do January, February, you know, each month >> uh instead of just doing this >> this report. This tells what what we spent out of every account. That's all I can do with what I
>> Okay. So, let give us a moment would you to to look at this. Well, >> so this is this page that you gave us just now. >> Yep. is is as of December 31st from each of the
accounts. Gotcha. All right. >> It actually starts out with the ending balance or the starting balance July 1st, right? >> So that you know what our accounts had, >> right? >> And then I did December revenue, >> right? >> December wages and December expenses
what we use and the balance. Now, >> so is it safe to say, Muriel, that on a monthly basis those numbers will change based on what we're spending? >> Yeah. >> And so it I think it would be nice to see it on a monthly basis. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. I think it's >> And each month it would show and then
the cumulative would go down. Yeah. >> And then if we had any questions based on an expense, we could ask at that time >> and then it correlates with Bev's report usually of of what's gone on for the month. >> Yes. The director's report. the direct
>> my director's report. Yeah. Yeah. >> When I say that we either we got a >> whatever the activity was >> we got financing in we spent money what it was. >> Yeah. That's great. >> Okay. Okay. >> That was helpful to to see it I think in
terms of the different grants. So that's helpful. And if you like it, I will produce November so you have a, you know, and send it to you on the computer and you can look at it if you want so you can see the months cuz I tell you how many pay periods cuz it changes.
>> Yeah. Right. >> Different months. There's three, there's two. It helps to see how much we spend, what money comes in. >> Can you keep it that font? Because I can read it. >> Yeah, >> I can't read the other words.
>> I know. Yeah, it it is true. I'm sorry. I just can't. So, that's perfect for me. >> Right. I would I would say if you could, you know, take the of the um the first one that you have um >> and you need it small because you got so many colors. Of course, this makes sense
because it breaks it down by by in the um income income, wages, revenue, and expenses. Yeah. Yeah. Um >> and that all equals if you um >> look at it it all equals but you have to
>> in other words this is cumulative this is monthly. >> Yes. >> Right. >> Right. >> But you can always refer from cumulative to monthly because the numbers will >> right >> will show the progression. >> Well you've got to take
minus December minus November will give you your revenue. >> Mhm. >> Right. Yeah. I like it better this way. It's easier. That's what I figured. >> It's one month. >> Yeah. I think I think that that's what we're looking at. >> The issue comes up over and over again is that um this is great. It's it's hard
to maybe explain to others. But I think, you know, it's a learning process for us as well because we don't deal with this every day. Um so this is helpful. But I think part of the issue is that when one month ends, it's not like it stops and
it gets something a bill gets held over till or or an item gets held over to the next month. I mean you are um suggesting when you put your um sheets together, your reports together
that it goes back. So some of the information basis it's on a cash >> on a cash basis but I think that that um >> that's something unless you're used to accounting or like >> at the end of the month when we we meet this you know we're meeting at what the
10th of the month 11th of the month >> somewhere on you know it just holidays and with mail and and so a lot of times it's not >> precisely 100% >> and and I think that >> we have been asking for a higher level
um not necessarily like down to the penny but just trends so that we can explain to people like yes we have these funds but it doesn't cover X Y and Z or whatever. So this is very helpful. >> Yeah. And if you look at the balances,
our uh transportation is um a little bit higher because you're charging >> a R a >> No, you're charging um what you call it the transportation clerk to formula. So >> yes, >> you're decreasing formula greatly. >> Yes.
>> You might run into trouble with that depending on how much money you get the next month. >> Right. Well, >> it doesn't matter. It can be shifted back and forth. So, >> well, and and I like the note at the bottom so that people understand the note that Muriel put about the appropriation has a negative balance
expenses due to the insurance reimbursement. We did get $10,000 from MIA insurance uh for our risk management grant. I applied for that to cover the um grease trap in the kitchen and we did get that. So, that's going to get
deposited in um I don't know exactly when we got it but and that's why we're at >> December 19th. You got it. That's why Yeah. So it it by the time it goes in so that's why we ended up with um that negative balance. So that'll that should change >> because it got deposited a long time. It
the bill got paid I think in September. >> Yeah it was September the end of Yeah. We had to do it right away. So the insurance money came in after. >> Right. And that that and that happened. So, it's hard to to um >> have it up to the minute when you're not
having all of your bills or your income come in fact coming in as >> Yeah, it took me a little while to get through MIA cuz I had to re resubmit it two or three times on their website and >> one time I didn't get everything that I needed and it kicked back and so it
usually takes Yeah, it takes a little bit. It takes a little bit of time. It's not always >> they make you Yeah, but I had until May so I was good. >> Thank you. So, >> thank you, Beverly. Okay, any further questions from >> I have one thing I want to say. I want
to thank Joanne Landry for she for all the help in getting these reports. >> Um, she's worked on a couple others and they're great. Oh, >> yeah. They're great. They're much easier to use than the beginning. >> Yeah, they're they're much more user
friendly for the things that we do. Joanne's in the accounting office. She's the assistant town accountant and she's done a great job. Muriel's worked with her about what we used to do and what our needs were so that she could fine-tune that program that we that report that we need. And it's been it's
been really good. It's been really really good. >> She's got um a normal well they call it a normal trial balance. >> It even trial balances the general fund. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And it's wonderful. >> Yeah. >> All the numbers match. >> Good. So the new system the kinks are
being >> getting better. >> Well, for the reports because each report that each department needs is something a little bit different. So because of that, she's been fine-tuning what each department needs. So there's been a lot of work in the accounting office for sure. Since they started this
and they just I think they just got this in June. >> I don't believe they had it much sooner than June to learn to learn this system. Yeah. So they they've uh had to work really hard to with all of the departments. So uh shout out to the
accounting department for all the work in Joan for the reports with what she's done. I I agree, Muriel. It was great. It's been great. >> They're getting I I've got them. I'm I'm down to just using two reports now. >> No. Wow. >> Instead of I got a stack about this deep
of reports. >> All kinds. And you use pieces from each one and it's like >> Yeah. No, I'm I'm I'm glad that it's it's making sense and it's settling down. That's good. When the town buys a product that >> that we can all use, >> it's actually working.
>> So, any further questions for Muriel? >> Oh, I want to noticed the social day is getting down, too. >> Yes. Yes. Mhm. Well, we had um a c a citizens for citizens person that was working 20 hours a week and citizens for citizens was paying for that person. So
they in July they had stopped that federal program. Because they stopped it, we've had to add another staff person on. That's why supportive day is going down. The the amount's going down. But we did increase the fee schedule. So starting in January, it's $60 a day and
the uh transportation fees have gone up too. So So hopefully we'll see some of that around. >> So >> Right. Right. And that was uh approved by the select board I think in November. >> Yeah, I think so. I believe so. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Anything else, Muriel?
>> No. >> Any other comments or suggestions? Okay. Do I have a motion to accept >> as presented? >> I move. Do we accept this? >> Okay. Do I have a second? >> I second. >> Okay, Lisa. All in favor? I
>> I >> I. >> Good. Thank you, Muriel. Okay, Beverly, you're up next now with your report. Okay. Um to go through the report quickly, um I'm
still waiting on the DOT transportation uh $75,000 grant that I did and I'm hoping early early 2026 is when they said it would be notified. Um >> excuse me, what >> uh DOT, Department of Transportation
Operational Funding. I applied this. I had this last time, too. It was $75,000 that I applied for a grant and the notification is in early 2026. >> So, um, >> is that something you've always gotten back? >> No, we've never gotten it.
>> Okay. We've never gotten it because it's um they've never done SER has never done operational um information um operational grants. They've only done um vehicle grants. >> Okay. >> So, when would it be available if you get it for what period?
Um, I believe it's if it's early January, I believe it's going to cross fiscal years. So, it's going to be 26 into 27, I think. I I think I want to say it's 18 months, mural, but I'm not positive, but I think it might be 18 months.
>> Good. >> So, um, which would be really which would be really good. Um, and then the $200,000 grant from Mass Cultural Council that will notify in midMay. So that's down the line. >> MidMay. >> Midm May. Yeah, that's the notification.
>> And that again is also 18 months uh period. >> And have we been successful in getting that one as well? >> I haven't done either one of those before. They're new. >> So it's like a 50-50. >> It's they're new. They're all new. So we'll see. Um I met with uh Fincom, the
town administrator at the time. Didn't change the request for budget. I detailed the transportation cost um and the need for significant increase in that line item um because of much more competition for grant funds. I didn't get grant funds that I usually get. Um
and the W we were notified um by Senator Michael Rodri that we are going to be awarded again $5,000 from South Coast Community Foundation for the Senator Michael Rogers Empowerment Grant Fund uh for 2026. So he notified me by phone. I don't have a letter yet, but we should
be seeing it. Then that money we get ahead of time. They give us the $5,000. And that's the one that we had voted on last time of the five or six different items that we could use it for because it he's just said use it whatever you need for. So rather than just putting best use, we wanted some detailed
information. So let's see, supportive day program. and we've had, you know, quite a quite a bit of flu going through the the center. The that was going everywhere. Um, so we've had a little bit of a decrease from 21 to 19 people a day. Um, and there were
12 days in December. Um, but we continue to get a lot of uh volunteers. We had 256 and 1/2 hours of seven volunteers working in the supportive day. So that's really good. Even though we still have to put extra staff on, we still have the
volunteers, too. And that's been that's been, you know, helping us do. Transportation continues to be um booming. Um volunteer, we we really could use more volunteers and I think we might do a recruiting for volunteers.
Set up some flyers and maybe do um a volunteer application day or something like that at the center. We might do that and see if we can't get some volunteers. Um, we have a new volunteer who's going to start with the tech class >> and for onetoone instruction and a new
um uh volunteer for supportive day aid. Outreach did their um medic uh Medicare open enrollment and it ended on December 7th I believe. Um
but they were still very very busy and they still keep getting calls. They were getting calls the last week. Oh, can I meet with you? It's like I've And they've been booked and they worked till 4:30, 5:00 some nights. Actually, somebody was very upset because um one
of the counselors uh wouldn't meet with them on a Saturday to do it because they called at the last minute. She's like, "I'm sorry, but we don't work Saturdays. We don't have it." So, yeah. Um but um it it's just Medicare open enrollment is getting busier and busier and busier.
So, um, and SNAP and HIPP food assistance. Um, and we've had a lot with, uh, Cindy did a hip trip on September se, uh, December 7th, um, with, I think, eight people. And the hip trip is the healthy incentive program. It's a food program and they go to the
New Bedford food shed, um, and they get, uh, fresh produce, organic produce. They actually even do um, some education. Um they did an education uh uh event that day too. Um activities continue to be busy. A lot of our people do go to
Florida for the winter or after the holidays. So we see a little bit of a decrease in the census for people but then they all come back in the spring. >> I think people are also ill. I mean >> yeah people are stay and I believe
people are staying home. Um which is really good. Um, so and I have uh so we talked about um we want to recruit volunteers, but I also want to recruit volunteers for the repair fair event.
And um I have an intern coming in on Thursday and Friday who's going to put together some flyers for us. So I'll have her do one for the repair fair um and one for um other volunteers for the center.
Um, I did, we're going to do the job description after because I have some other things to go over. Um, I did get a notification from MCOA that this year the dues rate for fiscal year 27 is not going up.
They're keeping it at the same. Um, we did go from 15 to $16 per elder for the next coming year. Um, which is great. um through the state, but they're not going up on their um their dues. I think their dues are like
28 cents per senior um which I I think it's like $1,900 20 somewhere around there anyway a year for the membership. But the membership's uh very very well worth it. And I'll give you an example. Um they they're doing a fiveweek class
on Canva, how to use Canva. and our newsletter is after this the end of this year there will no longer be um supporting uh publisher so we're going to have to use something different so Coral and I are both going to take that class uh it's five weeks in a row on a
Wednesday I think it starts in the middle of the end of February and um it's at no cost because we're I'm a member of MCOA so it's five weeks of training at no cost and a lot of times you know the cost is either like $20 to pay for the lunchon that we're at or
nothing minimal. So, it's well worth the it's well worth the you know the little bit of money that we pay uh for our membership. So, >> it's a it's it's also a great source I think of of professional information and there's a great deal of sharing between
and among towns um >> and cities within in the Commonwealth. So, it just Yeah, absolutely. Um, and and it's where I think some of the best conferences Yes. and conference materials that I've ever
>> seen have come from the MCOA conference in the fall. So, >> um, Beverly, I wonder if because these are now televised, it might be important to tell the public and ourselves. It's interesting that we um
get money from the Commonwealth for every person over is it 55 or 60? >> 60. >> 60. >> 60. >> So every person in this town over 60, >> we get a ch we get a check of $15. >> Yeah. Next year it'll be 60. Yeah. $15 per person per senior 50 and older.
Okay. And for us it's >> close to $90,000 for the year. And it's um we got half of it already the beginning of the year which was sometime October, November. Hopefully in February, then in February or March we'll get the other half. So yeah, it's
>> for the public for the public who may be listening to this. >> It's state money that comes in. >> It's state money. It's $90,000 a year. And what do we do with it? >> Uh we pay for our outreach staff. We pay for our transportation clerk. We pay for um um activities. Sometimes the exercise
instructors um we might pay for water or heat or there's a lot of different things that we can use it for. >> Band drivers. Yep. >> So you don't use it for you don't use it for a specific thing. >> No, we have there's a a number of things. There's a number of things we can use for it. Um we pay for um I I
think we can pay for like computer upgrades and things like that if we need to or equipment. There's there's a whole packet and it lists what you can use it for and what you can't use it. And can I just ask does it go to the general fund or does it come to us specifically? >> Uh comes to a grant. We're talking to
the public. >> Yes. Yes. It comes into it comes into the town and the town puts it away in an account which then we and we have to pull from that. Um and it's not a revolving account. So it has to be used
by the COA. It can't be pulled in by the town. It's like the supportive day program with the fees, the activities with the fees. Those are revolving accounts and the town could take some if they needed to or access whatever. But this one's a grant so that has to be used for the COA for whatever you know
we deem. >> That's good. >> I have I have two questions. >> One question is how do they come up with the amount? Is it based on census? >> The number of people that are 60 and older in town >> and how >> number of 60 year olds they go by the census. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. They Yeah, they have all the they get the census. They use the 2020 census. Oh, we're already we're already under that. We're already over what we what we did for 2020 because we're already in 2025. Um, but they use that number. So, it's like 5,900 something. I I forget.
>> So, they use the census um to come up with their number and then based on what's awarded in a grant, does it have to be used within that fiscal year or you lose it or does it carry over? >> No, it used to be use it or lo use it or lose it, but they changed it. They did a
10-year contract and you can carry over the money. We never used to be able to carry it over. So, and sometimes sometimes the state does didn't give you the formula grant. If it didn't come in in November, it wouldn't come in until maybe February or March. And some towns,
our town always let us draw from it even though it would be a negative because we had other funds to cover it in case it didn't come in. But other towns were holding on and they wouldn't let them use it. So they would get this money in like say in February or March and they would only have five six months to spend
it whatever it was and it was it was really difficult. So they decided no you can carry it over and hold it over. So we've always had a little bit of balance to carry over. So >> that's amazing. And what's the name of it? >> Formula grant. >> Formula grant. >> It's through the state. It's through u
it comes through the executive office of aging and wellness um through the state and they allocate it. >> Okay. >> So >> thank you. So, is that the one that shows up on these accounting things as formula? >> Yes. Yes. Yep. Formula 25 and formula 26, I think. So, yeah, we're in the
right year. Okay. >> Finishing off 25, right? >> Yeah, we've >> um I have a um correspondence. Um, I spoke with um somebody um from LPI who
is our um newsletter publisher and we had eight pages and we're always running out of space to do the stuff. So I I had to do another contract for I think three years. So I spoke with her and I said, "Is there any way we can add the P?" We were getting also, I think, 1,600
copies, but we were throwing between three and 400 away every month because we used to have more places where we dropped them off and some of those places closed after COVID and we haven't sort of renewed. We've tried other ones. Um, so I asked if there was a possibility that we could go to a
12-page format and cut down on the pages to,200. So they agreed to that. We cut down on the pages to,200. I'm sorry. Cut down on the number of items we get would be 1,200 a month. And it's going to be 12 pages with um I think one and a half
or or two advertising pages so that we have more space to be able to put some things in. Um and that'll start somewhere in either for March 1st or April 1st. >> So I was happy I was happy to be able to do that. >> So that was good. Um, I have my
letter of resignation that I did write. Um, and >> can we skip over that? >> Yeah. >> I make a motion to skip. >> Um, I should have made a motion since I've been serving on this board. Please make one motion, please.
>> So, um, I don't know if you want me to read it or not, but it's going to go out to it's going to go out to um um uh Chris Vatal. It's going to go out to the town. >> Would you like to >> I I mean I can read it. That's fine if people want if people want to see. Yeah.
>> So, um please accept this letter as formal notification that I am retiring from my position as director of senior services at the West Council on Aging. My final day of employment will be Monday, August 31st, 2026 in accordance with my three-month or longer notice
notice period. I am proud of the work we have accomplished during my 11 years here. Particularly expansion of programs and staffing, development of the technology cafe classes and one-to-one individual sessions and pivoting during co with the ability to provide muchneeded medical transportation and
shopping services during the ex this extraordinary time. I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities for professional and personal growth I have been given during my time at the Westport Council on Aging. It has been a privilege to lead such a dedicated and compassionate team
in serving the needs of the senior community. I am committed to ensuring a seamless transition during my remaining weeks. I will do everything possible to complete my current projects and assist in training my successor to ensure continuity of services. Please let me know how I can best help during this
handover period. I wish you and the entire organization continued success. I am grateful for the valuable experience and the relationships I have built together. >> Very nice. >> Yeah. So, I'll put that I'll put that together and I will give it to um um the
town administrator. He's coming to the center actually tomorrow um to meet with me and I wanted him to see um the support. >> And Beverly, I would say you are not resigning, you're retiring. >> I did. I put I >> Right. But on our our agenda and we don't want people to think that you're
resigning. >> Oh. Oh. Oh. Okay. Retiring. Okay. I will change. I promise I will change that. >> But I think that people need to know the difference that you're still you're happily leaving. I am retiring. >> Happy. But yes. >> So I'll make sure that I change that on
that agenda before I put before I put it in. >> Thank you. >> Um I have a couple of things. One thing that I did get yesterday um and last year when um Lisa and I did the Stroke Buddies and Friends, the May 5th event,
we we um partnered with South Coast Hospital and the United Way to do that. And the company that put the grant out was called Borderland Partners. And I got something yesterday from Borderland Partners. and they are again sharing uh
it says, "I am pleased to share with you information about funding that is available to support collaborative stroke community awareness activities throughout Massachusetts. Up to $15,000 per project is available and the deadline to apply is February 3rd." And
then it gives me all the information about what to do. You have to partner with somebody else. But anyway, we can be a primary on this as opposed to being the secondary. So I'm like, "Woo!" So again, we just have to find partners that we want to do this with. Um because we Lisa and I had talked about doing it
again next year, but how we were going to do it. So she and I are going to have to meet so we can kind of figure out. But I I was glad that I got this on my own. Um so that we can figure out who we want to partner with and how we want to go forward. We might partner with other COAs. We might partner with uh fire or
police or whoever em whoever we want to partner with. Um you know, but it's going to be >> CARES program. >> Yep. Yep. Anything. So, um, but anyway, but that's available to us. So, I was like, "Wow, this is that's pretty good." So, >> um, Beverly, can I just ask you what do you have a percentage or just a number?
Again, I think people are maybe listening in for the first time don't know how we really work here. What how many grants do you get a year >> approximately? Oh. Um, I would say six to eight depending on depending on the
year, but I I mean each year it's different depending on what's you know what I'm applying for. Um, I used to get two from Bristol Elders or Bristol Aging and Wellness. I used to get two from Mass Councils on Aging. Um, I did get
one from um AARP Community Challenge in 22. there. You know, there are different ones that you get. Like this one is something that I didn't apply for last year, but we were part of with South Coast Hospital, but I'm going to apply for this this year. Um, AP has also just
put out another 2026 grant challenge application, so I'll probably be doing that one, too. I did apply for the DOT one. I hadn't applied before other than for the van. So, it it depends. Formula Formula is a grant. Um, AR, which is the Association for the Relief of Aged
Women. I apply for that every year. formula we get every year. Um trying to think of something. >> Around at least six a year. Around six a year. >> Yeah, probably. Probably. >> How much money do you think do How much I mean I'm just curious is I mean it's a huge >> about 300 to It could be anywhere from
300 to 500,000. It depends on what's coming in because if I get a new van, I'll give you an example. In June of 26, we're going to get the new DOT van because I applied for that two years ago. We'll get it in June of 26. That van is $122,000
and we have to we have a 15 10 or 15% match. So we have to pay like 17 or 20,000. >> When I got it in 2018, the van costs I think 69 $70,000 and we had to do a 15 or 20% match. It went up. It almost
doubled from from 2018 to now to $122,000. So again, depending on what the grant is for and the amount um you know, and I get some small grants like the um South Coast Community Foundation. I've been getting that every year and that's for
I've gotten 5,000. One year we got $7,000 when we did the marketing and we did the strategic plan. We did that for our purp I I just one last question in relationship this is not a pjorative question but I'm just curious in
relationship to other council on agings would you say that when we apply for grants we're the a we do what everybody else does we're the average or we the exception average >> I think I think we're might be above because I tend to get a lot more and I
hear from other COA directors that they don't have they they might get more from their town and they get a little bit less from grants because it's a lot of work. I I have to say it's a lot of work to write grants. It's not just the work to write the grant, but it's the work to do the reports after and to keep track
of everything. So, every month for Bristol uh for Bristol Elders, Bristol Aging and Wellness, when we did the technology grant, I'd have to send a report in every month. The scholarship grants, I'd have to send a report in every month and let them know. And then I have to do a quarterly report and then a year-end report. So, there's a lot of
work that goes. So if I do six or eight, I got six or eight reports to do every month on top of this one and everything else. >> So how many uh grants do you apply for within the year? Um so if we received six to eight, how many did you actually
apply for? Was it more like 10 or 12 or do you get most of the ones you apply for? >> Up until this year, I was pretty much getting every one that I applied for. Okay. This year I applied for two for MCOA and I didn't get those two because
there was so much more competition. I I think the I think the number of people that applied for MCOA grants for the SIG grants which is service incentive grants I think it like tripled. So of course they had to you know take their money and and spread it out. Um and then the Bristol Aging and Wellness the same
thing. they went from um having um you know two 200 or $300,000 whatever it was because they're smaller grants um to people that applied it was over a million dollars. So again there's much more competition so I didn't get some of those that I typically get but I've got
there's still others in in the works so I'm always looking. I was going to say I don't know if everybody on on our board and in town is aware um that when I have gone to the conferences with Beverly, Beverly has presented on a number of the
issues having to do with grants and is a resource to many of the other uh small towns throughout the Commonwealth. And and I don't think that that's something that uh we often remember here is that >> yeah, >> Beverly's been a grants machine.
Yeah, I do have other COA directors and other people calling me and saying, you know, she's the grant queen. If you want to find out, call Bev and see, you know, see what >> Can I ask you then if that's true and we that's a legacy we would like to continue going forward. It sounds like
whether we have a paid position or a volunteer position. It seems like we need somebody to monitor and >> grants >> maintain the requirements for these grants which you're saying each one has >> a cuchin of things you have to do each
month. Okay. I wonder if we could somehow figure out a way to get an intern or someone that that that's their job because this is a source this is a huge source of income >> that that the town doesn't the town is not burdened by >> services that we offer services.
>> Well, I think I think the other thing too is seeing where Bev has this secret sauce. I mean, you know, we might consider having her as a consultant. >> No, I I think that's >> I mean, you know, I mean, she I know I know you're retiring. I get that. But but the point is is to find some talent
that has been doing it as long as she has that knows the ways of the world >> and a lot of it is reputation. >> Yeah. Yes. Well, >> relationship and reputation >> and I think I know that we do this with the commission there. There's so many there's so much hidden talent in the
town of Westport that are retired. >> Absolutely. >> That might come out of the woodwork saying, you know what, I'll hang out with Bev and find out what she was doing and maybe I can contribute. I know that there are more and more people that are coming to the table wanting to share their expertise. So, I think it might be
worth >> seeing if there's someone in town or if Beverly would consider, you know, kind of hanging out with us for a while. Right. >> Well, I know that that um comes back to our idea of volunteers. I think that we have been ve very very um
aware and and making others the the opinion leaders and leaders in the town aware that although people are retired and it's an age aging population. There's an inordinate amount of talent and skills
in this town of people who have done things in their work life that could very well add to um the whole community's um and and uh awareness and and and programs and and just we we
forget that that that somehow um and that this is one of our our mantras is that just because you're retired doesn't mean you're dead yet. >> Yes. you know, but we all have know that we have a number of close but not dead. >> Well, we're we're slower. We're slower and you don't have to, but but there's a
lot of people with a great deal of skills to to offer and and still um able to. So, um >> yeah, and and people really need to understand that our outreach department runs totally on grants. Um, a lot of our
grant money goes to also pay for transportation, although I did in our town budget this year ask for almost double of that line item for drivers because we need it. Um, our activities is all fee funded so it doesn't come out of the town. Like a lot of the a lot of
the services supportive day is all fee funded doesn't come out of the town. So a lot of that is based on grants and fees that really 65% of what we do is part of grants and fees and 35% is what
the town pays for. So the town basically for the staff it's myself it's it's which is 40 hours Helen which is 40 hours and my um maintenance person which is part-time along with the drivers. We've really bumped up the drivers a little bit more though too because we
need it. But again, um if those grants don't come in, we wouldn't have these programs. We wouldn't be able to do what we do. Um and and you know, having we are one of the by the executive office of aging and independence um recognized
as one of the um COAs that really, you know, does provides a lot of services and and um provides a lot of really um quality services um because we've been recognized by them. So could I ask you this? Based on that,
>> I'm going to push forward here. >> Okay. >> Based on that, and now you're going to staff meetings for the department head meetings. Okay. >> I'm wondering you sit with the fincom. I mean, I think this is untapped. This is
totally for this town. Totally un maybe I'm off here. I don't know. But if the notion that there's grant money out there, I don't know if it's grant money for the planning board, grant money for the rec commission, grant money for the uh
veterans. I mean, >> it seems like >> there was >> at your division at department head meetings, this might be >> or even with the fincom, we need to get we need to make this like a part of the town's DNA going forward. If it works so
well for you, for us, why is it not working? >> It does. Each of the other departments does fill out grants like with the the fire department does the CARES grant and the CARES grants between Westport and Fall River and it goes to seniors and and kids and it's a it's a grant that goes into and visits seniors and make
sure that their home state they have the the CO2 and the um fire uh alarms and things like that. They have, you know, they do all that. They do it with the kids too. Um, so there are grants that are and I remember having a conversation last year with Jim Haret at the time and
I asked him I said you know maybe the town would look into hiring a grant writer and he said that's a good idea but there's a lot of work that's involved after and I said well I I understand that but each each department kind of does their own. So, I don't know
if I know other towns have a grant writer and that's what they do. But if you have a grant writer, that person has to be skilled in every one of those department um whatever the the niche is niche niche, however you say it, for each department. So, the the fire department, the police department, the
board of health, I know uh Matt Ardo, the director at the uh board of health, he did a multi-reional grant um for for getting staff and he's been at sort of administering that. But again, it's a lot of work on his part to be able to do that. And I think there's three or four
towns that are involved. So they do access what they can, but I don't think there's a centralized way. And I don't necessarily know if centralized would be the way to to develop it more or not. It's it's difficult because each place h each department has their own. But I but
I agree with you that grant writing is is huge in this day and age. There's a lot of money out there for fire and police. There's a lot of money out there now for the boards of health because of because of the aging population. There's a lot of money out there because of uh aging and and and seniors. Um so again,
it's capturing those those things. >> Good. >> No. Okay. >> Okay. >> Awesome. >> And then there was just one more thing that I wanted to do and we talk about the the review of the job description if we need to. I didn't know if you wanted to do that, but um this is and I know
Eileen brought brought this up last time. This is the reimagine aging 2030 the Massachusetts plan and this came from the governor's office that we got at the MCOA conference. Okay. And one of the things that I had said when I went to this conference, this part of it was
that if the last thing I do, this town is going to become age friendly. We're going to be an age friendly town in Massachusetts. And I printed up the guidelines. So, tomorrow when I meet with um the town administrator, I'm going to bring this up and let him know a lot of what you have to do to become
an age friendly town, we already do. There are some things that we're lacks in because of our rural nature. So, we don't have sidewalks because we're rural. So, we don't have, you know, walkability is something that's always going to be difficult in Westport because of the nature of where we are.
Um housing is probably another thing. Transportation is another one, but there's a number of different domains that they work with. And with those domains, there's others that we we are doing. So, um we talk about um community support and healthy healthy services, um
communication and information, um civic participation and employment, um respect and social inclusion, and social particip participation. But the transportation, the housing, and the out outdoor spaces we do well with for for
um like hiking and walking, but like sidewalks and things like that, it's it's not as much. Transportation is always going to be an issue where we don't have public transportation a lot, but we also provide the transportation through the COA. So, because we do that, we got a step up. So, all of these
things I can apply for. Um we're already in the we've already been doing them. So, it should be easy for us to become an a designated age friendly um community. And once we're a designated age friendly community, when there are things that you apply for the state for,
they say, "Oh, you're an age friendly community. You're a dementia friendly community." Um, you know, yes, absolutely. So that when you apply for things as a town, they say, "Oh, well, we recognize you for this." So, I want to be able to do that because we're already doing a lot of that, >> right? And I think that that Bev and I
have have talked about this that um this this would be very valuable and since >> we're already doing so many of the um components that are required that this is a matter of just just putting it packaging it together in a way for the
application and I had said that I would um work with Beverly and I think we invite anybody on the board or anybody in town who is interested in helping to put this together because this is really um a townfriendly
>> um u designation. Um >> we would welcome the input of any and all right and so they could get in touch with me or in touch with Beverly. Um >> and the first I just have to say that the first thing step-by-step guide it
gives you a step-by-step guide for each of the this seven or eight. The first thing it says, secure a commitment from town leadership to join AARP network. So that's the fir that was the thing that was sort of kind of holding us up. Um because there were other things that
they were doing with u best practices. I know they did something with technology in the town with the state. I I forget what else there was. There were two things that they did. Um but we're going to we're going to work on doing this. So tomorrow I plan on it. I hope he's not watching the I hope he's not watching
this feed because tomorrow I plan on presenting it to the town administrator when I meet with him. >> I think it's really an important thing to do it and and it's something that we're >> and it's not just and it's not just even though it says age friendly, it's not just for seniors. It's it's for sort of
all ages too. So, >> right. So, that's that's terrific. and and um we'll after you get the go-ahad from the leadership, I think we'll we'll be very happy to work with you >> on that. Do we want to review the job description for the C or is that
something that we want to do in a uh out outside cuz I I think >> we don't necessarily need it, >> right? We what we had decided to do what what we've been talking about for the last few months is that we had looked at other we took the fivepage job
description and condensed it into what we saw. >> It's a draft. It's our recommendation to the personnel committee. Yes. and I have had input from several members um of the board here and um Dick Brewer um also
had and so that's why it's all in colors from different people >> um and I'd like to present it as soon as I can to the um personnel board so that they can do what they have to do and and they may not like it what
>> a bit so um but if you have any other additions or suggestions that should be in the job description. It's a professional position and and um in looking at through um MCOA, it's interesting that several towns call it
an executive director of senior services. um you know, a name, a rose is a rose maybe, but um I think that >> it's really a pretty big job. Yeah. And I think that that's something that um um it just
>> doesn't five pages just went on and on. This is really um helpful that it's to the core. I just one one comment that I when I first read it, >> okay, >> I wondered if it was important or not to
say the population of the town >> because I think you don't know if you're talking about a town of 50,000, 30,000, 100,000, 2,000, 12,000. Just a number. This is a Westport is a town of 16,000, whatever the number is. Okay,
>> maybe that would be >> 16 339. Yeah, it would be helpful just just to have next to the where it says town of Westport population >> whatever. >> Yeah. >> Then you at least know this a big >> big town or a little town. >> Mhm. >> That would be
>> well and the other statistic that we've talked about before is the percentage of the population. >> I agree. Seniors are seniors and the trend that it's going in that direction too. >> Right. >> 55 and older. 50 53
52 53% are 55 and older out of the 16,000 >> right at this moment. >> At this moment because we did the census in 2020, we're already in 2025. So if you take that percentage and move all those people that were 55 50 are now 55 and the people that are 55 to 60 are in
the 60s. So if you move that over, you add those two 35 and and 15, we're at 53% I think. >> Right. And we worked on our strategic plan. I think that was something that we became more and more aware of is that this is the
>> uh in the state this is the region of the fastest growing of the senior population. It's no longer Cape Cod or the Birkshares. It is the South Coast. >> And so here we are right in the heart of it. So, I think anybody who who who
would be interested in um this type of position would also, you're right, maybe need to know a little bit more about the town. Hopefully, they do their research, >> but yeah, but we might as well say it. >> That's right. >> We can put it in there. >> Okay. Um so, um
>> when do we want to have the job description ready for the personnel? >> ASAP. >> How long do we I was saying that we would turn it over at the end of >> ASAP. Okay. So, we have time to digest it. Yeah. >> Right. We we've been talking about it for a couple months now and this is like the second or third iteration of the
draft. So, >> so maybe I'm just thinking timelines for them to advertise. So, sometime if we go to the personnel board sometime in February and then they can advertise sometime in March because it has to be approved by personnel board and then
approved by the select board. And once we get those two processes done and completed, then we have March and you have April, May and J. That's I mean, >> right, it's just not for professional position. And if you want somebody who has a professional position now, they
have to either see out their contract or >> Exactly. >> tie up loose ends at their end. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So, um um within the next two weeks so that we have time to work on this and and a target date of turning it over. Say February 1st. >> Mhm.
>> January. Yeah. That's >> Yeah, we're we're on the 13th. So, yeah, we've got we've got some but it just um we just this is what we're recommending and and they may and the personnel board may have different ideas and that that's fine.
>> Um okay. Anything else on the >> Okay, I have we talked about the repair fair and not everybody may know what the repair fair is. You notice that I said that without my Boston accent. It's very hard for me. Um but I just thought you
might be interested. that I have in my travels I picked up in Westwood Westwood um their at their council on aging center um they are having a repair fair and it's three towns u Medfit is sustainable
Medfield and DOVA are also working with them on this and it's an international >> movement if you will to keep things out of the landfill and to repair the stuff that you have and It might be. And it includes bikes, clothing, lamps,
jewelry, small furniture, small appliances, fix free, but not guaranteed. And so what we're looking for is volunteers who know how to fix things. If you know somebody who can do some sewing or um fix a a sweater, your
favorite sweater, um uh fix a lamp. you would be responsible the individual if I brought my my water bottle to be repaired then I would pay for whatever supplies were necessary the person is volunteering their skill I think it's uh
to to repair it it's it's something that to give it a new life or so that it doesn't end up in the back of the closet or in the basement but really give it a new life >> or if it's really dead then somebody will tell you that it can be done you
know Um, so I think we we talked about we would like to have one >> here. Uh, Council on Aging would be a great place to do it on a Saturday. This is um in Westwood February 1st, which I believe is a weekend and 2:30 to 5:30.
It's only for a couple of hours. And when I have gone to these before to see what they are, they're really interesting and that people do have incredible skills are. Yeah. Yeah. I was a retired jewelry repair person. And so you might need a a link in your your
watch and you just couldn't you can't see it sometimes to to fix it or to tighten it. So um I invite you to you know if you want to come with me um I'm going up to Westwood on the >> I think it's a Thursday. >> Thursday. Okay. >> It's a Thursday night after this week.
>> No no a couple weeks. Okay. I'll go with you. >> Oh okay. We'll drive up. >> Got a date? I got a date. >> You got a date? Um, and and so I mean there's no guarantees, but I think that this is kind of a fun thing within the community. We have the capability. We're
looking for volunteers. This is a fun and easy way to volunteer that if you have the expert, >> but you can't bring a tractor in or you can't bring back a car. Yeah, we can't do that. We actually um when >> Yeah. When Eileen and >> Why not? When I Yeah. When Eileen and I
were at the um one of the last MCOA conferences, we went to this uh one of these sessions and they were presenting the the the wasn't this group, but it was a different group that was presenting on how they did their repair fair. And they said it was a little bit slow at the beginning, but all of a
sudden now they have more than enough people. It's month after month after month that they keep getting people. And they were doing it once a month and they were doing it now every other Saturday because people needed stuff. It was really It went over very very well. I bet. >> So, that's kind of why we decided this
is this is sort of an easy fun thing to do on a Saturday from like 10 to 2. Um, people can come into the center. They can repaint something. If you have a rock and chair that's, you know, the the spindle's broken or something, somebody can come in and glue it and and um, you
know, put it together, different things like that. So, we we're not going to be taking big big things like you said. We're not going to be fixing a tractor or fixing a car or anything like that, you know. So, >> but it's just it's something that's out there and it's something that we had had on our wish list of things to do. >> Um, so
>> I just say I would also think in the beginning it's going to be hard to calibrate and calculate exactly what you can do and what people need because and in a while you're going to get a sense of well gee they you want your chair fixed. You just go over there and they'll fix your chair.
>> Well, we would do it on a they do it on like a a quarterly basis. Yeah. >> So, I heard you there's also a website um uh it's an international movement. >> Um and so they kind of explain >> how to set one up and and all of that. So, it's not like we would be in
>> reinvent we're not going to reinvent the wheel. There's there's a format. >> Well, we have a lot of people that sew. We have a lot of people that knit. There were some people who have fixed their favorite sweater cuz it's got a moth hole in it, but they didn't know how to do it. And people who knit brought it, you know, you crochet or whatever, they
brought it in and they fixed it and they were like, "This is wonderful because I've had this sweater forever." And, you know, it was or was my mother's or my father's or whatever it is and I didn't want to get rid of it. Sentimental value even though it has a little hole in it or something. So, it's it's been the places that have had it, it's been very
successful. So, we're hoping we can be successful. >> Would we have it in? Would it would it be at the center? >> Oh, it' be absolutely at the COA. Yes. Yes. >> Mhm. we and if we did it on a Saturday, you know, we have the the large room, you know, to do it. So, it's just
something that that if people are interested, we'd love to hear from you. Um it's a great way to volunteer and um to do something >> in your wheelhouse. >> And the COA has done that before cuz I remember going with Josh one time to a woman's house to put a TV on her wall.
>> Oh, yes. Yes. Yes. >> We certainly try to help when we can. >> That's right. We hope we can. Yes, >> good luck. >> You should see Josh trying to manage a screwdriver though. Quite painful. Sorry. Sorry, Josh. >> Okay.
>> Now that you let the whole town know, >> some people are handier than others. And I guess the motto is better to be um handsome than handy stuff. >> Okay. All right. down. Back down to business, please. Um, all right. So, we
we would like to move on. Any other comments on the repair fair? >> Okay. Old business update of the usage of the old high school code reviews available. And David, I and Beverly have
been moving and >> shaking moving and shaking. That's passed over. >> Um I do think that um since we last met, we have been quite busy. Bev has been busy. Uh Bev, I think
we urged you to all look at the um uh resource the Zoom uh >> Oh yes. >> from the MMA uh for adapting public use building. There was a great um um what
do they call it? a webinar that was done in June um on how the reuse of other buildings throughout the state and we um I think uh are proposing this
process of just >> gradually introducing >> changes to the building and Beverly applied for a grant. Beverly uh to that we could look at what the code updates
etc. were you want to explain what you've done? >> Yeah. The um I applied for through the cultural council for $200,000 grant because they reuse they want to reuse buildings to do um cultural events um develop community participation in and
buildings. And I thought with what we wanted to do with our activities along I'd love to see us get um a coral group in there. Um I'd love to see us if somebody wanted to do an orchestra because we have if we get into the old high school we have that auditorium. People could use the stage they could
use the auditorium. They there's a drama group that's interested in expanding and finding out other places that they could they could go to um to practice and to and to do things. Um there's um so there's an art group. We have that um um
what's the the that you want to do the atrium. >> The the atrium. Sorry, I couldn't think of the word. The I was thinking courtyard. The atrium that um has metal um workings, metal artworks in there. So, anybody that wants to do metal artwork or whatever. And the gardening group might want to fix the atrium up in
there. So, there's a lot of different things that can be done other than just us using it. There's there's other uh second half learning would be interested in using some of the the the classroom and the spaces to be able to do some of this because they since co they haven't had a home. They've been using our space
and Dartmouth COA space and the library and other places too. So um they'd like to have one place where they could have an office and and things. So there's a lot of different uses that we could do. So I did put the application in. I'm hoping you know to hear something but like I said it won't be till miday.
though I don't know how many and that's through Mass Cultural Council. Um and and typically they'll do um one one the beginning part of it and then they'll do a second part. So it's 18 months or two years and then they'll do a second part too to continue on. So so
it's phased and that's what they've done before. Um, I know Gay Gillespie told me that she had applied to Mass Cultural Council and got a grant for the um um at the head the um the um >> River Rivershed. Yeah, she got she got
that um grant to be done um through the cultural council. So, there's a lot of different things that you know we want to look out there to see how we can capture some of the funds to help the town so that we can you know re regenerate that that building. you know, there's a lot of space, there's a lot of
real estate there that we just don't want to waste. We want to make sure that we can capture it. So, um and and the friends have also generously um assist told us that if we have um you know, the the town's approval that they would assist us also with that. So, you know,
we're we're trying to generate some funds and some um activities and things that will allow us to be able to expand not only the COA, but the the culture of the town. What you know, people people in the survey have from our strategic
plan, they all said they want to retire, they want to stay home, stay home, they want to retire in place, um they want to age in place, and they want to have things that they can do in their town. They want to be part of their community. They want to be able to go to a play or go to a concert or or do their uh exercise or whatever. They want to be
able to do it in town. They don't want to have to go two or three towns over to be able to do things. That's what they wanted. So, um that's what we're working on. >> I I think it's important just I think it's important because again people don't know what we're doing
>> that we have had a meeting. >> We're specific. We need to talk to people and to the people here the steps we're taking and the steps we need to take. >> Yes. >> Mhm. >> Clearly, I think in a way I don't mean this in don't take this the wrong way.
The money's over here. If we can't get in, the money doesn't matter. >> Right. >> Right. >> I mean, we have to get in. >> Yes. >> Before we get money, I mean, I think it's simultaneous. But right now, we need to share with everybody here the things that we did. We sat down in a
meeting with the town manager >> a year and a half ago. >> No, >> no, the recent one with Ralph >> Town. When Jim s we sat in a room >> and we said, "What do we need to do? What do we need to do to get in this building right now? What do we need to
do? >> You can tell them what we need. >> We We have to have another code analysis because I guess it was a a um phase 10 or or or whatever it is. They had code 9 and now they're at 10. And the 10 code that they did, they said we didn't have all the information. So, it's not
complete. So, we need to go back and do another 10 code synopsis. Um, and I think it's $2,700 is what they said it would probably cost to do. It was somebody that Jim gave me that was an architect that said I gave him some of
the information of what we wanted to do with the building, what we wanted to use, and he said, "Thank you. That's very helpful." And it would be this amount of money. So, we're looking at possibly doing that to get it started to find out is there anything we need to do because there's two when I looked at code nine, there's two qualifications.
One is E for education, the other is B for business. And the E for education and the B for business. Pretty much the code um is all the pretty much the same. There's very very little uh change in that um to be able to do that because
we're not making it a senior um >> center. It's it's people we're going to be able to use it. Okay. So, it's either going to be business or education. When we bring our activities over there, it's going to be our education activities. It's going to be the technology, the one-on-one. It's going to be the
knitting class. It's going to be the art class, things like that. So, our social services, our exercise, yes, our social services are going to stay at 75 Reed Road because that's where their home is. That's where their our codes for that building cover that. We're not changing
that to go over to the high school. The high school is going to be a a like David had put together before a community campus. It's going to be a little bit different. We want recreation in there. We want education in there. We want arts in there. We want, you know, those kind of things. Yes.
>> Right. I think that that um we've been meeting formally and informally with with different groups this last month um or since we last met. But we also needed to stress to people it is not the
council on aging's plan to take over the whole building to have we do not want to be a property manager or to have that whole building. We have just really focused on I believe the north end north end and the atrium and in the north end
that is really um the um auditorium and the cafeteria space outside. If we were to have that space it would be really like a community center. Everybody could come, everybody could use it. So it's not just for the council on aging but
really our exercise classes are from what 8 in the morning to maybe 2 in the afternoon. the rest, you know, the rest of the time it there's a number of things um that that it could be used for. >> People also forget that there's a whole lot that has that is going on and
currently in that building right now. We have basketball in the middle section. We have after school programs. So, I mean it's it and the the board of education has its administrative offices there. So, it's not totally sitting empty. And I think that people forget
that if we were to um eliminate that building, if it were to come down, it's still going to cost a number of millions of dollars. So what we're proposing is just sort of the gradual introduction to more activities and and and then see
what happens and and make it as costeffective as possible. So, I think we we've um uh put to rest the idea that we're trying to take over the old high school and and really um that is not our intent, but just to have some of that
space to expand our activities and it would really we would no longer need a waiting list then for for our exercise programs and our classes. So it just it's something that we we are exploring and um I think this month we have had
some very good informal discussions with different members of town leadership. >> I I just think just would add this for context we because there were people there before us and that sort of created a lot
of angst among some of us who said how come they're there and we're not. Okay. So we we need to put this to rest that if they asked today to go there, they would have to do what we're doing. Yes. >> Theoretically, this is what we've been told. >> Are the other people grandfathered in? Like in other words,
>> they were there before the rule. We went from building code 9 to building code 10. >> That's where we are. >> The people who are currently there now have to have to comply with their >> No, I'm just saying their grandfather they were there before building code 10 went into effect.
>> This is our understanding. This is this is not clearly explained to anyone. It took us a long time to >> year and >> yeah to get an answer. >> The daycare was there before the school. So the daycare was always there when the high school was viable.
>> Yes. >> So the training programs that take place with police or whatever they were doing that there at that time of our knowledge you know it's like we're not trying to be property managers. Just just telling you just telling you that that and
I don't want to believe it or not I don't know just saying to you now today if we went there we were told anybody went there today and asked you'd be under jurisdiction 10 not wrote code number nine okay >> we're asking when it's code 10 they
asked when it was code nine okay they comp there whatever they did they complied whatever was required to be I think okay doesn't matter We're asking it's code 10. We said, "Okay, how do we get in here?" Code 10. Okay. And they said, "You need to have this >> this what what do you call it?"
>> A synopsis. We have to do another code synopsis. >> You have to do a code synopsis. Okay. >> And tell them I think >> how many rooms do you want, what they are, what do you want to use them for? So we >> And they didn't have all that. They didn't have all the information. And I think one of the other things that sort of muddled this is in the beginning it
was a school department. It was the school that owned it, the building. and then the school transferred it over to the town, but they kept their administration there because they didn't have offices for the administration. So, it's always been a little muddled. It's not, you know what I mean? It wasn't always, >> it was easy to hide be it was easy to
be, it was easy not to be clear. >> Yes, it was. How about if I say it's easy not to be clear. So, if you wanted a direct answer, >> it was either intentional, unintentional, it was never clear. Okay. It took us a year and a half to get to this sort of absolute truth that oh, we
have to comply with code number 10 >> and then was able to apply for the grant that would um allow us to do the assessment to see what needs to be done because this costs money that you need engineers and professional people. I mean, we're not just saying like we want
to take it over. This needs to be a professional process that we're we're under. And I would say that the request, how many rooms did you ask for? 13. I forget what you did. Um, >> no. >> Oh, I don't >> Oh, you you had you had a graph. Show me
the building. Show me the building and how many offices do you had to say how many where in the building did you want to do this and how many how many >> how many offices? Okay. >> I think we did I think I did like square footage of what we wanted. >> So, have you submitted that yet? >> Yes.
>> Yeah. Oh, yeah. Okay. So, you submit. So, we're in the process of waiting >> for them to say, >> "Oh, this is code 10. What you want to do visav code 10 is you're all right." Go ahead. >> Yeah, that's one of >> the space that we want it. >> Go ahead.
>> Who has the codes? >> Who has the interpretation of the codes that we can look at? >> The engineers. Oh, I I don't have that. >> But the engineering company that we're going to hire >> 10 Ralph will probably Ralph Souza Ralph Soua is going to be able to say it complies or doesn't comply. And if it
doesn't comply, it has to go to Boston. There's a process for this >> the state the state level. >> There's a process for this, right? Okay. >> And that's and that's to be like grandfathered in. No pun intended to use grandfathers, by the way. So we are in the we are in the midst of a
bureaucratic >> process >> process which was never defined. >> Yes. >> It was just talked about like oh you can't go in or you can go in. Oh no you can't go in or you can go in or you can't go in. So this is what we were we were rocking back and forth between these two until we sat in a room and we
said okay you tell us exactly what we need to do. >> This is our need. You have this resource. How can we make >> and that's where we are. Yes. >> I have a quick question. >> When we had the town meeting there, did it fall under code 9 or code 10?
>> Oh, I know what I You know what? It's not worth wants to have a meeting there. >> No, no, no, no. Not anybody. That was the town building office. >> They were able to do they own it. >> This is where it Yeah. The town owns it.
This is where things get muddled and we're not the experts and we want to follow the proper channels so that that this it will be set in place once and for all for the the sort of reuse of of part of the building. And it would be a
really great community resource as a community campus. >> Mhm. >> Because then we I mean it it just for a lot of reasons that North End fits in very nicely to our type of activities, our needs. Um and and I mean we can have
a lot of fun there, >> but it's not nothing is right. Now >> nothing is happen >> nothing is guaranteed. >> No. >> And it you would be surprised how long it took to get to what we're saying. That's right. >> To be that clear. I mean, we had to sit in a room and basically say, "What do we
need to do to get in that building over there? What you tell me what we need to do and we will do it. >> We'll find out how." >> Okay, that's where we are. I mean, it it just was sad. It's very sad that it took this long. and and we've been we've been, you know, we want to make it
happen and we don't want the whole building and we don't we want but we want to be able to use the space as a town entity and as a and town programs and town sponsored programs. We'd like to use the town space and and how to do
it safely. That's that's >> So, how did you guys feel when you left the meeting? What >> There's more than one meeting. We've been meeting regularly on this and we we have coffee with this one and that's what I'm saying like it's been an informal process because it's not a
public meeting. we just really want to know and so it it has been >> I don't even want to think about the number of meetings or hours that have gone into these discussions >> and there's been a number of people from very different departments and different organiz so we have the long-term the the
high school reuse committee that that's part of it so there were there were different entities trying to make decisions but none of them were together and for now we're getting people from each one of those areas together so that we can all say this is our concern, this
is their concern, this is your concern. And we're trying to figure out how do we do that? How do we get it to a yes, right? How do we get it to a yes? >> And we're closer than ever. >> Yes, we are. We are at least having the answers to know how to proceed. So anyway, that's that that we try to keep
this board updated on where we are because >> we feel that um our strategic plan really gave us the um impetus and the permission um since we took the input from people to do more programs and to
expand our programs. >> So if you have any other questions, you can >> ask now or give us a call. >> Yeah. It's just ongoing. It's just ongoing, >> I think. So, >> okay. So, um plans for the 250th
anniversary. Um >> yeah. >> Uh Lisa and I signed up as a subcommittee and anybody can join us to do events and programs and I think that we're going to meet at some point very soon. We were encouraged, if you recall,
um to come up with activities. We said that we would like to do a few activities to help celebrate the the anniversary uh this year and there's quite a bit of information. So um stay tuned. We'll be >> you'll be bringing something.
>> Okay. And so um for new business, Helen is going to Helen Holgate is going to talk to us about transportation our transportation program. If you recall, we have had um asked that we have a
presentation or at least to educate ourselves and to update on the different departments and programs of of um the COA. So, Helen, >> so one of the main things we do at the Council on Aging um is transportation.
Uh we make sure that our social day participants get where they're going. So, they they they basically have their scheduled ride. Um, but then people can call for rides, uh, medical rides and whatnot, rides to Market Basket, things
like that. Um, and we also manage our vehicles in a national website called Black Cats where they monitor our mileage and how many rides we do. Um, there's an age of vehicle and the the vehicles actually age out and we don't
have to monitor those anymore. Um, I think it's 10 or five. It's anywhere between five and seven years. It's over 100,000 miles. >> We we monthly mile we do monthly mileage. Um so the drivers do the mileage and put that in the transportation reports. Um so anyways,
when someone calls to schedule a ride, we make sure that they're in our catchment area. Not so much um like we know we're not going to go to a full river to pick people up, things like that. Um the rate for transportation has gone up, but we asked for a donation of
$15 as opposed to 10. It was basically $5 a rideway where round trip it would have been $10. Now it's $7.50 one way, $15 for two ways. Um, and that can be medical or to grocery shopping or store. Some people are just standard on the
list. Um, we have people we pick up and they go to like the Walmart and Aldi, things like that. And the drivers are really really nice. They they they really care about the people. they go in and find the people when they, >> you know, wander,
you know, and like we even had like they were even helping people with their groceries, but we had to put a stop to it. So, cuz it's just too much. We can't, >> you know, um it just leaves our drivers at risk for, you know, things like dogs and stuff like that. So, um but that's
mainly it. I mean, I'm responsible for transportation. I'm like a coordinator, but like because we have a clerk, I don't really do a lot of it. So, um but I I don't mind doing it. >> Um and then you can do a like so when you go to book the ride, you can then do
a schedule a return ride, which I I didn't know. So, uh that was one thing that I had to learn. But, um it it's very simple, you know, and the rides are really reliable. the driver will call before he goes and you know they're
looking for somebody to answer and and they know when someone's going to be waiting outside um things like that but they'll call the center and make sure that the person's going to be there like have us call things like that so do we have >> you have waiting list for people I mean I'm just curious is there a higher is
there increasing demand for this or >> it's very popular it is and like I I've had myself two calls where somebody wanted to call wanted to ride to jury duty in Bedford. Somebody wanted a ride to a doctor's in Middletown, Rhode Island. Um, you know, maybe something
like he's like, "Oh, but I've used your service before." And it's like, "Well, maybe in the past, but it's just not something we're doing now. >> Uh, we just can't. >> We have too many people that need rides." And we have four >> four drivers. >> Five >> five drivers. Five drivers.
>> You know, we have like our main drivers like for social day and then we have our, you know, other part-time drivers where we always need help. I mean, even if someone's coming in 5 hours a week, you know, they have another job and they're just coming in and helping out when they can. So, um, it's very
popular. Um, and the the really good thing is the drivers care. They don't just, >> you know, like drop somebody off and oh well, you know, that which you know, working in a >> And how long do the most drivers last?
They last 5 years, 2 years. >> Um, >> 11 years. 12 years, >> 15 years. I got some people that have been there for a while. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I think too is that they are people who have um >> extra training beyond like, oh, I can
drive. I have a valid driver's license, >> but they have extra training that we provide. I think we had talked about um at our last meeting the extra training for u >> hosting community. We host other communities. Um, and yeah, it's not just
like one training. It's like there's several and they're ongoing and they're months apart and even to start doing it. There's quite a bit that someone does like on their own to do it. >> There's like 20 hours of training. They have to be CPR certified on the van. They can't drive with any by by
themselves with somebody if they're not CPR certified. They have to be wheelchair securement uh if they're going to use one of the wheelchair vans. Um, they have to have defensive driving. They have to have ADA. they have to have alcoh drug and alcohol. So, there's a whole bunch of trainings that they have
to do beforehand and then they do um monitoring that one of the other drivers will um um sort of sponsor them and see how they do and show them um and do that and then we evaluate. But we also do a doortodoor. We don't do curb to curb. So, we do door to door. So, if
somebody's coming out with a walker and they're getting to the van, we make sure that they're Yeah. the door is closed and they're getting out of the door and you know and or if there's groceries to help them you know with the groceries and things like that. So we're we sort of go above and beyond. Um, and that was
the grant that I applied for for DOT, which I talked about earlier. Um, the 75,000 for operation. Um, because it it takes a lot. And this past year, um, just so you know, for transportation, um, we did just just under 6,000 rides
last year for people. Um, and even though it's only and I don't know, maybe like 152 people that get rides, those 1250 152 people, it's critical because they need they need to go to their grow and they want to continue to go out into the community and do things, but they
can't drive anymore, but they can still go grocery shopping or they can go get their meds at the um apothecary or whatever. Uh, or they can go and visit somebody, a spouse in a in a rehab, things like that. all of those kind of things that they wouldn't be able to do.
Um, so transportation is really really critical, especially in this town. It's in this town. It's it's really critical. Um, and um, like I said, most of our um, uh, drivers have been around for for quite a while, you know, and they stay for a long time. >> Can I just throw an idea out? I know
just it's always dangerous when I do that. >> I know. I know. I'm like, okay. >> When I'm um, I volunteer at the Heritage over in um, >> in Sandwich. >> Yeah. Okay. Oh, and they have besides hydrangeas and and other plants,
>> they have a huge car. They have it's all it's all Eli money, Eli Liy money, and they have maybe 20 25 um >> antique car >> antique cars. So, at the volunteer day, you go there and there are 100 volunteers and you have the people at
the at the um antique car place and it's an interesting idea. They adopt a car. Five or 10 people adopt a car, fund the rehab of the car. >> Oh, interesting idea. So, they get 10
people. They said, "We have a new car." Okay. Whatever it is, a 1937 Mercedes or whatever, >> and they'll get people, five, six, eight people. >> They're all carve people, people who want to work on cars, fix cars, >> whatever. And I thought, well, that's an
interesting idea. I wonder if we could get people to adopt vans. >> I mean, I don't, you know, this is an intricral part of our town. I mean, if we're going to provide services to our town, we know these things cost a lot of money. >> Okay.
>> I don't know how they get maintained. I >> mean, we don't have a garage. I mean, I don't know how they do it, but we could ask how they I mean, they have a garage. They have everything over at Heritage, >> but they they at the last volunteer program, they said, "We're getting another car. We need more volunteers to
adopt this car. >> Interesting. >> It's an interesting idea. >> It is. >> And it's funny, too, that you should bring that up because my husband's been he's retired now, but he was with Ford for 46 years. And a lot of businesses when they upgrade their equipment like
spray booths, you know, if you're going to actually spray paint a car, they don't have any place for the old stuff to go. So, they donate it to things like that. as long as you have the room to do it. Um, they have lifts that are available, not necessarily lifts that
are in in the concrete, but they have portable lifts. Um, and yeah, people are familiar with them because some some car buffs stack cars in their garage, right? So, you have to comply with the fire department and all of that based on the
space that you're going to work in. So, I think the idea is phenomenal and it serves both both uh uh businesses. Businesses want to donate and they want to get rid of an older piece of equipment because they're getting a
newer piece, but the older one is there's nothing wrong with it. >> You know, it's just that it might not be able to support their volume. So, you know, the >> or or people just want to >> uh you know, work on a car, >> right? you know, and and they're gonna
adopt one of these five vans. I I don't know. I'm I'm just saying that the idea of >> when they said, "Well, who wants to adopt the next car?" >> Okay. God, they got they got people funding this. They got people working on it. They like to work on cars.
>> And here's an integral part of our community here. And there are I bet a lot of people in this town know how to fix. >> We have a lot of car We have a lot of car enthusiasts in this town. We really do. Although we have I know a lot of the men >> we should tap. So I'm thinking why don't we try to tap into that somehow. I don't
know how but >> I think you should incorporate into that fix it thing that you guys >> and just do an adoptive car and do an adjunct to it. You know I have a quick question with regards to transportation. Is there an out-of- pocket expense? And then my second question is I know that I
just did Medicare and you have to do these all these different parts. And believe it or not, one of my benefits is that I get to and from 30 transportation rides, god forbid, if I ever needed it moving forward as a result of my
disability. Um, are those fees they give us they give you like a credit card with like $2,500 on it or something like that? Um, do we take that and is that is that what you would pay for the COA or
is there a fee? H how does all that work? >> We have we have a donation request. We don't we don't do fees because I didn't want to be a livery where we had to a cab company where we had to take a certain fee. So, we do donations. So there are people who pay there are people who our suggested donation is
right now $750 one way in $15 round trip and um we we accept whatever people give us. There are sometimes where people can afford to pay and there are sometimes where people can't but we never refuse anybody to go for a medical appointment or anything else. So no we haven't the
only time we might tell people is if we're already booked but medical comes first. Medical and supportive day come first. So, if somebody called me and said, "I need to go to the hairdresser, but I can't afford it." And I had a whole bunch of medical. The medicals come first. So, it has nothing to do with the funds or anything that come in.
And the funds go into our transportation revolving account. And our transportation revolving account um >> um supports some of the transportation. Like I said, last year, transportation cost total with repairs and everything
else and the van drivers and the um uh transportation clerk and everybody was $125,000, but the total um cost last year or 2025 I should say. And then uh we took in $122,000 and that was with grants and
other things. So we were close. We were close. Sometimes we're 6 $8,000 off. I think the most we've ever been off was like somewhere around 14 or 15,000 I believe. We were short on in one year. Um but for the most part we try to keep it close. But again with me not getting
those transportation grants. That's why I increased this the the budget for the town. I doubled from 30 to 33 to like 60,000. So again um >> but this is this refers back to what David says. You know, obviously people
aren't aware that, you know, that these funds are there because of your expertise in getting and being proactive, but then in the same token giving a complimentary ride, you know, um, you know, for these essential services through transportation,
>> people don't realize, you know, all of the efforts that are taking to provide that service. I didn't realize either that there is no, you would never turn away. >> No, we don't turn we don't turn anybody away. And the other thing that we do too, just so people do know, we have um the the Massachusetts 250 um sometime in
August, they're doing a Friday and Saturday event from I think 10 or 11 to 4. And they had already called me and asked me if they could use a van. So we have the van on one van on Friday and two vans on Saturday. And they're going to transport people because there's
going to be a parking area. I think they're getting a a schooner or a big ship in and they want people to go. So So we said that we would do that. So, we do that. We donate that. My I pay for the drivers typically. Usually, whatever company, whatever, if it's the cultural council or um the fishing heritage or
whatever it happens to be, they usually give us a donation after that, you know, but I don't ask them for fees. Um, and a lot of times they tip the driver too, you know. And I know we've had for the walk, we've had it. Um, there was a um a home um um garden a garden trip and a
and a home trip where people were going into some homes to see things. And I know one of my drivers did that. Yeah. And she did that and she said she she had Yeah. They park like at the school park at the school parking lot or whatever it happens to be. they park there and then they shuttle them back
and forth so there's not so much on the back roads. Um, so there's a lot of those things that we kind of do for the community, too. So, >> and to answer your question, um, the vans need to be inspected and repaired just like your car. So, we have, uh, vendors in town that we have relationships with. So, um, you know,
things break. I mean, in the summer, air conditioners broke. I mean, and you can't have people on the van without air conditioning. So, >> Oh, yeah. It's metal. It's like it's like a bread box. So if you get the heat on it, it's not >> you kept you kept mentioning about tapping into the retirees in town and
most of those drivers are retired. Most not all of them, but most >> they're not doing it for the pay because they could easily go work for a larger transportation company and make a lot more money. >> Uh they're retired folks. >> They like dealing with >> who they deal with every day. They enjoy
their job and that's why they go above and beyond. So, we're fortunate in the staffing that we have >> that uh are willing to do it at the pay they get, >> but it's not always about pay. It's that connection and they do go out of their way. They do drive me nuts blowing the horn when they pull into the
>> senior center all the time. That makes me crazy. But they're really some great people who are very supportive and they care about who they pick up and that's invaluable and and that department does a great job with that. >> It really does. Thank you for for it's almost like they are uh volunteers but
getting a stipen they don't really get >> they get a salary but you know it's it's >> maybe we should highlight them in a news every every month. >> Sure we can when when when I expand that newsletter we can do a department every month or so and highlight the drivers
that highlight the drivers. >> It's the people. >> Yeah. It's the people it's the culture and it's >> right >> it's there. there to take care of who we need to take care of. And we're lucky. We're lucky and most people don't even realize how fortunate we are.
>> And I would say to your point, and I think this is a trend that's happening, that that's sad. >> Not sad, but we have an aging society. Okay. So, you might have been gifted to get grants when there was less demand, but now it's much more difficult because
every town's got an aging population. They're all asking for the same pot of money. >> Yes. Okay. >> And I'm sure when they see Bev, it's like, "Oh, here's Bev." You know what I mean? For the last 10 years, you know, she's been very diligent, so they they recognize that. And a lot of times, too,
you know, >> I'm sure that there are seldom errors where the new kids on the block put things in that don't know how to code it properly. And and I think Bev's point, when when you have the expertise in each department, they know how to word it
because they work in that department. So they're very familiar with the services and I think >> and they can articulate the needs and that's the essential part like if we were applying something from for the police department and you're not a police officer I'd be like what are you talking about?
>> Those are your content experts when you're doing grant writing and those the people that know >> exactly >> they know what they're doing. So we're fortunate to have Beverly. Anything else for transportation that we need and I thank you Helen and I thank you Beverly. >> Any other questions? Any questions at
all? No. >> I think you >> need a ride. No. >> Okay. For topics not reasonably anticipated in the last 48 hours. >> The only thing is Helen handed out this form again for people. I just want to make sure that people know this was her
she updated this um um the charts for December. and Helen and I at the end of the week are going to meet um and we're going to do a six-month review from July to December on where our numbers are so that we can see um where we are in each
area. So, is transportation revolving going up going down? So, the part of day like Mur said it's going down. So, we're going to look at those trends and see what kind of things I'm hoping that with some of the increases in fees that we're going to be able to sort of recoup. Um
we'll see. Dev got her $10,000 from MIA. She got reimbured. So that's in there now. >> That's right. Yes. >> Yes. >> So that's good >> for the uh sink >> for the grease trap. >> The grease trap >> that we had to do. She had applied for the grant, so she got that money. >> Mhm. >> But thank you. Thank you for keeping it
all straight for us. >> Um I had a couple of things. Um I wanted to thank the friends for having such a wonderful celebration. >> Yes, it was. I hope it I hope it was beneficial. I mean we you want to um it
was for the birthday party. It happened the day after I >> December 10th. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Happened after right after our meeting >> 40th. Yeah. >> And it was just a great time. >> Mhm. It was >> it was it was very very nice. It was very very nice. Yeah. It was it was done
very very well. Um from the drinks to the food to the the setup and everything. It was really really done very nice. and and the the pictures that they had along the wall with all of the history. >> And have they put those pictures at the COA? >> I haven't seen them. I haven't seen them yet.
>> They were going to do that. >> We were saying that that how the the history of this the Council on Aging and the Friends, it is so intertwined, but it just but to have it captured in pictures was just really so special. And
we had asked that if we could uh somehow hang those excuse me, in the in the building in in in the senior center. It just really special. I'm like, oh my goodness, I recognize Cindy from a >> few years ago and and you know, and a few others like that, but it just that
but thank you. That was really a wonderful celebration. >> Nice. Yeah, >> it was great. >> Excuse me, I just had a question. Was it very successful in terms of fundraising? >> I don't know exactly how much, but we didn't lose money. >> Okay. >> That's always a good thing.
>> That's a good thing. Yeah. That's the key. That's the key. >> I think the next item that I wanted to announce and Beverly maybe you can help me is that pretty soon the tax preparation season will be upon us. It
means that they'll be um um I think people are aware that the uh income tax people come and they are from AARP. They're they're specially trained. Um people are making appointments now. not appointments now, but they're
>> they're given their name. >> They're giving the names. >> We have three pages already of names of people, but they will have >> three people every Wednesday from 12:30 to I think 3:30. Um, and then because they usually have four people, but they only have three this this time, but they
have two people on Tuesday afternoon that are going to come in. So, we we've got an extra day. So, as soon as Peter gives Joan the the times and the days and the people, she's going to start calling people and putting them into their >> I have my appointment already. Joan called. >> Oh, see that?
>> May 3rd, 12:30. So, you you really, you know, people who are interested need to call the center um >> right away so they can get on the schedule. >> And it's it's the easy forms. I don't think that they um do a lot of the
complicated forms for people. So, if anybody has complicated forms and things that they need, they probably should seek out a CPA or somebody or a tax specialist just because these people are volunteers and and um you know, they're trained and when the changes come up,
they have to learn all the changes. So, >> I think that >> I think we start I think we start February >> 6 or 700 people. >> Yeah. >> From town and that's money that stays in town. Um that's what we have to I think keep in mind is that and people are not
making mistakes and and getting flusted. This is a a phenomenal service and so thank you for >> and it's free service. >> It's a free service. It's a free service. It's mostly g geared towards seniors because it's AARP and we don't it's not just Westport town though. We
have people from Dartmouth coming. You have people from um you know, Fall River, other places that come too. Um because not every COA does this. A lot of the COAs were doing it, but a lot of the volunteers after COVID never came back. So they haven't they haven't been able to get the volunteers that they
needed. So we get people from Somerset Swansea that call us and they come every year, you know, and they have the easy form. >> So who do we see? We see Joan or >> Joan. Well, Joan's the one who usually puts it all together, >> right? Yeah. >> And and it's it's it's it's like
clockwork every every year. And I always tell them, I'll do I'm I'm old enough so I can do my taxes, but I tell them that I'm in my office and I have my paperwork with me and I tell them wait until somebody doesn't show up or you have a vacancy and then I'll just go f fill in
there rather than make an appointment. So, it's easier that way. >> I just thought we we need to sort of announce that and to remind people that >> and it's in the newsletter this month, too, but for people to call. The biggest thing is we always get people just like with open enrollment for Medicare, we
always get people that call us the week before the 15th and oh, I need an appointment. It's like we've been booked for two months. You know what I mean? And and we tell people, you know, and sometimes people make an appointment early cuz they want to get in, but they don't have their paperwork yet. And that's the other thing. You have to wait
till you get your paperwork in. So then they say, "Well, I can't make that appointment because I don't have my paperwork." But now they've taken an appointment away from somebody else that did have it. So, we try to tell people to be aware if you know your bank doesn't send you the paperwork until later in February or early March or
whatever you get it or call your bank or whoever to find out your financial institution. Call them to find out when you're going to get it so that you know and it's easier to make like you said you made yours for May. So, >> just in case cuz wait for your paperwork tax information. >> So, right. So, there's a whole list. In
fact, I had a newsletter from uh 10 11 years ago. was in my mother's package of things and and so we've been doing um the taxes and and the a from the AARP for many many many many years and and it just the checklist of the things that
that you need. You also need to have ID. Yes. >> And people it's amazing the number of people who show up without a picture ID but this is some one of the required anyway. Um, thank you. And and um Okay. And finally, we could always use
volunteers. If you're interested in volunteering, we have all kinds of programs and we can keep you busy. >> Call the center and especially if you have any skills for the repair cafe. >> The repair thing we want to do, the technology cafe. >> Um, supportive day program has quite a
few people already. That's right. Um, but it's those kinds of things that we could use. So, >> all right. >> Give us a call. So any other items that people um need to bring before us today? No. >> That do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion to adjurnn.
>> Second. >> Okay. All in favor that was fi I thank you all very much. Thank you.