Below is a summarized version of the Council on Aging and Recreation joint meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
📄 Meeting Summary
Meeting Title: Joint Meeting – Council on Aging & Recreation Committee
🕔 Duration: ~1hr40min
💻 Format: Hybrid (Zoom + In-person at Pleasant Street Center)
👩⚖️ Chairs: Karen Janowski (COA), Rich Hand (Recreation Committee)
👥 Attendees:
- COA: Karen Janowski, Nancy Ziemlak, Marilyn Shapleigh, Kate Harrington, Ron Powell, John Saczynski, Rosemary DeBenedetto
- Recreation Committee: Rich Hand (Chair), Laura Noonan, Eric Boemer, Kate Kaminer, Nick Pesaturo, Eric Gaffen
- Staff: Jenna Wood (Community Services Director), Jim Sullivan (Recreation Administrator), Emily Sisson, John Sasso, Jayne Wellman (Assistant Town Manager)
📎 Summary: Presentation and discussion of draft programming space policy for the new Recal Center, including prioritization of 60+ programs, dedicated spaces, scheduling process, and balancing community needs.
🖋 Opening & Attendance
⏰ 5:04–6:11
Discussion: Both committees called meetings to order; quorum confirmed. Introductions made.
Outcome: Joint session began with overview of purpose: collaborative review of Recal programming policy.
🏗️ Presentation: Draft Programming Space Policy
⏰ 7:11–10:54
Presenter: Jenna Wood
Key Points:
- Mission: Inclusive community space prioritizing 60+ residents while serving all ages.
- Policy Scope: Applies to all programs at Recal; ensures 60+ access to health, wellness, social, and educational activities.
- Priority Programs for 60+: Health & wellness, social/recreational, educational workshops, and senior services.
- Dedicated Spaces: Senior hub on first floor (lounges, coffee bar, card/game room, flex room, group exercise room, patio).
- Shared Spaces: Multi-purpose room, gym, maker space, arts & crafts room—priority for 60+ but available for other programming when not in use.
- Fitness Room & Walking Track: Open to all ages during operating hours; option for scheduled 60+ exclusive times.
📅 Scheduling & Availability
⏰ 11:01–14:24
Presenter: Jim Sullivan
Summary:
- Core Hours: Defined by staffing; adjustments possible.
- Programming Meetings: Town staff-led; plan 3-month windows; weekly reviews for adjustments.
- Prioritization Order:
- 60+ programs (Elder & Human Services)
- Recreation & Veterans
- Other town departments
- Town committees
- External rentals
- Conflict Resolution: Escalated to Community Services Director.
- Public Access: Updated schedules posted at Recal front desk.
🏛️ Discussion Highlights
⏰ 15:03–1:41:00
Key Themes & Concerns:
- Dedicated Space vs. Shared Use:
- COA members emphasized need for guaranteed socialization areas and drop-in spaces for 60+.
- Debate over gym inclusion in priority list—Recreation Committee advocated for shared access per original community vote.
- Programming Expansion:
- Strong call for evening and weekend programs for working seniors.
- Suggestions for multi-generational activities and spontaneous social spaces.
- Operational Challenges:
- Staffing for extended hours; balancing rentals for revenue with senior access.
- Need for clear communication on fees, scholarships, and trust fund use for affordability.
- Feedback Process:
- COA requested formal mechanism for input and transparency (e.g., advisory group, shared programming form).
- Confidential Services:
- Shine counseling and similar programs require private meeting spaces; staff confirmed availability in offices and veterans lounge.
- Community Outreach:
- Suggestions for mailing updates via tax/water bills; January 29 info session planned for 60+ community.
📅 Timeline
- January: Review COA feedback on fitness and membership policies; refine programming policy.
- February: Present operational plan and cost projections to COA and Select Board.
- March: Transportation model and grant update; continued community engagement.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Senior Hub confirmed as dedicated space; multi-purpose and gym remain shared with priority scheduling for 60+.
- Programming policy draft introduced—emphasis on flexibility, phased rollout, and regular review.
- Evening/weekend programs for 60+ strongly supported; staff committed to expanding offerings.
- Affordability concerns raised—scholarship program and trust fund use under consideration.
- Ongoing collaboration essential—proposal for periodic joint meetings and advisory input.
- Community communication critical—info session scheduled; broader outreach recommended.
