Below is a summarized version of the Council on Aging 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 Overview
Meeting Summary: Council on Aging (COA) – March 24, 2025
Start Time: 6:30PM
Format: Hybrid (in-person at the Pleasant Street Center and Zoom)
Chair: Karen Janowski
Present: Marilyn Shapleigh, Jean Prato, Karen Pinette, Nancy Ziemlak, Debbie Small, John Parsons
New Chair & Mailing
- 0:03–1:51
- Speakers: Multiple unidentified voices, Debbie Small, Jean
- The meeting begins with technical adjustments (volume settings) and identification of participants. Debbie Small is on “iPhone 9,” and Jean is on “iPhone 2.” Participants are asked to add their names to their device labels for clarity.
- 2:03–2:30 -Meeting Called to Order
- Speaker: Unidentified (likely Karen Janowski, later confirmed as chair)
- The meeting is officially called to order with seven participants, meeting the quorum requirement. Congratulations are extended to Karen for her first meeting.
- 2:35–3:02 – Attendance Roll Call
- Speaker: Karen Janowski
- Attendance is taken: Marilyn Shapleigh, Jean Prato, Karen Pinette, Nancy Ziemlak, Debbie Small, John Parsons. Rosemary DeBenedetto is mentioned but not confirmed present.
- 3:12–4:26 – Vote officially for New Chair
- Speakers: Karen Janowski, Debbie Small, Jean, Marilyn, John
- A motion is made to appoint Karen Janowski as the official chair. After a roll call vote (Debbie: Yes, Karen: Yes, Jean: Yes, Marilyn: Yes, John: Yes, Nancy: Yes), Karen is unanimously appointed as chair.
- 4:29–13:26 – Discussion and Decision on COA Mailing
- Speakers: Marilyn, Karen, Jean
- 4:29–5:37: Marilyn moves to delay a planned Council on Aging (COA) mailing to all town residents, citing a tight timeline with the printer and new town administration feedback requiring more time.
- 5:46–7:06: Discussion reveals Jayne Wellman (town official) believes it’s feasible with quick approvals and a cheaper printer option that includes mailing. However, concerns arise about timing (aiming for early May) and mailbox clutter before an election.
- 7:11–9:54: Marilyn argues for slowing down to avoid a rushed job, proposing it become an annual initiative. She details the process: 1–2 weeks for proofing and approval, 5 days for printing/mailing, and 2–7 days for delivery, risking missing the election if delayed.
- 10:04–11:32: The group agrees rushing risks dissatisfaction and missing the election window. Postcards are noted as effective but crowded during election season.
- 12:04–13:26: Marilyn suggests moving the target date by a few months (e.g., August/September, per Jean’s input) to avoid vacation season and ensure quality. No formal motion is made; the group opts to keep refining the project informally for the next agenda.
Key Outcomes
- Leadership: Karen is unanimously appointed as the official chair of the Council on Aging committee (4:26).
- COA Mailing Project:
- The group decides to delay the COA mailing (originally targeting early May) due to a tight timeline, new town administration feedback, and election season clutter.
- No firm new date is set, but August/September is suggested to avoid vacation season and ensure quality.
- The project will become an annual initiative, with ongoing refinement for the next meeting’s agenda rather than a rushed effort now.
- Meeting Efficiency: The brief meeting (approximately 14 minutes) successfully addressed key items and adjourned at 6:44 PM.
