The Board of Directors of the Mattapoisett Council on Aging met on the morning of September 3, and the meeting began with a welcome back following a summer hiatus. Chair of the board Linda Clifford firstly introduced new COA Director Sarah Landry to her first meeting as “the new sheriff in town.”
The new director, in her report, stated they are about two months into the fiscal year, noting nothing is thus far “out of the ordinary.” In discussing the budget, Landry noted a desire to further seek the assistance of volunteers and doners to continue to offer free events, such as crafting classes, or events that would have free food, like pizza parties. “I have been spending a lot of time with the accounting and finance department – to hash out these numbers,” she stated, also referring to grant management. The budget, as presented, was approved unanimously by the board.
Landry stated their events have been a great success, with emphasis on continuing and expanding them where possible. Bingo, “no surprise there,” has been a great success, with the ice cream social event being scheduled just before to encourage participation in both events.
The director stated many podiatrists have retired recently, making it necessary to call in their regular doctor, Dr. Alan Chen, more frequently for foot care and checkups. She also mentioned rides taken advantage of more frequently, though fewer rides are being taken overall. In other words, more people in each ride at a time, fewer rides overall. “We are almost at a point where we need to hire another driver,” she concluded, though this hasn’t been planned as of yet.
Landry stated The Second Half classes will continue to be offered to all ages, with a small tuition fee. She mentioned cooking, history of rock and roll, art, and other classes will become available.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Council on Aging Board of Directors is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1 at 8:30 am in the Mattapoisett Council on Aging, 17 Barlow Street.
Mattapoisett Council on Aging Board of Directors
By Sam Bishop