The Scituate Council on Aging reconvened on August 14 following a summer break, with Chair Jen Miller opening the session by noting the long interval since their last gathering. We haven't met in quite a while; we kind of skipped out on July, Miller remarked as the board prepared to address a heavy agenda of leadership changes and financial updates. The primary highlight was the promotion of Kelly Walsh to Assistant Director, a move Director Linda Hayes described as very well deserved. Walsh has already made a significant impact in her expanded role, successfully securing a $20,000 grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) to bolster memory care and social day programming. I am deeply committed to our seniors, our staff, and our mission here at the senior center, Walsh stated during her introduction. The board also welcomed new members Bethany O'Conner, who noted, I majored in gerontology, so I've been working in the senior field for 18ish years, and Anna Morris, who shared her background as a seasoned healthcare worker who worked at MGH in cardiovascular surgery. Motion Made by Susan Co to approve the minutes. Vote Passed 5-0

Director Hayes provided a detailed facilities report, emphasizing that while the building remains busy with programs like woodturning and virtual travel tours, staffing and maintenance remain priorities. Hayes noted she has been working extensively on regulatory compliance, stating, I've been talking about to mass dot for our grant funded COA van, so that's really a lot of paperwork. The center has received over $8,000 in donations in memory of Ann Mullen, which will fund landscaping and entrance improvements. Susan Co inquired about the new maintenance arrangements, asking, Are they now going to be like an actual ongoing regular? Hayes confirmed the town now has a standing contract with J. Michael Landscaping. Discussion also turned to the Social Day program fees, with board member Patton asking, Is it 20 or 25 for the half? Hayes clarified the fee is $25 for the new Friday half-day session, which helps cover the program coordinator's costs.

The board discussed expanding community outreach to reach seniors who may not yet utilize the facility. Vice Chair Susan Savage Kelly praised the current newcomers' events, noting, I think it's great that the senior center has this, you know, meet and greet for newcomers moving into the town. To increase visibility, Russ Pauland suggested creating a digital tour, stating, I thought about doing a whole video of the place kind of for people to see. Kenzie Vanderbrook provided a sobering update from Southshore Elder Services, reporting that the state has only reimbursed 25 percent of its outstanding debt to the agency. Despite the 75 percent deficit, Vanderbrook reassured the board that Sashar has made a determination that if someone's coming out of a hospital whether there is money or not from the state that no one is going home without food.

Select Board member Freya provided a town-wide perspective, warning of a looming million-dollar budget deficit and confirming a major change to the waterfront. The harbor master building is not going forward, Freya announced, explaining that a new study determined the harbor requires a comprehensive protection plan rather than a single building project. Finally, Elen Shimbar Seaison delivered the Friends of Scituate (FOS) report, noting the organization's stable financial position. The financial reports were wonderful; actually what we started with we're just about ending with, Seaison reported, while announcing that the annual Holiday Fair is scheduled for November 15 at the senior center.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:01 PM