The Scituate Council on Aging is preparing for a significant organizational shift as the town prepares to move its elder service oversight to Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) this summer. Kenzie Vanderbrook, liaison from South Shore Elder Services (SSES), informed the board that the transition will occur in phases, beginning with protective services on June 1 and followed by all other Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) services on July 1. Vanderbrook noted that while federal funding cuts have complicated negotiations, the goal is to maintain a high standard of home care. We feel confident we will provide the same level of care, Vanderbrook said, though she acknowledged that some workers may not want to travel to the southern part of the service area due to union and logistical differences between the agencies.

Director Linda Hayes reported a positive development regarding the Council’s budget, noting that the Massachusetts House has approved an MCOA formula grant at a rate of $16 per person, though it still awaits Senate approval. This funding arrives as the town continues to prioritize internal efficiencies and grant acquisitions to avoid potential property tax overrides. Hayes also highlighted a new MassDOT grant secured by Assistant Director Kelly Walsh to support the Medical Access Program (MAP), which assists clients struggling with transportation costs. Walsh noted that the department’s outreach efforts remain high-impact, with the tax work-off program currently supporting 29 participants, just one shy of its 30-person limit.

The Council continues to experience a surge in community engagement, recording 55 new member registrations in April alone. Hayes reflected on the broader town climate, noting that a confusing warrant petition regarding commercial fishermen at the recent Town Meeting—the longest in recent memory—remains unresolved. Despite these outside pressures, the Senior Center building remains a hub of activity. I am continuing to teach Tai Chi as there is no one else to do it, Hayes told the board, highlighting the ongoing need for specialized instructors as the center plans its 2027 exhibits.

Lucille Hayes, Social Day Coordinator, provided an update on the center’s specialized programming, noting that the Social Day program is currently at capacity with 11 participants and a growing waiting list. The program, which serves residents with diverse professional backgrounds including attorneys and engineers, recently visited the Maritime Mossing Museum. It's wonderful to pull these memories out, she remarked, sharing an anecdote of a participant who recognized a WWII aircraft his father had flown. The Together in Time Memory Cafe also remains a vital tool for connecting families to these services.

The board is also managing membership transitions following the departures of members Leslie and Ross. Pam McBurnie attended the meeting as a potential applicant to fill the vacancies. Board member Bethany raised questions regarding the timeline for these departures, while the unidentified Chair reminded attendees that while the meeting was open for observation, it remained a closed meeting for board deliberation. We've got some guests in the audience... if you've got a question, just put your hand and wait until the end, the Chair noted.

Community support through the Friends of Scituate Seniors (FOSS) continues to bolster center operations. FOSS Secretary Deb Stellzer reported that a recent ice cream social drew 75 attendees who stayed until nearly 4:00 PM just chatting. Vice Chair Susan also checked in on the progress of upcoming summer music programs, which include performances by the Shady Roosters and Billy and the Goats, as the center prepares for its Volunteer Appreciation event on June 17.