Meeting Minutes | Advisory Committee on Age-Friendly Bowdoinham | 2018-04-09
Bowdoinham Advisory Committee on Aging
DRAFT Meeting Minutes: April 9, 2018 2:30PM to 4:30PM
Coombs Municipal Building, Kendall Room
The meeting was called to order at 2:30 PM by Kathy Pszczolkowski, Chairman.
A quorum was established.
In attendance: Kathy Pszczolkowski, Diana Mosher, Alice Pollis, Rachel Evans, Rachelle Tome, Joanne Savoie
Absent: George Oliver, Joan Smith, Patty Melander,
Staff: Melissa Halsey, William Post
Guests: AARP Consultant: Patricia Oh
Approval of Meeting Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to accept the March 19, 2018 meeting minutes.
Committee News:
Program/Activities- Diana Mosher reports that all committees and activities are on schedule and that there is a Field Trip to
Brunswick for “Tea With Harriet” on 04/19/18. There is an upcoming meeting to discuss the possibility of nighttime cribbage.
Celebrate Bowdoinham- No report
Discussions:
1. Update Bylaws/Change Committee Name- There was much discussion about possible names, how the name should reflect
the purpose/mission, that maybe the bylaws need to be added to with procedures/protocols, and how this can be accomplished.
There is not a deadline for this.
Actions:
1. Kathy Pszczolkowski will talk with Bill Post re: possible “wording” to be added to the bylaws to further define the
committee’s role and activities.
2. Decide at the May meeting when and how the By-laws will be amended and if and when the committee name will be changed.
2. AARP Challenge Grant- Rachel Evans proposed a grant to help the Village Masons “Handy Brigade” with obtaining a piece
of equipment to enable the use of a temporary ramp for people. Patricia Oh, AARP consultant advised that liability issues may
hinder this idea. She suggested that Rachel refer Handy Brigade to Maine Community Foundation for help. No other suggestions
were made for a grant application.
3. Election of Officers- Kathy Pszczolkowski announced that the current Chairman and Secretary cannot serve in this capacity
next year as they have served 2 consecutive years. She suggested that we vote for officers 1 month early (May) so that new and
outgoing officers can work together for a month. Suggestions were taken for officers. Rachelle Tome offers to be vice chairman.
Rachel Evans offered to be secretary.
4. Spring Event Clean Up of Town Hall- Alice Pollis and Rachelle Tome reported that the plan to have a Spring Fling in May
changed due to inadequate time. Part of the event was to clean the Town Hall. Alice and Rachelle will pursue this aspect. Bill
post reported on the usual cleaning procedure and funds and that the Contradance group that uses the Town Hall has indicated a
willingness and some equipment to help. He will give Rachelle Tome the contact information for this group.The hope is that
community organizations and individual citizens will be involved.
5. Newsletter Ideas for July & August 2018- “People who were instrumental in ACOA.” Rachelle Tome requested that
Newsletter ideas be added to the agenda every other month.
6. Wellness Fair- Kathy Pszczolkowski announced a need for a Wellness Fair Chairperson. Rachel Evans volunteered. By
consensus, the Fair will be changed this year to focus on Fire Safety (work with the Fire Department) and flu shots. Kathy
Pszczolkowski will get potential dates from Chans and report to Rachel.
7. Change Meeting Dates from 3rd Monday- The 3rd Monday of the month has necessitated many meeting changes for ACOA
due to conflicting holidays. After discussion, it was decided by consensus to change ACOA meeting days to the 2nd (Second)
Monday of each month starting with May, 2018.
AARP Update- Patricia Oh, AARP Consultant, updated us on the 2018 AARP events, funding available for some of them, and
asked for suggestions on some of the upcoming meeting content. She elaborated on the benefits from AARP, from electronic
assistance (meetings, conference lines) to the many resources available with a simple request. Patricia also delivered our red
“Age Friendly Bowdoinham” tablecloth from AARP.
Additions to the Agenda- Joanne Savoie reported that Bowdoinham Community School (BCS) has reached the eligibility
criteria to host an Open Summer Food Service Program. There will be a meeting April 23 from 6 to 7PM at BCS to discuss this
possibility. Transportation is generally a big problem with this endeavor. Joanne asked about the status of the bus that was
purchased by the town. Bill Post reported that it is not available yet but would like to hear the results of the April 23 meeting.
Update from Town Manager- Bill Post reported:
He is currently looking for a new Recreation Director. More time will be built into the job description for assistance to ACOA.
A 40 hour/week intern for 12 weeks this summer will have as her first project the ACOA Resource Guide.
He has been meeting with many groups for the benefit of Sagadahoc County Transportation.
He has been a spokesman on the topic of Age Friendly Bowdoinham to a group in Auburn. This community is just starting their
age friendly plan.
Agenda Items for May-
Bylaws and committee name- Plan for Bylaws update and possible name change.
Election of Officers
Town Hall Clean up Plan- Rachelle Tome & Alice Pollis
Wellness Fair- Update and plan- Rachel Evans & Kathy Pszczolkowski
Meeting adjourned at 4:30 PM. Next meeting is May 14, 2:30 to 4:30 PM.
Respectfully Submitted, Joanne Savoie, Secretary