Mattapoisett Council on Aging — August 5, 2026

The Mattapoisett Council on Aging met on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, with members Deborah Ward, Sarah Landry, Cecilia Callahan, Dot Dunn, Jim Marlowe, Anita Zuccaro, and Linda Clifford present. The board unanimously approved the previous meeting's minutes before Director Sarah Landry presented the closeout of the fiscal year 2026 budget. Landry reported an FY26 formula grant surplus of $29,355.27, largely resulting from staff vacancy savings and generous support from the Friends of the COA. She noted significant challenges with fleet maintenance, explaining that the department's largest 14-passenger 2022 van was sidelined with broken rear air conditioning, with repair estimates running from $4,000 to $27,000. Landry noted she has been collaborating with Town Administrator Mike Lorenco and Town Treasurer Brent to establish a reserve fund for future vehicle purchases. The board unanimously accepted the budget report.

Landry reviewed the Director's Report, presenting annual participation data showing that 1,597 unduplicated individuals used the facility during FY26 across more than 14,000 visits, representing about 50 percent of the town's population aged 60 and older. The board discussed class capacity issues, facility space limitations, and an upcoming Volunteer Appreciation luncheon scheduled for September 29. Outreach Coordinator Liz delivered the Outreach Report, highlighting the new federally supported GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) respite program administered through Coastline Elderly Services, which provides $2,625 for qualifying Medicare Part A and B recipients for in-home and adult daycare respite care. The board voted unanimously to approve both the Director's Report and the Outreach Report.

Under new business and upcoming events, Landry highlighted the 3rd annual cookout on August 21, field trips to the Blake Planetarium and Cape Cod Canal, and fall lectures and performances, including a presentation by Cheryl Faye as Abigail Adams and speaker Jesse Green. Landry explained that the Congregational Church instituted a $200 rental fee for Reynard Hall, though she successfully negotiated to waive their $150 cleaning fee. She also commended Rochester Council on Aging Director Eric Poulin for loaning a van to ensure Mattapoisett seniors could attend a Boston Tall Ships excursion when the town's vehicle was out of commission. Staff also discussed ongoing room reconfigurations and repairs to rain-related water damage in the facility before the meeting adjourned at 9:15 AM.

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