Mattapoisett Council on Aging to reopen

Mar 9, 2021

MATTAPOISETT — Following the reopenings of the Mattapoisett Library and Town Hall, the Mattapoisett Council on Aging is set to begin in-person programming in April.

At a March 9 meeting, selectmen approved a plan to allow the Council on Aging to begin reopening.

Council on Aging Director Jacqueline Coucci presented a reopening plan to the Selectmen, who agreed it was comprehensive.

“Very well done,” Selectman Jordan Collyer said. “I don’t think you left any stone unturned, Jackie.”

Coucci said that the council would be “basically mimicking” its operations from the fall, following state and local guidelines in order to provide programming for Council on Aging patrons.

“We’re just asking to open up and follow the guidelines the state has ordered,” Coucci said.

Activities offered by the council as it reopens will include fitness programming and some socially distanced indoor activities.

In addition, the council will require all visitors and program participants to register ahead of time and sign in. That way, the Council on Aging will have the contact information necessary in order to conduct contact tracing.

Coucci also asked the board for a broader approval to expand and constrict programming in accordance with state guidelines.

While selectmen agreed that Coucci shouldn’t have to come to meetings for approval of every new addition, they said they would like the town to remain involved in the process as the council begins to open.

Board Chair Paul Silva said it’s important the town be a large part of the decision-making process, especially if covid numbers begin to rise.

“I don’t want to jump the gun too much,” Collyer said. “I want to crawl before we walk and walk before we run.”

Coucci noted that the reopening wouldn’t be a “free for all,” and that the council would be taking things one step at a time.

Ultimately, Selectmen voted to allow the reopening, with any future changes and updates going through Town Administrator Michael Lorenco.

“Let’s start with this, and then we’ll reassess,” Collyer said.

The Council on Aging’s first in-person program is projected to take place on April 5.