The June 18 Wellesley Council on Aging (COA) meeting featured updates on the status of coffee service at the Tolles Parsons Center—a topic patrons showed up to comment on—as well as early returns from the newly opened commercial kitchen. (See Wellesley Media recording for all the action.)
The COA recently modified its all-day coffee service based on staffing and other factors, and some patrons aren’t happy about it, citing the key role coffee service plays in community and connection.
New Director of Senior Services Sehar Kiani started off her update on this topic by stating that “coffee is not going away, coffee has continued to be available during core business hours” and special events. She emphasized that service has been reduced not due to any lack of funding, but as a result of operational factors, such as staffing and volunteers, the latter of which are harder to line up during summer. She acknowledged the transition was difficult, but that it is now manageable, and the COA staff is monitoring the situation. One possibility will be supplementing coffee service with availability of other beverages (hot water and tea remain available).
“The goal is not to take something away. The goal is to offer hospitality in a way that is thoughtful, reasonable, and sustainable for patrons, staff, volunteers, and the overall operations of the center,” Kiani read from a statement.
Following her statement, a handful of patrons shared their concerns. One called the change to coffee service as “an unwelcome surprise,” describing coffee as “a social lubricant” that brings people together. Another recommended coming up with a staff rotation system that would enable them to keep coffee service going more fully. Another called it “ridiculous” not to have coffee available during afternoons when there is heavy programming and a large clientele on site, and said having a cafe at the Tolles Parsons Center when it opened really transformed the COA from its previous location where patrons had more of a transactional with the organization than a community-oriented one.
Kiani thanked those who spoke for sharing their thoughts, and said she plans to continue working with them on this issue. In a follow-up email to us, after we reached out, the director said she’s looking into single-serve instant coffee packets, but hadn’t rolled this out yet.
On a more positive note regarding food, Kiani cited successful programs held or scheduled to be held in the newly opened Richard Campana Kitchen, which has its own story.
Coming up are a program on crafting your own crackers with Land’s Sake Farm and another on sauces and marinades. Popular cooking instructor Roberta Hing will be among those sharing their kitchen magic with patrons.
“We’re really excited to be using the kitchen for programming, supporting learning, creativity, and social connection,” Kiani said.
Also at the meeting:
- It was noted that the Select Board approved three candidates for the COA Board: Ann Raider, Renee Spencer, and Corinne Monahan. Also, COA Board member Peter Grape is joining the Advisory Committee, so will vacate his COA Board position, and a candidate to finish one year of his term will be sought.
- Kiani has been making the rounds at other departments in town from public safety to Recreation. One possible partnership could bring COA programming to Rec Center space in Wellesley Hills, offering perhaps a more convenient location for people who live closer to there than the Tolles Parsons Center.
- When Kiani was hired, the COA Board determined it should identify a mentor to bring her along in the role. Rather than one mentor, it wound up going with three whose combined experiences are seen as relevant to Kiani’s job—Executive Director Meghan Jop, Assistant Executive Director Corey Testa, and CFO Rachel DeRoche.
- A new bus driver has been hired and trained, so the COA bus will now run five days a week.
- About 55 people attended an AI Awareness workshop. While some still don’t seem to believe it, many older adults are embracing technology and use it regularly, as we see through our large readership in this demographic.
