The Kingston Council on Aging Advisory Board met to review significant data from the Old Colony Planning Council regarding the "Livable Kingston" action plan. Joanne Zigmont presented survey results from 516 respondents, a turnout she described as exceptional for the town. Zigmont noted that while residents generally enjoy the community, structural concerns are mounting, stating that affordability, availability, and accessibility are kind of your three As in the community that residents are most worried about when it comes to housing. During the presentation, a board member raised a question regarding specific priorities, asking there's one there labeled transportation, what category does that fall in? Zigmont clarified that while housing was the clear top priority at 44%, transportation remained a significant concern in the middle bucket of resident needs.

The board also heard from the Friends of the Kingston Council on Aging, represented by Mary Booten. She highlighted the organization’s financial contributions to the center, which exceeded $7,000 last year for programs ranging from craft classes to ice cream trucks. We are a 501c3 group, which means that any donations that you'd like to give to us, membership fees, those are all tax deductible, Booten explained. She also encouraged community members to consider board positions, adding that young blood is always appreciated. Board member Gail reflected on the importance of educational programs, specifically regarding dementia, noting that a lot of people didn't understand what that person was going through and suggesting the center bring back specialized training for caregivers.

Melissa Clemens, a registered nurse and resident of ten years, appeared before the board to express her interest in joining as a volunteer member. Clemens shared her personal connection to senior advocacy through her father’s experience with dementia. I want to do more for my town and my community, Clemens said, adding, I'm a registered nurse for about 20 years... it's just very important to me especially with the elderly population. Board member Kathy shared her own experiences with local services, mentioning, I can go back and forth to Boston hospitals with lift, emphasizing the importance of board members understanding the transportation landscape. The board chair welcomed the interest, stating, There are several volunteer opportunities at the Council on Aging.

Director of Elder Affairs Holly Nighelli provided a year-end recap for 2025, noting that the center provided 3,516 no-cost rides and served 4,140 meals at Cafe Evergreen. Nighelli introduced a new Qigong fitness class for 2026 and highlighted the arrival of a new 8-passenger Ford van. Regarding the expansion of fitness programs, Nighelli said, This is something that we're trying and it's sort of filling the gap. Earlier in the meeting, Motion Made by a board member to approve the minutes for November 18th, 2025. Vote Passed 6-0. The meeting was adjourned at 12:25.