Natick COA safety workgroup plans scam-awareness poster, outreach to police and DPW

The Town of Natick Council on Aging Board Safety Workgroup met Jan. 9 to begin developing a set of senior safety initiatives, including a simple scams and fraud awareness poster and outreach to the Natick Police Department and the Department of Public Works.

Workgroup members James Fitzgerald (who submitted the minutes), Laura Forker and Mal Sockol reviewed a list of priorities the group will present to the Council on Aging board. The top items included producing a poster with contact information for reporting suspected scams and fraud, scheduling educational talks with police, broadening programming beyond fraud to basic personal-safety tips, and promoting existing free transportation services for Natick seniors.

The group agreed to contact the Natick Police Department and identified Lieutenant Chad M. Howard—who attended the recent Natick Resource Fair—as a candidate to speak to the board about program options. Members said programs could cover not only financial scams but also practical safety topics such as locking cars and not leaving valuables visible in vehicles. They emphasized delivering events at multiple venues across town, not only at the Senior Center, to reach seniors who use different sites.

The workgroup discussed construction-related pedestrian risks and agreed to reach out to the Department of Public Works for guidance about areas seniors should avoid and possible alternative routes or signage near active projects. As an example, members cited senior walkers crossing a bridge near the 9/27 area and asked whether DPW could identify and help mitigate similar hazards.

Members also discussed expanding outreach about transportation options that are free to Natick seniors and increasing advertising of those services so older residents can avoid risky walking routes during construction or when mobility is limited. The group reviewed medication-management concerns, including prescription errors, and decided to coordinate further on that topic with the Health Workgroup.

Workgroup members noted a recent local contractor scam in which a resident provided a downpayment to an alleged habitual scammer; they are collecting case examples and articles to incorporate into outreach materials. Ongoing efforts include a planned series on financial scams with Needham Bank, identifying a speaker to address romance scams (possible active or retired Natick officers or AARP), and exploring a screening and discussion of the documentary "No Country for Old People – A Nursing Home Expose," potentially moderated by the long-term-care ombudsman (the minutes indicate this is believed to be via Springwell).

The workgroup finalized the summary points to be presented to the Council on Aging board. No public comment was recorded, and no formal motions or votes were taken. The group adjourned at 1:55 p.m.; the next meeting date is to be determined.