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Sharon COA Advisory Board receives new bus, expands programs and mourns board member
Summary
At its Feb. 9 meeting the Sharon Council on Aging Advisory Board accepted minutes, remembered deceased board member Richie Gorden, heard that a new COA bus entered service Jan. 28, reviewed 204 January rides, and approved continued monthly "Demo to Dinner" programming; AARP Tax-Aide appointments are fully booked.
The Sharon Council on Aging Advisory Board met Feb. 9, 2026, and reviewed operations, programming and community partnerships while noting the sudden passing of longtime board member Richie Gorden. R. Maidman, chair, presided over the meeting called to order at 2:30 p.m.
Cristobal Sanchez, COA outreach coordinator, reviewed the director's report submitted by Kaitlyn Thibeault and told the board the COA received a new bus from the Department of Public Works; after registration and inspection the vehicle was placed in service on Jan. 28. Sanchez also reported January transportation totals: 40 medical rides and 164 shopping and event trips, for 204 rides in the month.
Sanchez summarized program news: a trial of "Demo to Dinner," facilitated by Chef Lauren of The Residences at Five Corners Easton, drew a positive response and will continue as a monthly offering; AARP Tax-Aide services are in high demand and all available appointments are currently fully booked. The Garden Club is seeking volunteers to help tend COA gardens, with an initial meeting set for Feb. 23 at 11 a.m.
Paul Remy, a member of the Sharon Commission on Disabilities, told the board the police chief recently attended a Commission meeting and that the town plans increased police presence at the North Main Street crossing by the library to improve pedestrian safety. Remy said the commission is working with library trustees to pursue automatic door openers for the library restrooms to improve accessibility.
Committee reports noted additional community fundraising and outreach: HESSCO had no January meeting but flagged the McMorgan road race fundraiser on March 14; FSCOA plans a COA table at summer concerts and is developing a website and Venmo for fundraising, with Volunteer Breakfast sponsorship by The Residence at Five Corners Easton. A planned meeting with the Planning Board about Sunrise Senior Living (Edge Hill Road and Norwood Street) was postponed until February.
The board accepted the Jan. 15, 2026, minutes unanimously, shared memories of Richie Gorden's service, and adjourned at 4:15 p.m. The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, March 16 at 2:30 p.m.
