ABOUT US

The Friends of the Up-Island Council on Aging (“UICOA”), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization whose mission is to financially support UICOA programs not covered by the towns’ budgets including subsidizing older adult programs, purchasing equipment and providing individual Up-Island seniors with emergency financial assistance. This all volunteer organization raises funds through the generous donations received from mailings as well as unsolicited gifts and other fundraising activities. All funds are used to support and enhance the quality of life of the growing population of senior citizens in Aquinnah, Chilmark and West Tisbury in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Coffee and Conversation, June 17th, 2022

BOARD MEMBERS

Who We Are:

Anita Botti

Susan Collins

Barbara Cushman

Betty Farrow

Beth Kramer

Jean Lince

Annie Rudner 

Faith “Hasty” Runner

Leah Smith

Anita served over 35 years as a public servant, starting as a Peace Corps volunteer and senior headquarter staff and then at the United States Department of State in Washington, DC. Ms. Botti served as the Interim Executive Director of the Exodus Institute, an NGO that mobilized private and international sector resources to address the forced migration crisis from January 2018- January 2020. Ms. Botti currently sits on the Women’s Foreign Policy Group’s executive board; the Up Island Council on Aging, and on the Veteran’s Committee working to establish housing for homeless vets on Martha’s Vineyard.

Susan moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 2019, with her husband, after vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard for more than 20 years. Prior to moving to Martha’s Vineyard, she lived in the Boston area and practiced real estate law. In addition to owning and operating a law firm with her husband, she has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations in the Boston
area. She and her husband currently live in Aquinnah.

Barb first came to the Vineyard in 1958 to visit her high school boyfriend, who’s now her husband! They spent summer vacations here with their children until retiring. Before retiring she worked in child welfare and vocational rehabilitation. She enjoys practicing yoga, doing volunteer work, spending time with family and friends and going for walks on this beautiful island.

Betty grew up in New Jersey. Graduated from Smith College in 1957, married Rod Farrow in 1958 and moved to Rochester, NY. Three daughters (including twins) were born there. She came to the Vineyard every summer and retired on the island in 1991.

Beth has lived on the Vineyard since 1993. Her work experience included both for-profits and non-profits including the start up of a successful wholesale and retail bakery (Biga, in West Tisbury) and serving as director for the West Tisbury Library for 14 years. She has a strong commitment to the community both as a volunteer and board member serving on multiple non-profit boards. Beth lives in West Tisbury with her husband, Douglas Reid, and stepson, McCaull Reid, and their rescue pup, Greta. 

Jean is a washashore from Manhattan. A season renter, homeowner since the month before Hurricane Bob. She became a permanent resident since the mid-nineties. The good people at the Howes House have helped me age way up-island with understanding, sound sdvice, and significant support. 

Faith (Hasty) returned to the Vineyard in 1984 to run a family business that was started by her parents. As her mother aged, she and Hasty became familiar with a few of the services offered at the Howes House including yoga and medical insurance consultations. Since 1995 Hasty has been quietly but steadily renting her apartments to working islanders on a year-round basis.

Leah and her husband have lived on the Vineyard year-round for 15 years, after decades of summer residence. Before retiring, Leah taught economics, served in college administration, and consulted on strategic planning and conservation issues. Leah has been active in conservation, town boards, book groups, and keeping up with her four grandchildren. She feels most fortunate to live here and to have her children and grandchildren nearby.