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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Advisory Board Minutes 091217 ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING Minutes September 12,2017 PRESENT: Heather Altman, Mary Altpeter,Colin Austin,Alex Castro, Peggy Cohn, Keith Cook, Lorenzo Mejia, Donna Prather,Vibeke Talley, Dick White EXCUSED: Winston Liao,Yvonne Mendenhall STAFF: Lisa Berley, Kathie Kearns,Yvette Missri,Janice Tyler The meeting was called to order at the Seymour Center by Chair Peggy Cohn. The minutes of the August 8 meeting were approved as distributed following the motion made by Alex Castro and the second provided by Keith Cook. Director's Report Janice Tyler began by summarizing the preparations that Senior Center staff had made for Hurricane Irma. She also reported on the meeting with Edwards and Associates to explore options for background checks of Department volunteers and In-Home Registry applicants. Ms.Tyler attended that groundbreaking for the Orange County Sportsplex's new field house that will include space for pickleball and walking programs sponsored by the Passmore Center. She stated that the houses being moved for this construction have been donated to Empowerment. It was suggested that the hardwood trees being cut could be offered to local woodworkers. Ms.Tyler announced that she will be attending racial equity training on September 20 and 21; Mary Fraser will join her to conduct a MAP training workshop at the Piedmont Triad Area Agency on Aging on September 27. She concluded with an announcement of the next outreach event for faith-based organizations to be held at UNC Hillsborough Hospital on September 13. Approximately 12 organizations were represented at the first event in this location. New Business Janice Tyler reviewed the current Orange County appointments and alternates to the Triangle J Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board. Dick White offered to contact Ed Tiryakian about his interest in continuing as an Orange County delegate. John Hammond is ending his third term and cannot be reappointed. Former delegate Heather Altman expresses willingness to be appointed if needed. Alex Castro also volunteered. The Chair suggested that Yvonne Mendenhall might consider serving on this Advisory Board. Transportation Specialist Lisa Berley announced events to be held in October. Transit Academy,with sessions at both the Passmore and Seymour Centers, is an opportunity for service providers to become more knowledgeable about the resources and the future plans of the three public transit providers serving Orange County. During Try Transit Week(October 23-28) rides will be provided fare-free. Peggy Cohn suggested that residents of Carol Woods be encouraged to attend travel training. Ms. Berley noted that her local excursions on public buses are advertised in the Senior Times. Colin Austin added that the Chapel Hill Transit drivers have recently completed Dementia Friendly Business training and that fact should be promoted in travel training information. Dick White offered congratulations for the Department on Aging's success in receiving AARP funds to purchase Simmi-Seats for Orange Public Transportation bus stops. The Board was also informed of the recent transportation outreach to residents in southern Orange County outside the Chapel Hill Transit service area. An advertisement is being published monthly in the Southern Neighbor magazine and a promotional card was mailed to households in those zip codes. Janice Tyler asked that the March 2018 Advisory Board date be changed to March 6 to accommodate her required attendance at the NC Association on Aging annual conference. By consensus the change was approved and the location will be the Seymour Center. 2017-22 Master Aging Plan A presentation on the MAP accomplishments will be made at Carol Woods on September 14. Ms.Tyler has been invited present a MAP update to the Town of Carrboro Board of Aldermen on October 24. Mary Altpeter has been appointed to represent this Advisory Board on the Orange County Intergovernmental Parks Work Group. The next meeting is scheduled for October 11 at the Southern Human Services Center. Ms.Tyler has been notified that a public comment session will be held by the Town of Hillsborough for the senior housing proposal for Old Highway 86. Cheri Rosemond will be representing the Master Aging Plan interest at this meeting. Continuing Projects Project EngAGE Class Four begins on September 14. Yvette Missri read the list of enrollees. The Chair asked about the most successful ways of recruiting for this project. Ms. Missri replied that word-or-mouth and Senior Resource Team (SRT) members are effective recruitment tools. The curriculum has been updated but bus trips to better learn about Orange County and its resources will still play a large part. Ms. Missri also announced the upcoming End Of Life SRT program on Death and Dying Documents Dues and Don'ts. She asked for feedback on the merits of preregistration for such events. The OC CARES Project is beginning its third and final year of grant funding from the Administration for Community Living. A proposal is being developed for continuing components of the Project with other funding.A decision will need to be made by the beginning of 2018 for inclusion in the FY 18-19 Orange County budget proposal from the Department on Aging. The Chair requested that an OC CARES report be given at the October Advisory Board meeting. Committee Progress Reports Dementia Friendly Business Campaign—Lorenzo Mejia announced that the DFB project will be featured in an upcoming issue of the Chapel Hill Magazine and it will highlight the recently-completed training of the Chapel Hill Transit drivers. The Cedars of Chapel Hill has agreed to be used in promotion of this training to local merchants. Senior Tar Heel Legislature—Dick White announced that the next session will be held October 12-13 and officer elections are scheduled. Discussion followed on the impact of this and similar organizations as legislative lobbyists. Transportation Board—Alex Castro reported that Orange Public Transportation has doubled its fleet size,acquiring passenger vans in addition to mini-buses. There is hope that the northern Orange loop service will begin within the next quarter. Friends of the Passmore Center—a fundraiser cruise will depart in October. Friends of the Seymour Center—the need continues for board officers and new members. Alex Castro requested that reports from OCRA and SALT be included with future Committee Progress Reports. He noted the arrival of a new housing repair resource named Rebuilding of the Triangle. He also reported that OCRA is seeking a permanent home for its meal distribution service. Janice Tyler gave an update on the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. The Department on Aging is the only agency currently assisting the Food Bank in Orange County. It is serving 104 older adults. However,there are 400 slots available and unused slots may be reallocated. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Janice Tyler,Secretary