HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Advisory Board Minutes 121217ORANGE COUNTY
ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING
Minutes
December 12, 2017
PRESENT: Colin Austin, Alex Castro, Peggy Cohn, Winston Liao, Lorenzo Mejia, Yvonne Mendenhall,
Vibeke Talley, Dick White, Rachel Hawkins
EXCUSED: Heather Altman, Mary Altpeter, Donna Prather
STAFF: Mary Fraser, Kathie Kearns, Yvette Missri, Janice Tyler
The meeting was called to order at the Passmore Center by Chair Peggy Cohn. The minutes of the
November 14 meeting were approved as distributed following the motion by Dick White and the second
by Winston Liao.
Director’s Report
Janice Tyler announced that the Department will begin using the RecTrac Pass Management check-in
system at each Senior Center beginning in January 2018. Participants will be issued individualized key
fobs to check in at a kiosk. This will allow staff to track attendance at the Centers each day. Volunteers
will be essential in implementing this new process. Winston Liao asked how the new system will be used
for security.
Ms. Tyler stated that bids have been received for the Passmore Center renovations and work should
begin soon. During construction the Front Desk will be relocated to the rear entrance of the Center.
Orange County’s Information Officer has identified a source for replacement of both of the Senior
Centers’ digital monitors and improved software for their operation. In addition to the daily schedule,
the monitors will stream breaking news and Orange County Government service information.
Ms. Tyler informed the Advisory Board that all County Departments are developing a Continuity Of
Operations Plan that addresses how essential services will be delivered should its service facilities
becomes unusable. For this Department the concern is an alternate location for each Senior Centers’
Lunch Program.
New Business
Board members reviewed the draft of the 2017 Annual Report to the Board of County Commissioners
that was distributed with the meeting Agenda. Questions were raised about Project EngAGE and the
non-profits that have evolved from its graduates’ community work, and the activities of the Spanish
Social Club. All suggestions will be incorporated into the Report before the December 15 deadline. The
Chair will be invited to a Commissioners meeting in late January to review the Annual Report and
answer questions.
Dick White announced that Jean Sudderath has resigned as an Orange County delegate to the Senior Tar
Heel Legislature after many years of service. Mr. White will now serve as a delegate and an Orange
County alternate will need to be appointed.
Friends of the Passmore Center representative Rachel Hawkins asked to present her report at this time.
She announced that the Friends organization has purchased a smart board for the Center. The Holiday
Craft Fair was successful. Another dinner theater event is scheduled for February 22-25. Discussion
followed about the differences between the two Friends organizations.
Janice Tyler distributed the Advisory Board on Aging 2018 meeting schedule.
Continuing Projects
Mary Fraser will present a MAP quarterly progress report at the January Advisory Board meeting.
Yvette Missri announced that Thursday will be the final meeting of Project EngAGE Class 4. Graduation
for the eleven members will be held on January 11 at the Passmore Center. She also asked for input on
the date and location of the 2nd Annual Volunteer Connect recognition event. The consensus was to
hold this year’s event at Passmore sometime after the Friends’ April 21 Las Vegas Night fundraiser.
Committee Progress Reports
Senior Tar Heel Legislature – Dick White stated that the organization’s new leadership team will hold its
first meeting in early 2018.
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee – Yvonne Mendenhall gave an update on the
Committee’s strategies for securing more community involvement. Discussion followed on how
information about facility deficiencies is communicated by the Ombudsman.
Dementia Friendly Business Campaign – Lorenzo Mejia announced that 800 individuals from the 75
participating businesses have completed the training. Recruitment strategies for grocery stores were
suggested.
Transportation Board – Alex Castro reported on the Orange Unified Transportation Board’s use of high
school students in developing a public service announcement. He suggested that the AARP Foundation
may be able to provide support for publicity. He reminded the Board that the Dept. of Transportation’s
2045 Municipal Plan currently out for review. The Hillsborough train station is scheduled to be
constructed within the next four years. And OPT will soon provide mid-day service for the RTP express
service.
Orange County Rural Alliance – Mr. Castro stated that 70-80 meals are delivered each Wednesday by
OCRA volunteers. An arrangement for shelf-stable meals has also been negotiated with Chapel Hill
Carrboro Meals On Wheels. An AARP grant to reduce hospital re-admissions through the provision of
Meals On Wheels has been made available. Orange County DSS has convened a food insecurity focus
group including OCRA, SALT and providers.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Janice Tyler, Secretary