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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Board minutes 080906 1 ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING Minutes August 9, 2006 PRESENT: Jeanie Arnell, Myra Austin, Jack Chestnut, Emily Corley, Cary Cornette, Mildred Council, Margo Dupree, Renee Harris, Kathie Kearns, Jerry Kruter, Mariah McPherson, Jerry Passmore, Jane Paulson, Corina Riley, Arthrell Sanders, Florence Soltys, Al Terry, Jan Wassel, Angie Welsh, The Aging Board and United Way Senior Issues Team joint session was called to order by Co-Chair Jack Chestnut at the Northside Senior Center Following introductions, the minutes of the June 14 meeting were approved upon the motion provided by Florence Soltys and the second by Mariah McPherson. The Chair announced the Human Services Advisory Commission forum on September 20 at the Chapel Hill Bible Church. This year’s theme is “Responding to an Aging Society” and Florence Soltys will speak on the M.A.P. Update. The four discussion groups will focus on transportation, transitions, information & access and housing. Jerry Passmore added that feedback from this forum will be used as public comment for the Master Aging Plan as it is reviewed by the local governing bodies and the community during September and October. He added that Orange County Purchasing Director Pam Jones will be available following the luncheon to answer questions regarding the construction of the two new senior centers. During agency reports Myra Austin distributed a Wellness Program activity summary for the period July through September. She stated that the application submitted to Blue Cross/Blue Shield for exercise equipment for the new senior center was not funded. BC/BS is now considering a proposal to provide funds for wellness class scholarships. Renee Harris reported that JOCCA served meals to 387 different persons during the last fiscal year. She invited those present to attend the Annual Senior Picnic scheduled for September 14 at the Efland Community Center. Jerry Kruter reported on his recent visit to the Adelaide Walters HUD 202 Apartments on ML King Blvd. Jeanie Arnell announced that the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Meals-On-Wheels program recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. She noted that demand for service is down at this time. Emily Forley added that OCIM is currently delivering 48 meals per day. So far, the rising cost of gas has not discouraged the meal volunteers. Triangle United Way staff person Angie Welsh informed the session attendees that agencies are currently writing three-year funding proposals, due at the end of August. The kickoff for next year’s giving campaign is scheduled for September 7. As part of that kickoff one of this year’s agency tours will begin at OCIM and travel to other senior service sites in Orange County. Ms. Welsh announced that Triangle United Way and Triangle J Area Agency on Aging had received disaster preparedness grant funding. Florence Soltys added that a full-day presentation on this subject was made at last year’s 2 American Society on Aging conference and that would be an excellent resource for this project. Jerry Passmore informed the group that construction is progressing at the Seymour Center. If everything goes to plan it should be ready for occupancy by around February or March. He met with the project manager to confirm that the circle drive to the front door will be wide enough to accommodate the bigger Chapel Hill Transit buses. Plans for the new facility at the Meadowlands are still in the drawing stage with possible completion by next summer. Jack Chestnut announced that the Friends of the Chapel Hill Senior Center will be holding a yard sale on September 9 with proceeds going for amenities at the new center and for programming and scholarships. Donations will be accepted after August 18. Mariah McPherson added that the Friends of Central Orange’s Las Vegas Night fundraiser will be held on September 15. Florence Soltys reported that Senior Care had received $50,000 in operating funds from Orange County for Fiscal Year 2006-07. A request for $15,000 has been submitted to the Strowd Roses Foundation. She also summarized Piedmont Health Services’ application for a PACE program grant and the adult day health center’s role in that service delivery system. A draft bill of rights that is being included in the Master Aging Plan was distributed along with an outline. Before adjourning the joint session, Chairman Chestnut and Mr. Passmore presented certificates of appreciation to outgoing Aging Board members Mariah McPherson and Mildred Council. The meeting of the Advisory Board on Aging was called to order by Jack Chestnut. He announced that representatives from the Ashbury Crossing Retirement Community being built in Mebane had been invited to make a presentation at today’s meeting. Since they had not arrived, he called upon OPT Supervisor Al Terry to address the possibility of establishing an east/west public shuttle that could serve the Orange County residents from Mebane to the Durham County line. Mr. Terry summarized the public service growth in Orange County since beginning the north-south route co-sponsored with TTA last January. He expressed interest in having TTA assume this route and co-sponsor the east/west service with OPT. Discussion followed on ways that Ashbury Crossing could be encouraged to financially support a public route that would serve this community. Jan Wassel suggested that the Advisory Board draft a statement for new developments targeting the 55+ population about how services can be provided. Arthrell Sanders expressed concern about the lack of public transportation service in northern Orange County. Mr. Terry explained that a pilot route is currently being run in the Cedar Grove and Efland communities. Mr. Passmore added that the Northern Human Services Center is being considered for a park-n-ride lot and the northern Orange representatives are needed on the transportation services board to advocate for more service. 3 Jerry Passmore distributed a printout from the Board of County Commissioners office of citizens who have applied to serve on the Aging Board. Currently there are two at-large and one Hillsborough Township vacancy. He stated that he will have each candidate contacted to confirm their interest in serving on this board. The interested persons will then be invited to attend the September meeting. Jan Wassel requested that board members be notified about the interested candidates within the next 10 days. She also requested that the notice indicate for which vacancy a candidate could be considered. Mr. Passmore stated that the MAP outline included the new goal of legislation advocacy for all aging issues. Monitoring this goal will be the responsibility of the Aging Board. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Jerry M. Passmore Secretary