HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Advisory Board Minutes 111213ORANGE COUNTY
ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING
Minutes
November 12, 2013
PRESENT: Heather Altman, Virginia Brown, Peggy Cohn, Keith Cook, Ed Flowers, Dan Hatley, Katherine
Leith, Jeane Suddarth
STAFF: Mary Fraser, Kathie Kearns, Janice Tyler
EXCUSED: Leo Allison, Alex Castro
The meeting was called to order by Chair Heather Altman. The minutes of the October 8 meeting were
approved following a motion made by Dan Hatley and a second by Ed Flowers.
In her Director’s Report Janice Tyler announced that a permanent employee has been hired to
coordinate the two-year Peer To Peer grant project. Dan Hatley added that he has arranged for a
representative of the Mandarin English program at Glenwood Elementary to serve as a liaison for these
two programs. Mary Fraser informed the Advisory Board that a candidate has been selected to fill the
new Mobility Manager position funded by the NC Department of Transportation. Ed Flowers suggested
that the new employee include riding the OPT routes as part of his orientation process.
Ms. Tyler announced that preliminary discussions about the FY 14-15 budget process have begun. The
Orange County Financial Services Manager has cautioned that no budget growth be anticipated for the
next fiscal year. Capital Improvement Plan requests (projects >$100,000) are being accepted through
mid-December. She shared her thoughts about facility expansion projects for both the Central Orange
and Seymour Centers and their possible inclusion in future bond proposals. Work on the Department’s
website and branding continues. Ms. Tyler informed the Advisory Board that the most popular tag line
suggested in her recent online poll was “endless possibilities”. She completed her report by announcing
that the Friends of Seymour held its Board retreat the previous Friday and that upcoming Department
activities include the Gatsby Gala fundraiser, National Memory Screening Day, the Thanksgiving
Celebration, the Artisan Fair at Central Orange and the Senior Prom at Seymour.
Mary Fraser’s report on MAP activities began with the recent Project EngAGE Steering Committee
meeting. The Capstone Team announced that 11 community residents had expressed interest in
participating in the 13 week training course. Dan Hatley asked how the first year’s community advocates
will be supported in the future. Ms. Fraser suggested quarterly breakfast meetings be held where
program graduates can share experiences and information. They will also be asked to nominate
candidates for the next year’s Project Engage course. Janice Tyler gave an overview of the course
curriculum that is being developed by the Capstone Team. Ms. Fraser continued her MAP report with
announcement of the upcoming Aging in Community session on November 19. A spring 2014 housing
options series is being planned as well as an opportunity for local builders and planning officials to share
ideas and information. Discussion followed about the definition of affordable housing.
The 2013-2014 MAP Implementation Plan for the Advisory Board’s Goals was distributed. Mary Fraser
reviewed this report, indicating the progress made and the groups/individuals involved. The topics
reviewed were: housing, transportation, meal assistance, and respite. Discussion followed on the forces
impacting solutions for these issues, such as legislation and funding.
The Advisory Board was asked to review the draft of its Annual Report/Work Plan due to the County
Commissioners in early December. Heather Altman suggested including statistics to qualify the impact
of MAP initiatives, such as Emergency Management’s Fall Prevention protocol, Chinese caregiver
support volunteers, and long term care collaborative attendees.
The consensus of the Advisory Board members was that the December meeting time will be used either
for a formal meeting or for further work on MAP.
Committee Progress Reports:
• Carolina Villages now has 18 members and a new executive director. The service area is
defined as those with Chapel Hill/Carrboro mailing addresses.
• Friends of Central Orange Senior Center are hosting an Artisan Fair on November 23.
• Friends of the Seymour Center are developing a strategic plan and its program committee is
coordinating a costume jewelry sale as part of the December 21 Arts and Crafts Marketplace.
• Community Resource Connections has employed a new part-time coordinator. The
membership has risen to 30 organizations.
• Both Community Advisory Committee chairs expressed concern about appointment of new
committee members.
• Local efforts to promote the new voting regulations were discussed.
• The Seymour Wellness Center is being refurbished.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Janice Tyler, Secretary