HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Advisory Board Minutes 091118
ORANGE COUNTY
ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING
Minutes
September 11, 2018
PRESENT: Heather Altman, Colin Austin, Alex Castro, Peggy Cohn, James Harris, Alicia Nelson, Vibeke
Talley, Dick White
EXCUSED: Michael Zuber
STAFF: Annie Deaver, Kathie Kearns, Yvette Missri, Cheri Rosemond, Janice Tyler
The meeting was called to order by Chair Peggy Cohn. The minutes of the June 12 meeting were
approved as distributed following a motion made by Dick White and a second by Alex Castro. The
August 14 minutes were approved following a motion and second by Mr. Castro and Mr. White.
Janice Tyler summarized the Hurricane Florence preparation information shared at the Department
Directors’ meeting with the County Manager earlier that day. Preliminary plans are to close County
offices and facilities Thursday afternoon Friday. Emergency Management may utilize the Seymour and
Passmore centers for overnight shelters for first responders or for day shelters for those without power.
All citizens can sign up for OC text alerts to receive the most up-to-date information. Alex Castro asked
about the availability of dialysis transportation. Ms. Tyler stated that OCPT is responsible for that
service. She added that the caterer does not have a generator and will not be providing food if power is
interrupted. Also, there is no plan to have Handihelper volunteers be available for repairs during the
storm. Mr. Castro announced that OCRA will be distributing shelf-stable food items with meals on
Wednesday. Discussion continued on the resources and concerns regarding the approaching hurricane.
The recommendation that Heather Altman serve as Advisory Board on Aging vice chair was approved
unanimously.
Due to a schedule conflict Yvette Missri asked to make her report on the participatory research project
at this point on the agenda. She summarized the public health fellowship that she and Tiffany Young
received that focuses on inequities in health care for persons of color in the Cedar Grove and
Efland/Cheeks communities. Ten leaders from each community will participate in six meetings to
identify issues of importance. Cherie Rosemond suggested that UNC should be involved with this effort.
Peggy Cohn asked about future plans for Project EngAGE and was told that the next class is scheduled
for the Fall of 2019. Ms. Missri announced upcoming Senior Resource Team events: an
intergenerational pen-pal project with students from Efland/Cheeks Elementary School and an end-of-
life discussion event.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Habitat for Humanity’s new senior housing project kick-off was held on September 8.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new space at the Passmore Center will be held on October 2 at
5:00 pm.
The memorial service for the Department on Aging’s first Director, Jerry Passmore, will be held on
October 20 at 2:00 pm.
A reception honoring recently retired Department on Aging Volunteer Director Kathy Porter will be held
on October 4, 3:00 at the Seymour Center.
Janice Tyler announced the intern assignments for the new semester and Heather Altman stated
interest in utilizing one of the therapeutic recreation students for a Carol Woods project. Ms. Tyler also
announced that social worker Melissa Hunter has joined the Aging Transitions team. She will also be the
liaison between Aging Transitions, Volunteer Connect 55+ and the Project Engage Senior Resource
Teams. Cherie Rosemond added that the University will continue sponsoring Ryan Lavalley’s work
updating the senior housing inventory and Sallie Allgood’s involvement with MAP.
Ms. Tyler reminded those present that Orange County’s LocalFest will be held at Blackwood Farm Park
on September 29.
The next quarterly Faith Based Organizations Outreach Breakfast is scheduled for September 18 at UNC
Hospital Hillsborough Campus and all Advisory Board members are invited to attend.
NEW BUSINESS
Representatives of the Lloyd Farm senior housing development project have requested that the
Advisory Board send a letter of support to the Town of Carrboro. Cherie Rosemond provided details for
the campus layout. A rezoning hearing is set for September 20. Following discussion the Board voted to
send a letter. Janice will send a draft to members for their input.
Recent instances have resulted in the need for revisions to the Senior Center Code of Conduct. Janice
Tyler distributed a marked-up document which outlined the course of action for complaints of
inappropriate personal conduct. This draft is being submitted to the County Attorney for review.
Orange County is launching a major website redesign at the end of the month that is intended to result
in a more user-friendly information center for its citizens.
2017-22 MASTER AGING PLAN
Due to Donna Prather’s retirement from this Advisory Board there is a vacancy for representative to the
MAP Social Participation Work group. If anyone is interested they should contact Ms. Tyler.
All MAP Workgroups are meeting this month and their quarterly updates will be presented at the
October 9 Advisory Board meeting.
Following announcements about the upcoming OCPT public hearings and the Passmore Center yard sale
the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Janice Tyler, Secretary