HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Advisory Board Minutes 100918ORANGE COUNTY
ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING
Minutes
October 9, 2018
PRESENT: Mary Altpeter, Heather Altman, Colin Austin, Alex Castro, Peggy Cohn, Keith Cook,
James Harris, Alicia Nelson, Vibeke Talley, Michael Zuber
EXCUSED:
STAFF: Myra Austin, Annie Deaver, Kathie Kearns, Shenae McPherson, Cherie Rosemond,
Janice Tyler
The meeting was called to order by Chair Peggy Cohn. The minutes of the September 11
meeting were approved as distributed following the motion made by Dick White and the
second by Alex Castro.
DIRECTORS REPORT
Janice Tyler began by announcing that the memorial service for the Department on Aging’s first
Director, Jerry Passmore, will be held on October 20 at 2:00 pm.
She announced that Orange County has launched its new website and thanked the
Department’s webmaster Beverly Shuford for her work on this project.
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Tyler asked the Advisory Board to consider rescheduling the November meeting to the first
Tuesday to allow her to attend the AARP Livable Communities National Conference in
Charlotte. This date change was approved by consensus.
She noted that the Annual Advisory Board Report to the Board of County Commissioners will be
due mid-December and that a draft of this report will be made available for review at the
November meeting.
2017-2022 MASTER AGING PLAN (MAP)
Representatives from each workgroup presented a summary of accomplishments during the
previous quarter.
Transportation: Alex Castro reported that meaningful dialogue continues between the Orange
County transit providers and consumers. The workgroup will meet again at the end of October.
The need for volunteer drivers who will stay with the rider during a medical appointment has
been identified.
Housing: Cherie Rosemond noted the work being done by the Affordable Housing Coalition and
the progress toward having senior housing available in each Township. Discussion returned to
the Lloyd’s Farm senior housing proposal for Carrboro and the objections being raised by
community residents. The Town has scheduled a vote on this development for October 23.
There was also discussion on the Department on Aging’s role in Orange County’s affordable
housing and home repair future planning and funding.
Outdoor Spaces: Myra Austin and Mary Altpeter will represent this workgroup at the
Intergovernmental Parks Committee this Wednesday. This workgroup has also been promoting
a parks locator map and organizing nature walks. Alex Castro asked what plans have been
adopted for the use of the $16 million bond approved for park development.
Social Participation: Myra Austin announced that the addition to the Passmore Center was
recently opened and plans are also progressing for the Seymour Center expansion. The
workgroup has decided to enlist the help of Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) to
identify needs that can be addressed by the Senior Centers Without Walls initiative. Alex
Castro noted the lack of reliable internet service in some rural areas of the County that is an
issue to consider when planning services for homebound individuals. Language differences are
being addressed with a telelanguage service now available for Orange County staff. There are
also plans to provide Mental Health First Aid and Healthy Ideas classes for staff and participants
of the Senior Centers.
Communications: Myra Austin reviewed the activities of the Faith Based Senior Resource Team
and the Health and Wellness Ambassador. She stated that the Senior Times is available at 90
locations throughout Orange County. Beverly Shuford coordinates the Department’s
representation at community events and all items submitted to print media. Senior Center
participants are surveyed twice annually to gain insight about programming.
Employment: Colin Austin stated that the Department is serving as a hub for senior
employment with Mike Komives establishing office hours at each Senior Center for jobseekers
to obtain resources. Mr. Komives distributed copies of the Mature Job Seeker Resource Guide
and stated that 37 persons participated in the August 1 event at Durham Technical Community
College’s Hillsborough campus. Discussion followed on future activities planned.
The Community Support/Health Services Work group’s report was postponed until the November
meeting.
MAP-BOARD REPRESENTATION TO SOCIAL PARTICIPATION WORK GROUP
Discussion of a representative to serve as liaison to this MAP work group was deferred until the
November meeting.
CONTINUING PROJECTS
The Project EngAGE/Senior Resource Teams Update was postponed until the next meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Senior Tar Heel Legislature - Dick White distributed the 2019 NC Senior Tar Heel Legislature (NCSTHL)
Legislative Priorities that were recently approved by that organization. (A Fact Sheet on these priorities
is attached.) A date will be designated during the Spring 2019 Legislative Session as ‘Visit your Legislator
day’.
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee – Mike Zuber announced that he has been selected as
the new Chair of this Committee. Recruitment continues for Committee vacancies. Crescent Green
Assisted Living in Carrboro continues to attempt to make improvements to its rented building.
Transportation Board – Alex Castro stated that his term has expired on the Orange United
Transportation (OUT) Board. A new Advisory Board member will need to be appointed to continue the
coordination between these two entities. The most recent OUT Board meeting discussed development
of the Buckhorn Road area.
Housing – Keith Cook reported that there is consideration of an affordable housing bond for the 2020
election.
Friends of the Senior Centers – Janice Tyler announced that the Friends of the Passmore Center will hold
its annual Holiday Market fundraiser on November 3. The Friends of the Seymour Center organization is
developing new leadership for its Board of Directors.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held on
November 6 at the Seymour Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Janice Tyler, Secretary