HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdvisory Board on Aging Minutes 06 11 2024Orange County Advisory Board on Aging
Tuesday, June 11, 1 – 3 pm
Passmore Center Hybrid
MINUTES
In Attendance: Colin Austin, Rachel Bearman, Ann Bradford, Jeff Charles, Jerry Gregory, Jackie Podger, GiGi
Rashdi, and Vibeke Talley; Friends Board: Sheila Evans (Seymour Center Friends); and Staff: Robert Bradford,
Leiha Edmonds, Beverly Shuford and Janice Tyler.
Absent With Notice: Jon Wilner, Sandy Walker
Absent Without Notice: James Harris
1. Colin welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. There were no announcements or new members/guests to introduce.
3. Approval of Minutes – May 14, 2024
a. Approved with the addition of the MAP Housing Report.
Director’s Report
4. Staff updates
a. Beverly Shuford is retiring September 1
i. Hopefully the hiring freeze will not carry over into the new fiscal year.
ii. Beverly said that she appreciated her time with OCDoA (11.5 yrs.) and Orange County
(almost 25 years). She will miss the staff, volunteers and participants.
b. Lydia Arnold, Aging Transitions/Volunteer Connect 55+ Specialist has resigned. Her last day is
June 21.
i. Lydia is leaving us to go back to Wilmington to start her own elder care business. She
has her Master in Gerontology and is a CNA. She wants to work with families
individually. We hope that we can fill this position after the hiring freeze.
5. Janice asked everyone to check out the new Endless Possibilities activity guide; there are a lot of things
going on! Here are a few, check out the guide for more.
a. June 12 - Volunteer Appreciation Event – 4-6 p.m. Passmore Center. Janice invited the board
members to this hoedown event and to dress in western wear.
b. June 12 – Dragon Boat Festival – 9-11 a.m. Seymour Center – This is always a great event.
c. June 18 - Juneteenth: The History and Celebration – 2-3:30 p.m. Seymour Center
i. History of Juneteenth as told by Vibrance in word and song. Come enjoy the music and
food. This is a hybrid event and can be enjoyed in person and online.
d. Wed, Jun 19 both senior centers will be closed for Juneteenth holiday.
e. July 25 – BBQ: Smoke and Smiles – 4-6 p.m. Passmore Center
a. This Thu, June 13 at 2pm, Jeff is going to be on Aging Well Together radio show with Heather
Altman along with a professor of neurology. He hopes people will learn about life after stroke.
2. County Manager has recommended to take $75K out of the Carol Woods’ annual charitable donation
to fund the general operations of the department. There was a request by a commissioner to take an
additional $100k out of the MAP account, so that it would decrease the support from the County
budget. They saw a MAP fund balance, which was the result of receiving CARES, Family First and ARPA
funds, in addition to the Carol Woods donation, during COVID. In being good stewards of funds we
used the CARES, Family First and ARPA funds first, since they had funding deadlines. Money used for
MAP is close to $200K a year and we will deplete in just a few years. We never know if we will receive
the Carol Woods charitable gift or if there will be legislature changes that would affect the amount
Carol Woods donates to support local projects. If so, we would lose funding for many initiatives that
are supported by these funds. With a 4 to 3 vote the BOCC voted to not take the additional $100K.
a. Janice put together a memo about how we are spending our money and to explain more. As
long as we have any MAP fund balance, the BOCC and county management will be looking at it
closely and there is a risk they will look to use it to fund the general operations of our
department, even though we have growing needs for our older adults population and a need to
plan for increased demands on service. Janice said, “We could not do the work we do without
the Carol Woods donation. We are a leader in this region for what we do, and it does take
money.”
b. Colin asked if the Aging Board could do anything? Can we present all that we do? It is
extraordinary what OCDoA does. He went on to say that we want to find ways to support Janice
and the staff.
c. Janice said, we do have budget concerns. We cut $35K by going line by line, we cut services and
would have to cut services to older adults with this budget cut. We only have funding for three
issues of Endless Possibilities. Do we only publish three issues or take money out of MAP to
fund the fourth issue?
d. MAP funds are designated to fund initiatives named in the MAP document.
e. Jeff asked if the Aging Board should be talking to the commissioners more. He asked if he could
come by and share with the BOCC, what we are doing.
f. We are getting a growing number of older adults and the demand for services is growing.
g. The Aging Board will advocate. The commissioners need to see the numbers.
h. Jeff asked if the Aging Board can get data from EMS and how many calls are from older adults.
i. Check the data, is falls prevention education and services lowering EMS calls or are there more
calls.
j. We need to do a better job on data management, track senior center and program check-in to
get a clear picture of unduplicated people that come into the centers, including data from
online, face-to-face and phone/helpline contacts. It is all about the data, if we have an ask, we
have to have data behind it.
k. Aging Board noted that this has caused Janice and staff stress. They decided that the Aging
Board Chair needs to give a report, get in front of the commissioners more, we are volunteers
from the community and here is what is important to us. Include people who have benefited
from OCDOA services, resources, and programs.
l. Robert said that we need a campaign, not just data to understand the characteristics of OC and
OCDOA, include emotional appeals, human stories. Develop logos and data. Robert said that he
would help us to build a campaign. Develop the story in a campaign. Then have the Aging
Board, who are invested and knowledgeable about OCDOA, to present to the BOCC and OC
Manager. Our voices are powerful.
m. Gigi asked if they could start a petition and get people to sign to take to the commissioners
from our board. Janice said that she, nor staff, could start any petitions. That would be up to
the board or community members to do that.
n. There are no services anywhere else for older adults and caregivers like those available in
Orange County, and the needs and participants have continued to grow over the years.
o. The Board is committed to helping in this issue.
p. Ann commented that they need to mobilize and anticipate this for next year before the next
budget process starts in January; to be ready to advocate.
New Business
6. Our new lunch caterer will start on July 1 and Janice said that we are counting the days until they start.
She and some of the other staff have met the chef and general manager; they are working on menus.
The menus must meet the guidelines of the Home and Community Care Block Grant and they are
working with a dietician to ensure that they do. Chef Katie will develop new menus, including a couple
of vegetarian options and one vegan meal per month. New recipes like Chicken Picatta and more. Beau
Catering buys local. The meals will increase by $1 per meal for a total of cost of $8 per meal.
7. Board Appointments and retirements
a. Everyone thanked Colin, Dick, and James for their many years of service! We will miss you!
b. Tracey Holsinger’s appointment is moving forward. She will be appointed this Tuesday.
8. FY 24-25 Budget (see notes in previous section)
9. Janice said that the Board will need to elect a vice chair in August. Ann Bradford will start her term as
chair in August. We have all positions filled right now.
2022-27 Master Aging Plan
10. Steering Committee met on Friday, June 7 and celebrated Year Two accomplishments, planning for
Year Three and a presentation on the All Ages All Stages Multisector Plan on Aging
a. Leiha Edmonds shared a progress snapshot and partner snapshot in a PowerPoint presentation
found here: https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/28228/6-7-24-MAP-
Goal-Progress-Partner-Spotlights
b. We took stock and reported out the progress at the recent MAP Steering Committee meeting
sharing highlights with stakeholders, giving a “shout out” to key partners shout out, and
detailed work that is growing to be more age friendly.
c. We looked at the matrix to see where progress has been made on our Goals, Strategies, and
Indicators. It is great to talk about the data annually and monthly to improve progress across all
domains
d. Using data as a discreet product created to show completed projects with an end; and other
progress indicators of new programming, staff training, etc. where there is no completion, it is
ongoing.
e. Questions:
i. Colin said this is helpful as an overview. We see progress and we are tracking it.
ii. Each workgroup leader turned in their accomplishments for the year and on a poster for
participants to read.
iii. Today you will receive a copy of Transportation and Outdoor spaces as their workgroup
leaders could not be here today due to illness.
iv. Colin asked Leiha if there is anything that is surprising or stands out?
1. Spotlighted the work, some of the partners have done really great work. It isn’t
centralized, but our towns and non-profits are working to make OC an age-
friendly community, beyond just being senior center oriented. Partnership a real
highlight.
v. Janice, how have you found it successful in getting out message to the BOCC?
1. Explaining to commissioners the matrix, driving home the point that this is about
partnerships. This isn’t a Department on Aging plan it is a County plan with 100+
community partners. We are the model to bring folks together and make this
work. It is a lot of work by a lot of people.
2. OC is a model, there is so much work going on, but it is still not enough, even
with all the activity, but we know that we need more. There is so much less
offered in other counties.
3. We will keep talking and advocating. This goes back to budgeting. We are proud
of our work, but we have to look how the older adult population is increasing,
especially adults 85+ are increasing and we need to be aware of and ready for all
that it entails to support that increase and need.
11. Third Quarter Year 2 updates
a. Outdoor Spaces and Building – see 10.b. Cyd –
i. Partner Highlight: Eno River Association
ii. Provided 4 educational opportunities for 135 seniors on accessing and contributing to
outdoor spaces and buildings meetings, which engaged local African American churches
and historical communities; Spanish social group and Mandarin speakers at Seymour
Center; and a strategic conservation plan community meeting at Passmore Center.
iii. Exceeded the goal of securing at least one dedicated space for older adults aged 55+ on
town and county advisory boards for outdoor spaces and buildings, such as Orange
County Parks Council, which boasts 33% older adult representation and up to 50%
members aged 55+ actively engaged in public park planning.
iv. On track to feature a different park quarterly on the OCDOA website and Endless
Possibilities newsletter for stronger awareness and encouragement of participation
(Cedar Falls Park, Blackwood Farm Park, and Gold Park), as well as promotion of weekly
walks offered at Eno River Walk, parks near Seymour and Homestead Park, and a
walking challenge by OCDOA Wellness offered at Seymour Center.
v. The Town of Chapel Hill received AARP challenge grant to improve pedestrian safety
through universal design principals; recently installed multiple new bus shelters
featuring bike stations and public art.
vi. Five of our participating agencies identified and resolved issues regarding trail signage,
accessibility (including wayfinding/directional signs), collaborated with EMS to ensure
trail accessibility, and provided onsite park management contact details for emergencies
or location-specific awareness.
vii. Created and shared a list of quiet mediative spaces for caregivers in Orange County and
highlighted in Winter Endless Possibilities newsletter to promote existing natural
sanctuaries. This Spring, Eno River Association added two new nature preserves:
Confluence Nature Area and Panther Branch Natural Area.
b. Transportation – Brandi Beeker
i. We are very close to having a new transportation guide.
ii. Increased access to transit information
1. Transportation Specialist tables at senior centers monthly
2. Virtual classes: Make the Connection: Bus Riding 101, What’s Appening (Transit
Apps)
3. Trip to Ackland Museum using OCPT’s fixed route, the Orange-CH Connector
iii. Improved collaboration between transportation, healthcare, and human services
providers
1. Attended transit project workshops and provided feedback for Chapel Hill Transit
and Orange County Public Transportation projects.
2. Promotion of surveys and opportunities for older adults to provide feedback for
transportation planning projects.
3. Member of 7Cs Transportation Workgroup, a collaborative network comprised
of Health Systems, Health Payers, Public Agencies and Community Based
Organizations addressing Social Determinants of Health, including
Transportation.
iv. Reduced barriers to accessing services.
1. Completed 40 ETAP applications over the phone.
2. Provided one-on-one assistance with ADA applications.
v. Volunteer Driving Program bridged gaps in existing services.
1. 230 rides provided by volunteers, 5310 funding.
2. Served 40 registered riders.
vi. Transportation Helpline Stats
1. 1,800 incoming calls
2. 4,300 minutes logged from all calls.
3. Average of 180 unique callers per quarter
4. First annual survey of callers completed.
vii. NOTE: We only have 1 volunteer driver, and we need more. Please share this need and
help recruit volunteers.
c. Employment – Robert Bradford
i. Revised Employment Services website to clearly define our messages and provide easily
accessible job links.
ii. Created new Employment Services informational flyer for clients and partner
organizations.
iii. Participated in Latino festivals and health fairs to engage with the Latino community;
translated new Employment Services informational flyer to Spanish.
iv. Developed outreach program to inform a broader population of individuals who need
employment assistance about our services, with a focus on community centers, faith-
based communities and healthcare organizations.
v. Provided one-one employment counseling to 25 55+ job seekers.
Committee Progress Reports if needed:
12. Senior Tar Heel Legislature – Vibeke Talley
a. We met last week on Tuesday, June 4 (full day) and Wednesday, June 5 (1/2 day) to determine
what our next year’s focus will be.
b. All the monthly committees are to hash out how they are progressing. It is very busy.
c. Vibeke is working with OCDOA on getting hours when she can set up a table at centers and in
the community to promote STHL and so that people know about it. She will see how it goes.
d. Rebecca Freeman – followed up with Janice yesterday to advocate for NC’s All Ages All Stages.
e. NC in collaborative with CA, where they were successful with local advocacy, talking to their
delegates and government to go on record as supporting initiatives.
f. Speaking to Senior Alliance tomorrow about advocacy. We need to get our representatives that
are going to the General Assembly to get on board with this.
g. The STHL will choose five areas that they want to try to promote. These areas could be
presented to the BOCC.
13. Nursing Home and Adult Care Home Joint Community Advisory Committee – Jackie Podger
a. Adding new volunteers and increasing visits. The comradery is good. Central Pines is hosting
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and they have a fantastic agenda. The Central Pines
administration is talking about elder abuse and have a great perspective that we really have
never had before. It will be good.
14. Friends of the Passmore Center – James Harris – no report
15. Friends of the Seymour Center – Shelia Evans
a. Sponsored Summer Kona Snow Cone event the beginning of June. It was well received and
attended by participants and staff. We had 93 people attend. It was fun.
b. We are trying to get a few more members to join the Friends of Seymour. A lot of participants
do not know about the Friends or what they do. Tabling at the Center to share information and
recruit to be sure that people know about how they help and what programs we help with.
c. We are all having problems with the budget. Good number of participants have no idea how
much everything costs and how hard the staff work to run all these programs that are almost all
free. Even if there is a fee, it is very inexpensive.
d. Idea: Maybe we could get several people that are very involved in the Seymour Center to talk
about how the Center’s programs helped or what they got out of it. For example, what they got
out of Project EngAGE, how Yoga/Pilates helped, and how through the Legacy Program they
have been working for 6-months on their legacy. Even a video with little snippets, seniors get so
much out of the Seymour Center activities. It is unknown to most participants how they are
getting all of this, who is sponsoring all of this.
e. It is general knowledge, the Senior Centers get such a small percentage of the County budget,
yet there are more older adults than children in schools. Not to take away from the children,
but we need to help people understand the demographics and needs.
f. Love to see our seniors and boards to advocate to the BOCC. It is time.
Adjournment
Taking summer break = July. Colin, thank you! He will be back.
Next meeting: August 13 from 1 – 3 p.m. – Seymour Center & Virtual