HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdvisory Board on Aging Minutes_11_11_2025 Orange County Advisory Board on Aging
Tuesday, November 11, 1 —3 pm
Seymour Center and Virtually
Minutes
In Attendance: Jon Wilner, Daniel Leonard, Joanne Wilson, Vibeke Talley, Sandy Walker,
Rachel Bearman, Mary Lucas; Guest(s): Rafael Velez; Staff: Janice Tyler, Marilyn Hohl,
Brandi Beeker; Excused Absences: GiGi Rashdi, Jerry Gregory, Jackie Podger, Tracy
Holsinger, Shelia Evans, Jeff Charles
1. Welcome-The group took attendance, and Joanne started the meeting.
2. Introductions and Announcements
3. Approval of Minutes—October 14, 2025.The minutes were approved.
Director's Report
4. Staff Updates
a. Wellness Program Assistant position- Matthew Acomb
b. Seymour Center Evening Facility Manager Assistant— Paul Smoogen
c. Will feature new staff in next Endless Possibilities
5. Visit from Congresswoman Valerie Foushee and Retired Congresswoman Eva Clayton.
The event was a huge success!
6. Medicare Open Enrollment—October 15- December 7
7. November—National Family Caregiver Month
a. BOCC Proclamation. Proclamation was shared at last week's BOCC meeting.
b. Held Caregiver Day of Care on Nov. 8
8. Maddry Meadows—Senior Housing being developed across from the Seymour Center.
Janice emphasized the importance of collaboration for development, for example, with our
OT Marie Dagger for accessibility. The group discussed logistics about prioritizing moving in
current Orange County residents by keeping them informed of the application process.
9. Upcoming Events:
Veteran's Appreciation Breakfast- Nov. 11 8:30 a.m.- Passmore Center
Direct Care Worker Awards Celebration on Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. -Seymour Center
2025 Community Treasures-Nov. 15 2-4 p.m. -Seymour Center
Leo Alison, a former Aging Board member is one of those being honored.
A Conversation on Dementia and Discovery: Inside Lost Lear-Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. -
Seymour Center
Annual Thanksgiving Celebration- Nov. 21 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. -Passmore Center
Holiday Market-Sponsored by the Friends of the Passmore Center- Nov. 22 from 9
a.m. -2 p.m.
New Endless Possibilities has arrived. Please review for many new programs for
December- February
New Business
10. FY 25-26 Budget updates
a. Federal Government Shutdown- our newly acquired grants are not in jeopardy
because the funding was already built into the budget.
b. Changes in SNAP benefits-very unclear currently in NC. Rachel shared details about
back pay not being required in NC. Orange County receives $2 million a month so it
would be a major deficit/shortage. Janice urged people to share our lunch program and
food box program here at OCDOA.
Orange County Food Security List at go.ncsu.edu/feedorangecounty.
11. 2026 Meeting calendar. Janice shared the calendar; it follows the 2025 calendar's time,
meeting locations, etc. Meeting schedule was approved.
2022-27 Master Aging Plan
12. First Quarter Year 4 Reports from Workgroup Leaders
a. Transportation
Brandi shared updates on the transportation help line, classes/tables offered in the
previous quarter, volunteer driver program, and the Orange County Strategic Plan
FY2025-2029 Priority 4 Multi-modal Transportation.
Objective 2.1: Increase access to transportation information and travel training.
Objective 2.2: Expand availability and improve transportation options for older
adults.
Objective 2.3: Improve collaboration among transportation and human service
providers to overcome barriers to mobility
b. Communication and Information
- Created five"How to Use Our Website"videos in English, Spanish, Karen,
Burmese, and Chinese with closed captioning and step-by-step instructions to
translate any page on the OCDOA website into their preferred language.
- OUT on the Edge radio show created by the Project EngAGE LGBTQ Senior
Resource Team. OOTE celebrates the rich diversity of our 55+ LGBTQ+ community,
families, and allies in Orange County, interviewing guests to provide education,
entertainment, and affirmation.
Planning for2027-32 MAP
Committee Progress Reports if needed:
13. Senior Tar Heel Legislature—Vibeke Talley, STHL Delegate and Rafael Velez, STHL
alternate delegate. Vibeke shared the Central Pines Region delegates met online on Oct
16. They discussed a newsletter that would come out following major meetings; will
share at our centers at tabling events. The updated website has great information:
https://ncstht.org/. Rafael shared bill information, and more are live on the website as
well.
14. Nursing Home and Adult Care Home Joint Community Advisory Committee—Jackie
Podger. Jancie shared on Jackie's behalf that the ADH CAC reports are now online and
viewable.
15. Friends of the Passmore Center— Holiday Market, Nov. 22 9:30 a.m. —2 p.m.
16. Friends of the Seymour Center—Trip to Biltmore, Dec. 3-5
Rafael shared he and his wife helped with SHAARP Awards evaluation and gave
suggestions for efficient submissions.
Adjournment
Next meeting: December 9 from 1 —3 p.m.—Passmore Center