College Park Seniors Committee

Approved: 030619 College Park Seniors Committee City Hall – Lower Level Conference Room February 6, 2019 7:00 PM Seniors Committee Members: PRESENT ABSENT P.J. Brennan X Pedro Manuel Guevara-Cordova X Victoria Evans X Mary Anne Hakes X Jackie Kelly X Bonnie McClellan X Darlene Nowlin X 7:25 p.m. Arelis Perez X Rosemary Perticari X Also present: Adelle Ellis, Explorations in Aging; Carl Patterson, Resident; Peggy Higgins, Youth and Family Services; Joi Woods, Contract Secretary I. Call to Order Mr. Brennan called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. A. Agenda II. Business A. Approval of the November 7, 2018 Minutes Ms. Perez noted a correction of attendance, she was not present during the November 7, 2018 meeting. Mrs. McClellan noted a formatting correction, Mrs. Hakes noted a name correction. Mrs. Hakes motioned to approve the November 7, 2018 minutes as amended. Ms. Perez seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. B. Technology Initiatives – Alexa Devices The committee discussed logistics and detail to lead efforts to offer training for seniors interested in learning how to use Alexa devices. • Mr. Brennan recommended contacting University professionals who have expressed interest in partnering with the committee to promote social engagement and technology.  • College Park Scholars is interested in providing training to support efforts for seniors to engage with technology. • Mrs. McClellan suggested hosting monthly workshops to help seniors use technology. • Ms. Perez recommended hosting the trainings at rotating venues throughout the city. C. Neighbors Helping Neighbors – College Park (NHN-CP) Ms. Higgins provided an update on behalf of Mr. Payne: • The NHN-CP brochure has been finalized and is currently being distributed. • Membership recruitment is underway. • $11,500 allocated for NHN-CP is listed as a line item in the Senior Committee’s budget. Remaining funds at the end of FY 2018 in the amount of $3,000 and remaining funds from FY 2019 will be returned to the city to avoid reduction in funds allocation in FY 2020. The remaining funds from FY 2018 will supplement funds planned for FY 2020. • The committee discussed the status of NHN-CP marketing efforts o Mr. Brennan suggested inviting the Economic Development Coordinator or the City Planner to attend a meeting in April to gain insight and to make recommendations about the Senior Committee’s priorities to support NHN-CP o Mr. Brennan suggested bartering with local fitness companies trading advertising space in exchange for classes and services for Senior residents o Ms. Higgins shared that the city is considering implementing a comprehensive needs assessment for senior recreational activity • Mr. Payne arrived and provided a brief update, highlighted points discussed included: o Coordinator, Paula Greene has identified a target group of residents who participate in the city’s Backyard Trash Program that could benefit from NHN-CP o Currently 8 volunteers have been trained, 1 background check is in progress o Need of service promotion (word of mouth) o Mr. Payne and Mrs. Green continue to work with Village Rides to keep abreast of technology upgrades o Mr. Payne will forward details about the budget to the committee o Considerations to extend the pilot program ▪ Mr. Payne noted implementation adjustments by 3 months due to marketing delays o Marketing updates ▪ Mr. Payne requested marketing support from the committee assisting in distributing brochures  ▪ Marketing collateral - Door magnets and name tags have been purchased for volunteers • NHN-CP Bi-law amendment o The bi-laws have been amended to increase the number of board members from 5 to 8-9 o Partnership with Phi Psi Friends D. Review of Committee’s brainstorming • The committee reviewed and discussed committee goals identified in August 2018, noted points discussed included: • NHN-CP will lead all efforts related to paid advertising • Mr. Brennan opened the floor to recommendations for priority information for the city website o Exploring partnership with the Recreation Board to coordinate efforts and gain insight on seniors’ needs through needs assessment. o Independent living opportunities for seniors o Establishing a Senior Center- exclusively for seniors E. Senior Prom • The committee briefly discussed postponing the event until 2020 and continuing planning efforts • The committee suggested asking Mrs. Aparicio Blackwell to attend the next committee meeting III. New Business A. Selection of New Chair Mr. Brennan nominated Mrs. Hakes and Mrs. McClellan to co-chair the committee. Mrs. Kelly seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. B. Senior Committee membership • The committee currently has 9-10 members • Mr. Brennan suggested amending the charter to increase the number of members to 11. Ms. Perez motioned to add two addiotnal members to the committee. Mrs. Hakes seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. IV. Adjournment Mrs. Perez motioned to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Nolin seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.