College Park Seniors Committee

College Park Seniors Committee Old Parish House September 4, 2019 7:00 PM FINAL MINUTES Seniors Committee Members: PRESENT ABSENT Pedro Manuel Guevara-Cordova X Victoria Evans X Mary Anne Hakes X Jackie Kelly X Bonnie McClellan X Darlene Nowlin X Arelis Perez X Rosemary Perticari X Lynn Topp X Robert Thurston X Also present: Ann Bolduc, Resident; Kaisha Barber, Youth and Family Services; Joi Woods, Contract Secretary I. Call to Order Mrs. McClellan called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. II. Old Business A. Approval of the April 3, 2019 Minutes Mr. Thurston motioned to approve the April 3, 2019 minutes as written. Mrs. Kelly motioned seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. B. Welcome and Introduction of Kiaisha Barber III. New Business A. Greenplay Update: Senior and Community Recreation Needs Assessment Mrs. Barber provided an overview about the Needs Assessment process, noted points included: • 8 Focus groups comprised of aapproximately150 residents were hosted to capture information about recreation and transportation needs for residents • Focus Group data will be used to design a formal survey for residents o The survey is currently in the drafting process and will be available to residents online mid-October. o Surveys will be mailed to approximately 3000 randomly selected residents with a goal of at least 300 responses  o Surveys will be collected over a 6-week period tentatively beginning mid-October B. Youth, Family and Senior Services Update Mrs. Barber provided an agency update the following points: • Staffing transitions, the agency is currently fully staffed • Increase in attendance at Senior Social Events • Transportation services o Members of the community being served • Current efforts in place to identify opportunities to expand services • The Agency received additional dental vouchers from UMD and will provide transportation for families and seniors to receive dental care vouchers. • Available counseling and Mental Health Services o Fees for mental health services are income based C. Summary of committee accomplishments The Committee reviewed the city charter and discussion of legislative watch and updates • The Committee discussed its charge as it relates to the city charter • Mrs. Hakes provided an update about efforts to facilitate local partnerships o North College Park, Calvert Hills, Lakeland o Working with recreation board upon release of the Greenplay survey o College Park Boys & Girls Club o University of Maryland (UMD) Community Engagement Office o UMD Social Research Studies Faculty Members to provide technical assistance for seniors to use Alexa devices to increase social interaction and reduce social isolation by using technology. o Collaborating Greenbelt to explore online platform options for seniors • Subcommittee Updates o Mr. Thurston shared information about developing affordable housing for seniors o Mrs. McClellan shared The Committee has been contacted about Shared Living Companion Programs • Ms. Perticari provided an update about available senior services in surrounding area IV. Next Steps & Next Meeting • The next meeting will be held on October 2, 2019 • The committee discussed inviting Ryna Quinones, Communications Coordinator to a meeting to discuss communication strategies to disseminate information about available services. • Mrs. Hakes will follow up with Ms. Nolin about securing a AARP speaker • Announcements o Mrs. Kelly is considering the options to end or extend her term • Lakeland Heritage Foundation digitizing photos September 21-22nd • UMD Dental Clinic September 13 & 14 V. Adjournment Mr. Thurston motioned to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Kelly seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:57 p.m.