College Park Seniors Committee

Approved: 071520 College Park Seniors Committee Virtual Meeting June 10, 2020 7:00 PM Final Minutes Seniors Committee Members: PRESENT ABSENT 1. Ann Bolduc X 2. Pedro Manuel Guevara-Cordova X 7:24 pm 3. Mary Anne Hakes X 4. Bonnie McClellan X 5. Darlene Nowlin X 6. Arelis Perez X 7. Lynn Topp X 8. Robert Thurston X Also present: Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth and Family Services; Angela Burns, Seniors Program Manager of Youth Family and Senior Services; Carol Gray, Potential Member (7:40 pm), Resident; Joi Woods, Contract Secretary I. Call to Order Mrs. McClellan called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. II. Old Business A. Approval of March 2020 Minutes Mrs. Hakes motioned to approve the March 24, 2020 minutes with an attendance correction. Ms. Perez seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. III. Membership Updates and Attendance A. Membership  Ms. Perticari resigned from the Committee  Carol Gray, is a pending Committee Member  The Committee discussed vacancies and the number of memberships allotted. There are currently 2 committee vacancies. B. Attendance  Mrs. Bolduc is excused from the June meeting, due to technological challenges. Mrs. McClellan will provide an update for Mrs. Bolduc. IV. Additional Discussion A. Mission Statement  Mrs. Hakes recited the committee’s Resolution. The committee reviewed the Mission Statement, Mrs. McClellan noted that any Mission Statement revisions are due to Mayor & City Council by the end of December 2020.  The committee discussed: o Mission limitations to establish social events and community partnerships due to Social Distancing requirements. B. Neighbors Helping Neighbors College Park (NHN-CP) The committee discussed:  Challenges and concerns related to the visibility of Neighbors Helping Neighbors College Park (NHN-CP) to provide services to city residents.  Mrs. McClellan contacted Mrs. Greene, Program Coordinator to inquire about the volume of requests.  Mrs. Hakes will follow up with Mr. Payne to inquire about the current number of Board Members and Volunteers.  Advertising through other service-based organizations like Meals on Wheels C. Senior Social Update  Mr. Guevara-Cordova shared a brief update regarding the status of event planning prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senior Social Event is currently postponed. . D. Loaning out Alexa devices to seniors with WIFI access Miss Topp noted that data regarding WIFI access is currently being collected during client information updates. She will assist in identifying seniors who can use Alexa devices. V. GreenPlay Senior and Recreational Needs Assessment  Mrs. Barber provided an update about the GreenPlay Senior and Recreational Needs Assessment. Both the survey and the Needs Assessment results have been delayed as a result of the COVID-19. Mrs. Barber will advise the committee of updates as they become available. VI. Youth, Family and Senior Services (YFS) Update  Virtual sessions and tele-sessions are offered in lieu of face-to-face therapy session as a result of COVID-19 social distance requirements.  Mrs. Burns provided an additional update about services offered to seniors: o Transportation services are currently provided by appointment. o Social activities and outings have all been canceled. Line dancing has been made available virtually, YFS staff members are seeking additional  opportunities for virtual socialization. o YSF has made contact with 100 Senior residents. Some of the services provided include case management, counseling, providing activity kits, and wellness checks with an increased focus on coping with the COVID-19 related stress and combating loneliness. o Mrs. McClellan suggested partnership among Youth, Family, and Senior Services and Neighbors Helping Neighbors to establish a phone tree for warm calls to seniors to combat loneliness and create opportunities for social interaction among seniors. Mrs. Burns noted partnership efforts with NHN- CP to support a senior resident during a medical appointment. V. Additional Discussion A. AARP Age-Friendly Community  Mr. Thurston has been appointed as the subcommittee chair. Mr. Thurston noted goals to create awareness about the initiative, identify community members to provide feedback, and ensure a holistic approach that will benefit all city residents in establishing an Age-Friendly Community.  Mrs. Barber will draft a staff report of the Age-Friendly Community Subcommittee’s recommendations after review and approval by the Seniors Committee. The report will be presented during for the next Mayor and Council worksession.  The committee reviewed and discussed the AARP Age-Friendly Community proposal and subcommittee recommendations for the city’s strategic plan. Mrs. McClellan made a motion to present the subcommittee recommendations to Mayor & Council to initiate the process for College Park to become an Age Friendly Certified Community. The recommendations have been approved by the committee. Mr. Thurston seconded the motion. VI. Announcements A. College Park City University Partnership weekly online gift card giveaway B. Grant funding for up to $5000 available to city businesses, families, and individuals experiencing financial hardships related to COVID-19. C. UMD organization is partnering with the city to provide support for food to residents. VIII. Next Meeting: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 IX. Adjournment Ms. Perez motioned to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Hakes seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m.