College Park Seniors Committee

College Park Seniors Committee Virtual Meeting February 2, 2022 7:00 p.m. Final Minutes Seniors Committee Members: PRESE ABSEN NT T 1. Woei-Nan Bair X 2. Ann Bolduc X 3. Adele Ellis X 4. Carol Gray X 5. Mary Anne Hakes X 6. Janet Hawley X 7. Carissa Janis X 8. Bonnie McClellan X 9. Darlene Nowlin X 10. Arelis Perez X 11. Robert Thurston X Also present : Kiaisha Barber, Kevin Blackerby, College Park Event Coordinator; City of College Park; Joi Woods, Contract Secretary I. New Member Welcome, Carissa Janis New Member Carissa Janis introduced herself to the committee. II. Introduction of Kevin Blackerby, College Park Event Coordinator A. Guest Speaker Kevin Blackerby, College Park Event Coordinator shared details about and goals to implement events in College Park. The committee offered feedback and shared event ideas geared towards Senior Residents. Noted points of discussion included: 1) Increase and enhance existing events for older children and adults 2) Establishing Intergenerational Events 3) Incorporating events that reflect the hobbies, and interests of College Park residents 4) Building community through the continuity of events 5) Current collaborative partners to host events o The Recreation Board, PG Parks & Recreation, Maryland Arts Exchange, Anacostia Watershed, and other Non-Profit organizations. Kevin Blackerby highlighted opportunities for additional partners. 1  6) College Park as a Destination City- historic neighborhoods, parks, trails, and fields. B. The committee shared goals and discussed collaborating to host events 1) UMD Department of Community Engagement to host a Senior Prom with College Park Seniors and UMD Seniors 2) AARP Livability initiative and plans Kickoff Event – May 13, 2022 o The AARP Livability subcommittee will invite Kevin Blackerby to an upcoming planning meeting. 3) Partnering with the city to develop and host events geared towards Senior Residents Old Business I. Call to Order Mary Anne Hakes called the meeting to order at 8:42 p.m. II. Approval of Minutes - November 3, 2021 Bonnie McClellan motioned to approve the minutes from November 3, 2021. Janet Hawley seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. III. Vote on Habitat for Humanity Repairs The committee discussed a formal motion of the committee’s recommendation to Mayor and City Council to allocate funds in support of retrofitting 6 homes each year through partnership with Habitat for Humanity for purposes. Noted points of discussion included: A. Varying levels of retrofitting needs B. Utilizing local vendors C. Collaborating with organizations like Right at Home, Get a Grip, etc. D. $1.3 million in funds have been earmarked by the city for Residential Rehab Grant Program for residents aging in place. Bonnie McClellan motioned that the Senior Advisory Committee support the provision of funds from the city for collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of Maryland and other Service Providers for the purpose of home modifications for College Park residents aging in place at a minimum of $600,000 over 5 years. Carissa Janis seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. IV. Attick Towers Renovations The committee discussed Attick Towers Renovations. Kiaisha Barber noted that $1 Million dollars has been allocated for renovations for Attick Towers. Kiaisha Barber provide additional updates to the committee. 2  V. Communication survey A sub-working group of the AARP Livability Initiative is partnering with UMD to conduct an Intergenerational Study. A. Members of the committee are collaborating with UMD, examining digital communication in College Park by using technology to study intergenerational activities including gardening. 1) The current objective is to identify digital accessibility challenges and other forms of communications including phone, mail, door-to-door contact to reach survey participants. A meeting is scheduled for the week of 2/21/22. o The group is working to create a survey to assess communication needs for residents who are not online. Woei-Nan Bair welcomed feedback for the survey with the intention for distribution across local publications and online sources. VI. AARP Livability update One of the current focuses is the consultant work centered around a preliminary Asset Inventory and the Community Outreach results. Communication was noted as an area of focus. Additional focus includes establishing opportunities to gain community input. 1) The outreach survey resulted yielded 30 participants. The results will help identify priorities for the action plan. 2) A Virtual Community Forum is scheduled for 3/14/22. A communication with suggestions was forwarded to Terry Schum. One of the suggestions included expansion of the Community Focus Group from 3/14/22-3/16/22 to increase participation among residents. A. The AARP Livability Kick -off event is scheduled for 5/1/22 The next meeting for the AARP Livability subcommittee is scheduled for 2/28/22. VII. Other Discussion Neighbors Helping Neighbors College Park (NHN-CP) Robert Thurston provided an update about current goals and priorities. A. Continuing organization efforts including establishing a website and 5013C status. B. Volunteer Recognition & Listening Session for active volunteers C. Organizational involvement with partnering agencies WAVE, Village Rides, Aging PG Workgroup. 1) Efforts to establish relationships with other local service organizations including UMD’s Office of Community Engagement (OCE) Civicus, and The Do-Good Group o Partnership with CP Scholars was recommended, Mary-Anne Hakes will provide contact information to Robert Thurston. VIII. City of College Park updates A. Kiaisha Barber provided an update 1) New city staff members: a. Michael Williams Economic Development Manager b. Raven Rodríguez, Racial Equity Officer 3  c. Youth and Family Services Seniors program has welcomed new staff members including a Program Bus Driver, Administrative Assistant, Case Manager. 2) Youth and Family Services relocation is underway a. Activities will be hosted at the Methodist Church in accordance with COVID safety guidelines, a permanent office will remain at Spellman House. b. An aging bus was replaced for YSF’s Seniors Program c. Efforts are in place to reestablish trips post COVID 3) At-home COVID test kits are available to residents at 2 test kits per household. Test Kits can be picked up YFS, Davis Hall, & City Hall. IX. Next Meeting: March 2, 2022 7:00-9:00 p.m. The committee discussed inviting new city staff members to attend upcoming meetings A. Raven Rodríguez, Racial Equity Officer (March 2022) B. Michael Williams Economic Development Manager (March/April 2022) X. Adjournment Bonnie McClellan motioned to adjourn the meeting . Adele Ellis seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m. 4