College Park Seniors Committee

College Park Seniors Committee Virtual Meeting April 3, 2024 7:00 p.m. Final Minutes Seniors Committee Members: PRESENT ABSENT 1. Woei-Nan Bair X 2. Adele Ellis X 3. Carol Gray X 4. Mary Anne Hakes X 5. Kathy Baer X 6. Betty Colonomos X 7. Gail Lovelace X 8. Bonnie McClellan X 9. Darlene Nowlin X 10. Arelis Perez X 11. Robert Thurston X Guests : Marie Brodsky, WISE Cities Also present : Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth and Family Services; Joi Woods, Contract Secretary The meeting began at 7:09 p.m. I. Marie Brodsky , WISE Cities A. Marie Brodsky shared an overview about the Internet Platform WISE Cities. The platform is designed to connect seniors to various programs and services. The platform is free to users. B. The committee engaged in discussion with Ms. Brodsky, previewed the platform. 1. Applying intentional strategies to bridge gaps among internet users with various comfort levels. a. Website accessibility is a priority including design, font, and audible features. b. Creating an online account allows for a customized user experience based on needs and preferences, but is not required. b-1. Users have the option to choose their language when interacting with the platform. b-2. Protecting data, preventing spam, Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration and fact checking are high priorities. c. Connecting with Seniors that are not online 1  c-1. Hosting events at various times throughout the day (morning, mid-day and early afternoon) to reach a broader audience c-2. SAC leaders offered to share event information across their networks c-3. Developing an automated phone announcement system to inform adults who are not connected to technology about available services and programs and events is underway c-4. Marylanders Connect Initiative – funding opportunities  Marylanders Online-tech support opportunities  Classes are forthcoming for residents at Attick Towers and Spellman House to increase seniors’ abilities to use technology d. Ongoing Efforts to enhance the user experience d-1. Seeking additional ways to adapt the platform to support users’ needs and interests d-2. Continued beta testing- some SAC members are available to assist additional beta testing d-2 Previous feedback describes the platform as institutive d-3. Gathering information to establish a target audience for the automated phone announcement system d-3. Tracking search trends e. Building Visibility e-1. Blog posts e-2. Distributing flyers door to door e-3. Partnering with the organization Generations Online to increase awareness 2. Partnering with community organizations a. Creating awareness about events and services a-1. Vetting organizations and information b. Developing a specific interface for organizations to share information c. Best practice guidance for organizations to advertise events d. Establishing referral options to different organizations d-1. Establishing a disclaimer for referrals e. Potential research partnership with the SAC f. SAC members servings as Ambassadors for WISE Cities II. Call to Order Mary Anne Hakes called the business meeting to order at 8:10 p.m. III. Approval of Agenda for April 3, 2024 Arelis Perez motioned to approve the agenda for April 3 , 2024 as written. Adele Ellis seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. IV. Approval of March 6, 2024 Arelis Perez motioned to approve the March 6, 2024 minutes as corrected and amended. Adele Ellis seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The 2  motion passed. V. Age Friendly College Park Update A. Return of Robert Thurston 1. Gail Lovelace will continue the role as acting Chair for the Age Friendly College Park initiative until Mr. Thurston resumes the role. B. Ongoing efforts to secure a Program Lead 1. Options to secure a staff person or a contractor are under consideration during city budget work sessions. C. Visibility and Promotion 1. Efforts to establish visibility through city communications and publications a. Event collateral including T-shirts, bags, and banners have been ordered. a-1. Collateral requires review from the Communications Department to ensure consistent city branding a-2. Arelis Perez will forward vendor contact information for bags a-3. Invoices should be forwarded to Kaisha Barber b. Mailing Lists- there are currently 2 mailing lists available b-1. Electoral List b-2. College Park Seniors 62 & older c. The committee Communications Survey. The use of postage paid return envelopes is cost prohibitive. The committee is exploring options to collaborate with NHN-CP in order to establish targeted mailing list for cross- promotion of the Age Friendly College Park initiative and NHN-CP. c-1. A member of the Age Friendly College Park (CP)initiative will oversee efforts in four assigned districts throughout College Park c-2. A total of (50) senior residents in each district will be Interviewed to assess their information needs and preferences. Potential questions include:  Do you or someone in your home have the means to access the internet (Wi-fi, Smart Phone, Tablet, computer)?  How do you currently receive information (print, online, word of mouth)?  What types of information are you interested in receiving? c-3. Student volunteers have been identified to support the effort in April 2024 d. Information about the Age Friendly College Park (CP)initiative will be included in the Resident Guide. 1. Members of Age Friendly CP will participate in a course about intergenerational relations, all members are encouraged to attend. 2. The next meeting is Monday, April 25, 2024 at 1: 00 pm. 3  VI. Neighbors Helping Neighbors College Park (NHN-CP) A. The budget for FY 2025 has been accepted B. Maryland Umbrella Group (MUG) was awarded a grant by the Maryland Department of Aging. There are potential funding opportunities available for organizations in College Park. C. PG County Village Connection has created partnerships with villages to host informational meetings for communities that are interested in establishing Villages. 1. Riverdale Park/Greater Riverdale- May 2, 2024, 10:00-11:30 am at Riverdale Station 2. North Brentwood-May 3 ,2024, 10:00-12:00 pm at the Gateway Arts District 3. Bowie-May 8, 2024, 10:00-11:30 am Bowie Senior Center 4. District Heights- May 15, 2024, 10:00-12:00 am District Heights Senior Center VII. City Updates-Youth, Family and Seniors Services (YSF) A. The Rectory Ribbon Cutting ceremony held on March 20, 2024 was successful B. An updated Senior Newsletter has been published including upcoming city events VIII. Additional Discussion A. SAC participation in the College Park Parade- May 4, 2024 10: 00-12:00 pm 1. Members are encouraged to meet at 9:30 am and march in the parade. B. Municipal Scene Did You Know? contributions and the senior page from the College Park Resource Guide will be re-printed as flyers for the bag giveaway at the parade and other future City events. C. YSF Staff appreciation 1. The committee discussed coordinating with YFSS staff members to host a small staff appreciation event when new staff comes on. D. Leveraging Technological support for seniors 1. The committee discussed options to establish regular city sponsored events for Senior Residents to learn how to use technology. 2. Incorporating Chrome Book demonstrations for senior residents are pending grant funds are awarded to purchase Chrome Books if awarded. E. Events 1. Town and Gown Conference June 4-7, 2024 a. The city is sponsoring a member from each neighborhood’s Civic Association. Interested members were encouraged to contact their association. 2. Atwood Housing Affordable Housing Open House, April 4, 2024 3. Campus Club, Hornbake Library Special, April 7, 2024, 2: 00 pm 4. Cheverly Village April 17, 2024 6:00-7:00 pm, (virtual)l Scams Fraud and Trickery 5. Restorative Justice Commission, Public Awareness Series, Washington Brazilian SDA Church-Lakeland Site April 17, 2024, 7:00 pm 6. Corridor Conversations, Hyattsville Speaks April 27, 2024, 2: 00 pm 7. Restorative Justice Commission Townhall, May 18, 2024, 4:00 pm, Embry AME Church. What Does Repair look like? 8. Lineage Percussion, Shadows of Lakeland, July 27, 2024, 4:00 pm 9. College Park Woods Clubhouse ground breaking ceremony, April 12, 2024, 9:00 am 4  IX. Meeting Schedule and Guest Speakers A. Next Meeting: May 1, 2024 B. Future Meetings and FY 2025 Meeting Schedule 1. The committee discussed canceling meetings for June- August 2024 2. The committee will discuss meeting dates for FY 2025 beginning in July 2024 during the May meeting. X. Adjournment Arelis Perez motioned to adjourn the meeting . Gail Lovelace seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m. 5