College Park Seniors Committee

College Park Seniors Committee Virtual Meeting September 4, 2024 7:00 p.m. Draft 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 Arrived at 8:15 pm 10. Robert Thurston X Also present : Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth and Family Services; Joi Woods, Contract Secretary I. Call to Order Mary Anne Hakes called the business meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. II. Approval of Agenda for September 4 , 2024 Betty Colonomos motioned to approve the agenda for September 4, 2024 as amended . Bonnie McClellan seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. III. Approval of May 1, 2024 Minutes Betty Colonomos motioned to approve the May 1, 2024 minutes as corrected . Bonnie McClellan seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. IV. New Member Introduction Heidi Weber and the committee members introduced themselves. 1 V. Summer Activities/Events A. The committee discussed activities that took place during summer committee’s summer recess. 1) Bonnie McClellan and Hakes shared highlights from Town & Gown conference co- hosted by the city and UMD showcasing development. B. Bonnie McClellan toured the new housing development near Trader Joes C. Trolley Trail Day – there was a table housing give-a-ways and information was distributed; there was less traffic than anticipated due to the table location D. The committee hosted a Staff Appreciation breakfast at St. Andrews to engage with Senior Services Staff Members E. Committee members attended City Game nights. 1) The committee discussed additional opportunities to promote committee efforts and Age Friendly College Park during game nights. F. SAC members attended the City Parade G. Some committee members participated in Tai Chi classes at the Old Parish House co-hosted by College Park Arts Exchange and SAC. H. UMD Collaboration-Capstone efforts continue, including developing a senior focused website. The website is intended to bridge gaps of information not listed on the city’s website including events and resources from areas outside of College Park. I. Committee members continue to submit Did You Know articles for City publications. VI. Age Friendly College Park Update A. Gail Lovelace shared progress updates and current goals 1. Ms. Lovelace completed an Age Friendly Progress Report that was presented to Mayor and Council in July. Miss Lovelace welcomed recommendations of topics to include in future progress reports. 2. The next meeting will be held September 23, 2024. VII. Neighbors Helping Neighbors College Park (NHN-CP) A. NHN-CP has 3 new board members. The board is currently recruiting members for the remaining vacancies. Active volunteer recruitment also continues. B. The bi-laws are currently being revised C. Board Members are participating in a course offered by the UMD Baltimore Campus and sponsored by the Washington Village Exchange. The intent of the course is to mitigate operational challenges and capture relevant data across Maryland. D. Mr. Thurston will participate in a Longevity Ready Maryland Workgroup to develop a 10- year multi sector plan. The plan will address the benefits of aging society including housing and transportation. E. There has been an increase in transportation requests from residents. 1. The committee discussed providing transportation for residents to vote 2. Committee members will collaborate to create an informational flyer to include details about free rideshare services on Election Day, transportation options through NHN-CP volunteers, and mail-in ballots. The committee discussed planning, logistics, and marketing through the city’s communication department. 3. Kaisha Barber will assess the feasibility of supporting transportation offerings through YFSS. Bonnie McClellan motioned that the committee advise the city to provide transportation for seniors to vote. McClellan also motioned to p repare an informational flyer to encourage 2  voting and transportation. Woei-Nan Bair seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. VIII. Upcoming City Events A. The committee discussed opportunities to administer senior survey questions and distribute information and give-a-ways including flyers and tote bags during the following events. 1. Farmers Market September 14, 2024, 10-2 pm 2. Good Neighbor Day, October 26, 2024 3. College Park Day, October 5, 2024 12-6 pm 4. Senior Fiesta, Friday September 13, 2024 11-2:30 pm 5. Friday Night Live, Sept. 13, Oct. 11 IX. City Updates-Youth, Family and Seniors Services (Y SSF) A. An Office Assistant has been hired to support department operations. YSSF is recruiting a full-time Bus Driver. B. The Lead Positon for Age Friendly College Park has been approved. Candidates are being recruited to interview with the Age Friendly College Park board. C. The committee discussed Habitat for Humanity Retrofitting. YSSF staff is supporting individuals who have submitted incomplete applications. Eight homes have been completed. X. Guest Speakers The committee discussed potential guests 1. Carlos Nunez, Planning & Development 2. Public Services Director 3. Senior Events Coordinator 4. VP Community Engagement UMD 5. Do Good Institute XI. Adjournment Betty Colonomos to adjourn the meeting . Darlene seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. 3