Senior Citizens Advisory Committee

Senior Citizen Advisory Committee Agenda - April 9, 2015 Call to Order – 2:00pm Roll call Approval of minutes of March 12, 2015 Discussion – Senior Citizen Identification Program Date for Event –Tom Murphy Reports from committees Adjourn 3:30pm Senior Citizen Advisory Committee April 9, 2015 Present:, Carmela Vitale (chair), Council Liaison Astri Baillie, Edna Ierely-Byrne, Flo Rice, Kay Leary, Kaye Shaler, Sandra Fielo, Ruth Barrett, Susan Sheeley, Lena Crasto, Jill Work, John Hoover. Excused: Phyllis Fleming, Bill List Absent: George Hayman Minutes Mrs. Vitale asked for approval of the minutes of February 15, 2015. Ruth Barrett moved for approval, John Hoover seconded the move. Minutes accepted. New Business: Photo ID for seniors – Mrs. Vitale brought up the issue that some seniors who are no longer driving have need for a photo ID. There was some discussion about whether it will be useful or not because it would not be recognized as an official ID. As a result, it would have limited use. Mrs. Vitale said she would do some research on it. She will be in touch with Sgt. Longo to see if there is a machine available to do the ID’s. Flo Rice said that she knew there was a machine at one time in Jim Sanderson’s office. It was used for employee picture ID’s . Mrs. Vitale will follow up and get back to us. Old Business: Date for the Estate Planning Affairs Edna Ierely-Byrne spoke with Tom Murphy, Esq. He said that there is not a Part II per se but that he is happy to come back and will embellish Part I with new examples and some new information. His preference for dates would be during the week. The group decided that to get the best turn-out it should be combined with another event. The Welcome Back Lunch (grilled hot dogs or pizza) in September is generally festive and well- attended. So the date will be September 10th with lunch from 12:30 to 1:30 and the speaker 1:30 to 2:30. Edna will try to confirm the date by with Atty. Tom Murphy. Re: Speakers Kaye Shaler brought to the group’s attention that AAA has a speaker’s bureau and they may have some topics of interest. She also had a newsletter from Sage with a lsit of topics and speakers. Report on the Scavenger Hunt Mrs. Vitale reported that the Scavenger Hunt was fun and that they came in third. It was a joint event of the DDC and the YMCA for the YMCA’s new Mental Health initiative. Members’ Reports: DDC: John Hoover reported on the DDC events, both the Scavenger Hunt and the Easter Bunny downtown. The Farmers’Market may be moved to Central Avenue for more space. He said they are trying to increase the number of farmers. They may try a rotating vendor’s table where a business from downtown will participate in the market. Senior Center: Edna Ierley-Byrne said that she and Dr. Sandee Fielo will be a part of the Latino Day presentation at Borough Hall. RSVP – Kaye Shaler said that she met with people from Norwescap who head up the program. They are instituting some changes. Besides the “Friendly Calls” program, Kaye said they also have a “Friendly Visitors” program. Stay Healthy – Sandee Fielo reported that there are, no doubt, isolated seniors who have no family and few contacts. The Meals on Wheels program may be a way to identify them but there may be legal conditions that prevent their identity from being revealed. AARP – Ruth Barrett – Physical activity is good for aging well but mental activity is also very important. She said games like Bridge are good at keeping the mind active. There are many sessions of Bridge held weekly at the Senior Center and they are well attended. Thursday Morning Club – Kay Leary reported on the Spring Luncheon, the plant sale at J&M and other May activities. Health Department - Flo Rice said the Health Department will also be represented at Latino Day by two staff members, Marlene Dolan and Samantha Robinson, the Department’s new health educator. She reported that the transitions of hiring to replace the retirements are going very well. The female cancer screening is scheduled for May 6. YMCA – Sue Sheeley - The Enhanced Fitness program can be supplemented by the Atlantic Health System’s program for seniors called New Vitality. Sue will be leaving early to see new members of the Livestrong program for people with cancer. Chateau Thierry – Lena Crasto – There is a trip to Atlantic City planned. Bingo is held regularly for the residents. Library – Jill Work reported that 82 people showed up at Makers’ Space and enjoyed it. There will be an open tech lab on Fridays. Painless poetry, artsy films, an adult summer reading program and a tutorial on “makey-makeys”, a technology unknown to most of the group. There are a lot of interesting and creative programs happening at the Library. Councilwoman Baillie’s Report The Borough will be voting on the budget on May 13th. She talked about the Borough replacing police and firemen to bring them up to their allotted number. Questions came up about the Board of Education budget. John Hoover said it is best to attend a meeting to voice concerns. Meeting adjourned at 3:36 p.m. Next meeting is May 14 at 2 p.m. Flo Rice, SCAC secretary