Commission on Aging

Roswell Commission on Aging Minutes May 20, 2015 Present: Tom Dunlap Robert McCrea Bonnie Montgomery Morgan Nelson Lynne Ybarra Guests: 9 Guest Speaker: Clara Farah, PhD Tom Dunlap opened the meeting with introductions and welcoming remarks. Minutes of February 18, 2015 were reviewed and approved. The Hinkle Building: a plan for conversation is pending. Villa del Rey: there is a suit pending; no resolution yet to litigation. Dr. Clara Farah, Lincoln County, gave a 30-minute presentation on ‘Creative Aging.’ Handouts were disseminated to commissioners and guests. Best Roswell contacts: Chad Smith, ENMU-R and Representatives Nora Espinoza and Zack Cook. Tom Dunlap will assist with composing an ordinance for both the city and county. It was noted that the Court of Appeals is currently reviewing the issue of Assisted Suicide, also known as ‘Care and Compassion.’ Daryl Davenport reported that a perennial problem is funding for transportation assistance for seniors. Both Chaves and Lincoln Counties receive the least financial assistance from the state. A major issue is coping with present and future assistance for those suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease. The number is expected to rapidly escalate. House Bill 2 is pending. The bill remains unsigned and will be taken under consideration at the upcoming Special Session. Gatekeepers: postal carriers, newspaper delivery employees, and sanitation workers are invaluable as they often note neglect and are advised to report findings to appropriate authorities. ‘Roswell Reaches Out’ is an initiative by Mayor Kintigh. The article appeared in the Roswell Daily Record. Roswell Commission on Aging Minutes May 20, 2015 Page 2 Bonnie Montgomery read aloud a report of a near fatal accident in the Silver City area. June 18: local legislators will meet with commissioners at a luncheon at the Historical Archive Building. Representatives will be asked to address transportation issues. We appreciate the time and effort given by Robert McCrea in making this possible. By acclamation, commissioners acknowledged the many years of dedicated service by Commissioners Charlie Phillips and Julie Adams. There being no more business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:05 p.m. Bonnie Montgomery Secretary