Senior Services Committee

CITY OF VERONA SENIOR SERVICES COMMITTEE February 9, 2021 VERONA SENIOR CENTER MINUTES 1. The meeting of the Senior Services Committee was called to order by Katie Kohl at 6:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call: On roll call: Charlotte Jerney, Christine Posey and Katie Kohl were present. Also present: Stephanie Ehle, Senior Center Director. 3. Approval of the minutes from the January 12, 2021 Senior Services Committee meeting. Motion by Jerney, seconded by Posey. Motion carried 3-0. 4. Director’s Report  As the county continues to change the recommendations and emergency orders, the Senior Center will follow those and expand their offerings. The March calendar will offer a few more programs such as movies and an in- house bead workshop.  The Programs team has found a new reflexology provider. She is fully booked for the month of February. The search continues for a massage therapist.  AARP will be offering tax assistance appointments for those needing help. The process will look very different than last year. People will need to come into the Senior Center to make an appointment. They will receive a packet of information that needs to be filled out before their appointment. At their appointment, they will bring their papers and meet with an AARP volunteer who will scan their information. This information will then be used to prepare the taxes off site. AARP will set up another appointment to get information back to the member the following week.  The new treadmill donated by the Board of Directors has been delivered. The treadmill and the fitness room have been used heavily and the staff is looking at expanding the times available for use. In order to expand the offerings they need to bring in more volunteers to work the front desk to help with the new COVID sign in procedures, paperwork, and check in process.  Triad update – Triad is a national program that brings together older adults, law enforcement and the community to increase safety and reduce fear of crime. They provide vital information about safety and crime prevention. They offer programs such as car check, Zoom presentations and more. Alder Kohl asked if Triad does anything with scams. Ehle stated yes. The police department and the Senior Center Case Managers are constantly working together on educating the public about scams, particularly scams targeting seniors. Information is shared in the Chronicle newsletter, online, and 1-1 with clients. Unfortunately there have been a lot of scams surrounding COVID and the vaccine. 5. Reports on Programs and Case Management: Programs:  As restrictions change, the Senior Center will continue to expand in-house offerings. This month they will offer movies, Great Courses (educational series), a bead class, reflexology, use of the exercise room and foot care.  The Board of Directors will be sponsoring an event one time each month. Many of the events will be in collaboration with a local business.  In addition, the Senior Center will partner with local businesses to offer a variety of opportunities. Partners include Driftless Chocolates, Yola’s Café, and more. Case Management:  The Case Managers are working on a new Outreach offering called, “Zoomin’ with Case Managers” via Zoom. The first opportunity will occur in March.  There are no Helping Hands requests or vet’s groups at this time.  Case Managers continue to work with Triad to look into 2021 program options.  Scams targeting seniors are on the rise. The team tries to help as best they can.  Members seem to be encouraged as they begin to receive their vaccinations.  The Case Managers continue to see seniors experiencing increased anxiety and depression. 6. Other Business  Alder Kohl mentioned a vaccine testing site has been approved by the Council. The site is located next to the St Vincent de Paul store. Ehle asked about the hours of operation. Alder Posey was not sure of exact hours however stated it was listed in the Council packet from the meeting the night before.  Alder Kohl mentioned that she shared AmazonSmile information with the Council. She also suggested possibly connecting with the Verona Press to  advertise. Ehle appreciated the help and hopes to share the information with as many people as possible. 7. Adjournment  Motion by Alder Jerney, seconded by Posey, to adjourn at 6:26 p.m. Motion carried 3-0.