GET INVOLVED

Empowering Senior citizens through Connection, Care, and Purpose

Author: Cindy Schersching, PhD

  • PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – March 2023

    PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – March 2023

    Several Council members were absent as the meeting time was rescheduled from the previous week.

    This limited a full discussion, but we did move forward on these initiatives.

    Website Creation

    John and Anne Clarke have made significant progress on the website. All are encouraged to take a look and provide comments.

    Remember a starting place and we will be adding more as we get together or if you have more ideas, fire away.

    We will get more photos as we move forward.

    The new email for our group is [email protected].

    Lots more to follow and as always, copy is what we need to build out.

    Easy to expand/collapse the headers so ideas please? Contact us to let us know your thoughts.

    We have paid for the domain name; it is ours for the coming year. John and Anne have agreed to demo the website on April 22, 2023 at our booth at the PKS Anniversary celebration.

    Our request for table, chairs, electricity and wi-fi access has been granted. Now it all has to come together.

    Meal Availability

    Council member Bill Douglas identified Catherine Elkins and her Food Network as the best/most current information source for food availability in the county.

    Their list of food pantries and hot meals has been posted in our Facebook group site and PKS Community; it will also reside on our website.

    Each council member has been sent a copy. Please feel free to distribute to anyone who has an interest/need.

    This list is regularly updated. As you distribute the list, please check their website for the most current listing:

    The easiest way to find the most up-to-date listing is to search Crystal Coast Non-Profits for “Food Help.” There’s a link to the sheet you want.

    St. Francis Meal Ministry

    Let’s not forget that meals are available for PKS residents through the St. Francis Meal Ministry.

    If you learn of a need for a meal, contact Robin Loflin-Smith by text (252-764-7257) or leave a message at the church at 252-240-2388.

    Both of these organizations are non-profit. Cash donations are especially welcomed.

    The Council as Information Hub for Service Providers

    As resources are identified and our website comes together, the discussion emphasized the need to put information in the hands of our residents.

    Importantly, to be confident in any references we make, it must be based in our personal experiences.

    To that end, all members are asked to provide contact information for service providers (e.g., plumbers, electricians) and medical professionals/specialists (primary doctors, orthopedists, dentists, etc.) that they have used and rate highly. These data will be input into a database.

    The database will be available online on our website and will be updated as additional references are available.

    Please bring completed forms to the next meeting on April 4, 2023.

    Getting The Word Out

    We are continuously challenged to systematize word-of-mouth reports of PKS citizens in need and connect/create appropriate solutions.

    Going forward, our focus will be on existing sources of this information, e.g., local churches, hospital discharges to PKS (though privacy issues may limit what we can learn), EMS activities (privacy issues also prevail here), and the local women’s club.

    Separately, we have completed one in-person interview to identify residents’ needs. It is a labor-intensive effort that also needs detailed practice/guidance to ensure we get quality data.

    We need further discussion to assess the benefit of this approach.

    At our next meeting, the priority topic will be our participation in the April 22 anniversary events.

    Everyone is encouraged to attend.

    Please put a couple of beach chairs in the trunk as I think we will be short of chairs.

    Our next meeting is at 10:30 at Town Hall on April 4, 2023.

  • Tips for Avoiding Frauds and Scams

    By Janie Price, Guest Columnist

    In its ongoing effort to improve the lives of seniors living in Pine Knoll Shores, the town’s Council on Aging hosted a forum on frauds and scams in January.

    Pine Knoll Shores Police Chief Ryan Thompson and Financial Advisor Cheryl Mansfield from Edward Jones shared examples of scams and offered tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.

    Over the years, scammers have become more sophisticated in their efforts—and very often their intended victims are older people who may be more trusting or less familiar with technology.

    Scammers may contact you via email, text, phone (landlines and cell phones), U.S. mail and can even show up at your door. It’s best to take the time to be sure an offer doesn’t sound too good to be true.

    Chief Thompson said that the police department regularly receives calls from citizens who need help in determining if they are in danger of being scammed (or in the worst cases, if they have already been scammed).

    Common Scams

    Grandparent scam

    A call comes in, and the person on the line says, “It’s me, Grandma” or some such familiar greeting. The grandparent will often respond, “Is that you, Tommy?”—and the hook is set.

    The person on the line will tell the grandparent that he has been arrested or injured and needs help and will pass the phone to a phony medical person or attorney to arrange for payment of fees, usually by prepaid cash or gift cards.

    Best action: Hang up on the call and immediately reach out to the family member to check that there is no emergency.

    Collections fraud

    This one can come in different versions. It may be someone on the phone claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service or a local utility company demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest or having the utility cut off. Again, they will want you to pay with prepaid cash or gift cards.

    Best action: Do not fall for scare tactics. Hang up and look up the number for the utility to call to be sure your account is in order, and keep in mind that no reputable company or government agency will ask for payment by prepaid cash or gift cards.

    Amazon scam

    You may receive an email that appears to be from Amazon saying that a large purchase has been made on your account, with a link to click to check on the status of your account. If you click on the link in that email, you may give someone access to your computer.

    Best action: Do not click on the link. Take a look at the email address, and in all likelihood it will not be from Amazon. Mark the email as spam and open a new window to check on your Amazon account.

    Romance scam

    This one may involve somebody who has friended you on Facebook or a game site such as Words With Friends. As your conversations become more frequent and “friendly,” the person may express a desire to visit but will mention a need for funds to make the trip or to clear some barrier to making the trip.

    They may ask for wired funds with a promise to repay you, but if you fall for this scam and you send the first wire, more may be requested. The bottom line: you will not be able to recover your funds.

    Sweepstakes scam

    You may receive a call from Publishers Clearing House or a similar company that you have won an expensive item and all you need to do is pay the taxes on that item to collect it—again asking for payment with gift cards.

    Social Security scam

    A call comes in from a person claiming to be with the Social Security Administration with a tale about a problem with your social security number that may affect your benefits. The problem can be solved by sending a fee by gift cards, a money order or cash.

    Medicare scam

    A call comes in from a “representative” who wants to be sure you have signed up for all the benefits you should be receiving, and they may even offer an 800 number for you to call. Once you get to the “right” person, you will be asked for personal information that will make it easy for your identity to be stolen.

    Home theft

    Also called deed fraud, this scam is one in which a person can register a fraudulent deed for your property. You would think that a title search would prevent this, but it is possible to register a deed without a title search.

    Construction scams

    Unscrupulous contractors may knock on your door offering to make repairs and ask for upfront funds to purchase supplies. Similarly, following a hurricane, a contractor may stop by offering to put a tarp on your home (for a large fee) with a promise to come back later to fix the roof. In all likelihood, you will never see either of these contractors or your money again.

    Pine straw scam

    This one wasn’t covered in the forum, but has come up since then. Somebody may come by your house with a load of pine straw and ask if you are interested in having your flower beds refreshed. They will quote you a reasonable price, but once the work is done will present you with a bill for multiples of the quote—and then resort to threats and intimidation to collect the new fee.

    This is not an exhaustive list of scam and fraud attempts, but it does give an idea of the variety of ways somebody will try to get access to your private information or steal your money.

    If you are in doubt at all as to the legitimacy of an offer, call the police department during business hours at 252-247-2474. After business hours, call the Communications Center at 252-726-1911 and ask to have a Pine Knoll Shores police officer call you.

    Avoid Becoming a Victim

    A few more guidelines to help you avoid becoming a victim:

    • Report attempted scams to the police department. Officers are ready to help you avoid becoming a victim. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
    • Use caller ID to screen calls. If you don’t recognize a number, let it go to voicemail. Don’t call the number they provide; look it up yourself if needed.
    • Realize that email is not secure. Never pass private information via email. Share sensitive information only by phone or in person.
    • Education is your best protection. Be informed about scams and be ready with a quick response to shut scammers down.
    • Trust your instincts. Walk away when your inner voice tells you to do so.

    According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than nine million Americans fall prey to identity theft every year, resulting in a loss of $36.5 billion annually. Much of that money is never recovered. Be an informed consumer, and keep your guard up for people who want to take advantage of you.

    The Pine Knoll Shores Council on Aging is interested in hearing from you on topics you would like for them to present in future forums. Contact Council Chair Cindy Schersching at [email protected] with suggestions, and visit the council’s Facebook page to learn more about upcoming events.

    A Final Word from Police Chief Thompson

    Lock your vehicle doors at all times, and don’t leave valuables or firearms in your vehicle. A surprising number of thefts occur because owners fail to lock their cars.

    In addition, lock your home doors, even during the day.

    Don’t make it easy for criminals to take advantage of you.

  • PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – February 2023

    PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – February 2023

    There were a few new faces in February’s meeting that I hope will become regulars. Here are the business meeting updates from the February 2023 meeting.

    Spoondrift Market

    This new PKS gathering place opened its doors the week of February 6. Ongoing, their hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Marion Goetzinger and Amy Hahn of Pine Knoll Shores Realty remodeled the front end of the realty office into a warm, well stocked, comfortable place for book lovers, coffee drinkers and friends to gather.

    They had a very busy first week. Please visit to experience for yourself – bring a friend!

    Speaker’s Forum

    Mike DiLauro organized the Council’s first speakers’ forum.

    Held at Town Hall, 35+ people came to hear PKS PD Chief Ryan and Edward Jones’ financial planner Cheryl Mansfield describe the variety of scams operating in the area and how to deal with the threat.

    Scammers frequently target older populations; everyone could relate to the scenarios described.

    Scammers

    Janie Prices’ article in March’s Shoreline gives a summary of the types of threats that have captured many of us unaware. Scammers play on a citizen’s willingness to help someone in need and touch our worst fears.

    The key message to all is: Be alert. Always. Should you be contacted: Stay calm.

    If you believe you are a victim of a scam, do not hesitate to contact our local police.

    John and Anne Clarke made a video of this presentation. You can find it on our website under Resources and Partners and on our FB page under Pine Knoll Shores Council on Aging.

    These forums will be offered each quarter. A “Save the Date” reminder will appear in the Shoreline. If you have ideas for future seminars, please let Mike Dilauro know.

    Food Supply

    Ensuring our residents have a proper food supply is top of mind.

    The challenge is identifying those in need. We do not have a complete understanding of the need.

    We rely on word of mouth, but this is not systematic and many may be left out. Linda Cumberland is behind our efforts to consistently get information as needs arise.

    The team is partnered with the Meal Ministry of Robin and Terry Smith working with St. Francis Church.

    • Many organizations already do this, but we could sponsor food drives on a routine basis. Also note there are a variety of Food Pantries in the area. A listing will appear on our Facebook page.
    • Getting the word out about the Meal Ministry will help us be a part of the response to residents in need.
    • We will develop this through our meetings, word of mouth, and contact with the PKS Police Department.
    • We will expand this with speaking engagements with the Women’s Club and Garden Club, as well as through our contacts with the hospital.
    • We will promote the resolution endorsed by the County Commissioners in support of food system resiliency and supported by our PKS Commissioners.

    John and Anne Clarke have agreed to create a website for the Council. This is a very significant project for us.

    The website will include our minutes, our meeting schedules, our vision statement, a list of FAQs, etc.

    John and Anne cannot do this alone. Please send any ideas you have as to the look, feel, and content of the website. Our website will also link to the Town’s website. Stay tuned.

    File of life

    The first of the PD and FD PSAs will appear in the March Shoreline.

    Chief Ryan presented the File of Life that every household should fill out and keep on the refrigerator (it has a magnetic tab). This file is extremely useful in emergency situations; our response teams look for this on entry to a home. It is critical to have this information quickly available in an emergency.

    These File of Life summaries are free and available from the Fire and Safety building. Please stop by and get one.

    Handymen

    Linda Cumberland reminded us of the interest in identifying local handymen who can aid homeowners with small/medium tasks.

    This may take a while to build as there is no database that currently exists. Let me know any references you wish to share.

    Landscaping

    Residents also expressed interest in having individuals do landscaping tasks. The criteria are similar to that for local handymen. Mike DiLauro has offered the energy of a youth volunteer group that has served the PKA HOA.

    • Since they are a youth group, an adult supervisor should be present while the volunteers are working.
    • Some tasks may not be appropriate for the safety of the individual, e.g., the use of a chain saw.
    • A waiver of responsibility is required for each group/project.

    To schedule the group, please contact Mike DiLauro.

    The next Council meeting is March 7, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Town Hall.

  • Identifying and Avoiding Scams

    Identifying and Avoiding Scams

    Pine Knoll Shores Police Chief Ryan Thompson and Cheryl Mansfield of Edward Jones Investments discuss how to protect yourself and your family from scammers.

    Presentation was on Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the Betty Carr Board Room at the Pine Knoll Shores Town Hall at 100 Municipal Cir, Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina.

  • PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – January 2023

    PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – January 2023

    We had a variety of visitors to our January meeting, each representing their areas of interest/expertise. They added voice to the work the Council is undertaking.

    The focus continues to be neighbor-to-neighbor as that is one of the strongest links we can create.

    I will be reporting on the Council’s activities to the Pine Knoll Shores Strategic Planning group on January 25, 2023.

    Needs/ideas we have uncovered may help to shape how this Planning group is thinking about the future of Pine Knoll Shores as well as open new avenues for us to explore.

    Updates from our January meeting

    Hotel Alice

    John Macheca spoke to the interests in promoting the Hotel Alice as a gathering place.

    Amy Novick, Sales Director for the Hotel, iterated the interest in partnering with us to encourage other groups to hold their meetings at the Hotel as well as promote interests that would drive traffic (e.g., trivia games, music bingo, etc.).

    All ideas are welcome.

    Spoondrift Market

    Marion Goetzinger and Amy Hahn of Pine Knoll Shores Realty continue to develop the front space of their realty office as a gathering place for the community.

    It is located next to the library. An ideal location for book lovers, coffee drinkers and friends to gather.

    They expect to open the first week in February. Stay tuned.

    Fire, safety, and community services

    Chief Ryan and Council member Ike Pipkin are continuously solidifying relationships across our fire and safety groups and the community.

    As we explore the resources of Pine Knoll Shores, we uncover important services that currently exist that some residents may not realize are already a part of our community or have forgotten about.

    The Police and Fire Departments are among our most active community groups. Both Chief Thompson and Fireman Jerry Bowden were in attendance.

    Mr. Bowden mentioned a few of the programs/services that are supported by the Fire Safety department:

    • Smoke detector operation/placement
    • Identification of fire hazards
    • Planned home evacuations in an emergency
    • Beach wheel chairs, and more

    The details of each department’s community programs will be highlighted across issues of the Shoreline and emailed to residents through Town Hall. This advertising will help to keep these important services top of mind for everyone.

    Inclement weather

    The recent extended power outage made us aware that we not only have to help individuals in major destructive weather situations where we have some forewarning (i.e., hurricanes, tornadoes), but also in situations where power and internet are interrupted without warning.

    Several of our residents may find it especially difficult in these situations if they live alone, do not drive any longer, or are uncomfortable in situations where they don’t know others well.

    Chief Ryan and Ike Pipkin continue to discuss outreach measures to connect with these individuals. Local churches could also play an important role.

    Transportation services

    As a group, we continue to explore issues related to transportation.

    We will build on the October 2022 Facebook post of fee-based transportation options.

    We are also discussing the creation of a volunteer network of individuals willing to transport individuals to medical appointments if they are home bound.

    Hospital services

    John and Anne Clarke maintain a dialogue with our November hospital speakers Virginia Cuthrell and Dr. Clyde Brooks.

    Our goal is to get the community to better know the hospital, its staff, and its capabilities.

    As a group, we can use the Shoreline/FB to further promote the outstanding activities of the hospital to give emphasis to the ongoing advertising/public relations activity of the hospital.

    Speaker’s topics

    Mike DiLauro is initiating a speakers’ forum with a variety of topics of interest across our community.

    Topics will include – but not be limited to senior issues, e.g., avoiding scams; estate planning; health care considerations.

    These will begin on a quarterly basis and be open to all PKS residents. The first forum is at 10:30 AM on January 26, 2023 at Town Hall with PKS Chief Ryan and Cheryl Mansfield of Edward Jones detailing ways to outsmart scammers.

    Meals

    Linda Cumberland, a caregiver and PKS resident, introduced Terry and Robin Smith, and Bill Douglas, former CERT member.

    They represent a meals ministry in conjunction with St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church on Bogue Banks 252-240-2388, email [email protected].

    Meals are provided on request to PKS individuals though not on a daily basis. There are no income/age requirements for those in need. This ministry is invested in the PKS community. Let us know if you or your neighbor would benefit from this service.

    Note: There is no local “database” of PKS residents in need of a meal. We only know when an individual or a neighbor contacts us or St. Francis directly.

    The need does not have to be long term; it could be after a surgery, during a COVID quarantine, or a result of a hectic week. We have resources to help while respecting the privacy of each household.

    Home safety and utility help

    Cindy Schersching is creating a list of home safety/utility considerations that will serve as reminders to individual home builders/remodelers and their contractors.

    The idea is to plan for the future with modifications at the beginning of the building process to allow residents to age in place – if that is their choice. The listing will be available at the time plans/permits are submitted to the Town for review as well as on Facebook.

    All were reminded to submit names to the Town Clerk for the Ken Jones public service award by December 18, 2022.

    The meeting was adjourned. The next Council meeting is February 7, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Town Hall.

  • Checking In to the Hotel Alice

    Checking In to the Hotel Alice

    Our last meeting of the year wasn’t really a Christmas party, but we did enjoy the holiday spirit and décor of the ‘new’ Hotel Alice.

    Many of our followers know that a priority for our group was to find and support an easily accessible gathering place for our community.

    While the idea has been discussed and a variety of venues considered, no dedicated ‘community center’ has ever been established. That said, interest in the concept never died.

    Many residents have continued to express a desire for a choice of local opportunities to meet and interact with neighbors over a cup of coffee, to play cards, discuss the latest book, etc.

    We know that staying connected with friends and family positively contributes to a quality of life and can extend our life spans.

    This is true for all of us and critically important in an aging market. Interaction with others in an easy to access, safe and comfortable environment is key.

    Since we do not have the means to build a ‘community center,’ we needed to find a place within Pine Knoll Shores that met our needs and people willing to partner with us to develop the idea.

    Within our group, John Macheca rose to the challenge of finding and establishing a gathering place. We found an opportunity with Hotel Alice.

    History of Alice Green Hoffman

    What’s in a name?

    As many already know, the story of today’s Pine Knoll Shores begins with Alice Green Hoffman who in 1917 bought 2,000 acres of island land, the area we know today as Pine Knoll Shores, Salter Path, and Indian Beach, from John A. Royall.

    Over time, she built a sprawling home on Royall’s former home site, naming it “Shore House.”

    She traveled between her homes in Paris, New York, and Bogue Banks and spent her final years at “Shore House” until her death in 1953.

    As Alice had no direct heirs, she transferred her property to her niece, Eleanor (Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.), and her four children. The Roosevelt family oversaw the early development of the town.

    Today’s Hotel Alice

    The blend of today’s community and its history makes Hotel Alice a unique meeting place.

    The location is quiet, well designed, comfortable and guest-focused – and surrounded by history.

    The photos around the lobby, local history summaries and knowledgeable staff connect hotel visitors to the town’s legacy.

    Amy Novick is the Sales Director for the Hotel. Her energy and enthusiasm for our community was evident from the very beginning.

    While there is no kitchen, a variety of snack items are available at the front desk and the bar is open from 2-10 p.m. every day and on Sunday from 7-10 p.m.

    For the Council meeting, Amy and her staff made us feel very welcomed. She spoke to their interests in tailoring the hotel experience to our needs as a group.

    From our experience, it is clear that this venue can meet our business needs as well as our social needs.

    We strongly encourage you to give Hotel Alice consideration the next time you meet up with friends over a cup of coffee or glass of wine, need a venue for your book club discussions, or play cards…and bring a neighbor you’d like to get to know better.

    See you at Hotel Alice!

  • PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – December 2022

    PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – December 2022

    Our last meeting of the year wasn’t really a Christmas party, but we did enjoy the holiday spirit and décor of the ‘new’ Hotel Alice.

    Checking Into the Hotel Alice

    Many of our followers know that a priority for our group was to find and support an easily accessible gathering place for our community.

    While the idea has been discussed and a variety of venues considered, no dedicated ‘community center’ has ever been established. That said, interest in the concept never died.

    Many residents have continued to express a desire for a choice of local opportunities to meet and interact with neighbors over a cup of coffee, to play cards, discuss the latest book, etc.

    We know that staying connected with friends and family positively contributes to a quality of life and can extend our life spans.

    This is true for all of us and critically important in an aging market. Interaction with others in an easy to access, safe and comfortable environment is key.

    Hotel Alice As a Community Gathering Place

    Since we do not have the means to build a ‘community center,’ we needed to find a place within Pine Knoll Shores that met our needs and people willing to partner with us to develop the idea.

    Within our group, John Macheca rose to the challenge of finding and establishing a gathering place. We found an opportunity with Hotel Alice.

    What’s in a name? As many already know, the story of today’s Pine Knoll Shores begins with Alice Hoffman.

    Ms. Hoffman bought substantial acreage on the island in 1918 and made her home here, off and on, until her death in 1953.

    Alice Hoffman was Eleanor Roosevelt’s aunt. As Alice had no direct heirs, at her death the 2,000-acre waterfront that she owned transferred to the Roosevelt family. The family oversaw the early development of the town.

    The blend of today’s community and its history makes Hotel Alice a unique meeting place.

    The location is quiet, well designed, comfortable and guest-focused – and surrounded by history.

    The photos around the lobby, local history summaries and knowledgeable staff connect hotel visitors to the town’s legacy.

    Amy Novick Welcomes PKS Residents

    Amy Novick is the Sales Director for Hotel Alice.

    Her energy and enthusiasm for our community was evident from the very beginning.

    While there is no kitchen, a variety of snack items are available at the front desk and the bar is open from 2–10 p.m. every day and on Sunday from 7–10 p.m.

    For the Council meeting, Amy and her staff made us feel very welcomed. She spoke to their interests in tailoring the hotel experience to our needs as a group.

    From our experience, it is clear that this venue can meet our business needs as well as our social needs.

    We strongly encourage you to give Hotel Alice consideration the next time you meet up with friends over a cup of coffee or glass of wine, need a venue for your book club discussions, or play cards…and bring a neighbor you’d like to get to know better. See you at Hotel Alice!

    First Quarter Next Meetings: January 10, February 7, March 7, 2023 10:30 a.m. Pine Knoll Shores Town Hall.

  • PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – November 2022

    This morning’s guest speakers represent our local Carteret County Hospital, Carteret Health Care:

    • Virginia Cuthrell, Executive Director of the Carteret Health Care Foundation, Inc., Physician Recruiter and Liaison
    • Dr. Clyde Brooks, Chief Medical Officer at Carteret Health Care

    Background to Hospital Issue

    PKS residents answering our survey earlier this year probing the challenges to comfortably age in this community felt their current/future health care needs may not be met by available local services.

    Specific comments reflected a need for more specialists, more trauma care options, and more professional health care workers nearby.

    PKS Council on Aging members John and Anne Clarke stepped up to the challenge to understand the physician recruitment process and, ultimately, find ways to positively affect the process.

    After talking with Dr. Brvenik, retired executive of Carteret Health Care and PKS resident, to gain an overview, current decision makers Ms. Cuthrell and Dr. Brooks accepted the invitation to our November meeting.

    Of the 113 acute care hospitals in North Carolina, very few are considered independent — a term nearly everyone defines slightly differently.

    For the North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA), it means not affiliated with or managed by another system. Carteret Health Care is independent, which provides our decision makers with more flexibility to maintain a local focus.

    Though Carteret Health Care, membership in the Mayo Clinic Care Network, and Carteret County have much to offer, physician recruitment is a complex mix of many factors which include, but are not limited to, these discussion points.

    Specialty Practices

    Specialty practices are justified based on an evaluation of the community’s ability to support them. This determination is represented by population statistics summarized as “X/1000 population.”

    For example, a full-time population of 70,000 in the county is expected to support 1.4 urologists.

    The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) organizes demographic data and generates the analyses to solve for “X” for each specialty for each geography. These statistics are constantly reviewed and updated.

    Private Practices

    Private practice offers physicians a variety of benefits not easily matched in a hospital environment.

    Most physicians, however, prefer to be in private practice though they can also maintain a role at the hospital.

    That said, to accept privileges, each must accept being on call at night and weekends.

    Physician Mentorship

    It is important to recognize that “new” physicians also look for work environments that provide guidance/mentorship.

    Further, physicians enjoy having a colleague in their same specialty to discuss patient care and to share taking calls.

    The link with the Mayo Clinic is a giant step to providing collegiality, but there is more that needs to be in place for physicians to feel they have opportunities to grow their career.

    Recruitment not only involves the physician, but also his/her family.

    While the nearby beaches may be an initial draw, the rural environment and lack of a 4-year university may prove barriers to satisfying all family members.

    Going Forward

    As a Council, we do not expect to have a direct impact on physician selection. However, we believe our community perspectives can influence choices.

    Ms. Cuthrell and Dr. Brooks were open to developing a channel of communication. We will continue to explore this avenue and provide regular updates.

    Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at the Hotel at 10:30 a.m.

    John and Anne Clarke contributed to this summary.

  • Pine Knoll Shores Takes Top Rank for Retirees in NC

    Pine Knoll Shores Takes Top Rank for Retirees in NC

    With the recognition of Pine Knoll Shores (PKS) as the top place for retirees in North Carolina by the online ranking website Niche.com, the secret is out.

    To quote Brian Kramer, PKS Town Manager, “Now everyone else knows what the people in PKS have known for decades: It’s the best place in the world to retire.”

    But Kramer said numbers and demographics “don’t speak to the greatest reason people want to retire here, and that is relationships—be it with neighbors, colleagues in volunteer organizations in the town and throughout Carteret County, church groups, golf, tennis, fishing friends, or the legions of dog walkers.”

    Kramer credits the recognition to the type of person the town attracts: “I think the town attracts people who want to live right: they want a quieter lifestyle, yet they want to be active in their community. Pine Knoll Shores is the ideal place to do this.”

    There are few better examples that embody the spirit of PKS residents than the Pine Knoll Shores Council on Aging.

    The Council taps into this strong spirit of volunteerism and a genuine interest in helping others.

    We focus on neighbor-to-neighbor relationships to reach out to those residents and their caregivers whose independence is threatened by job loss, illness, death of a spouse, or other challenges as they age.

    We have the support of the Town’s government as well as our first responders.

    PKS Resident Survey

    In May 2022, a single question survey was emailed to all residents to identify barriers to staying in PKS as we age: What challenges have you faced—or anticipate—that would interfere with your ability to age successfully in this community? Grouping like comments suggested these broad categories.

    These comments parallel the same issues identified by a variety of senior surveys. In order of the most often mentioned, the mission of the Council is to find or create solutions to address these topics specific to our residents:

    Mobility/Transportation

    Issues related to mobility and accessibility in and around town, the island, and off island. Individuals expressed a strong need for regular or scheduled public transportation to doctor appointments, pharmacy pick-ups, veterinary appointments, and grocery shopping.

    Not only was the need related to basic requirements, but to social opportunities as well.

    Access to Public Areas

    Comments related to mobility and safety in town. Responses referenced the need for sidewalks and crosswalks on Route 58. Our beach is a key feature of living here; safely going and coming to the beach is top of mind. There was also an interest in marked bike lanes and a general safety concern for children.

    Health Care

    Expanded nearby healthcare and medical options. Residents commenting on this topic wanted more specialists, more trauma care options, and more professional health care workers nearby.

    Home and Yard Maintenance

    Home maintenance, repair, and yard work. Property owners have a variety of needs related to their home, such as storm preparation and recovery, reliable and affordable indoor and outdoor maintenance, and help understanding building regulations.

    Social Isolation

    Some residents feel socially isolated. The lack of a community center where residents can casually gather—with emphasis more on interaction with neighbors than specific activities—was the comment made most often. Some see a community center as an alternative to the more expensive local country club.

    Responding to the Survey

    Building on the survey responses and knowledge of our community, this council serves as an advisory body to expand the discussion of ways we can positively impact the quality of PKS life for our senior citizens. The council also serves to inform and guide the Town government on key issues.

    This is a work in progress. By working together—discussing each project as a group, agreeing on solutions, implementing a plan into the community, and publicizing the benefits—we are confident that we can solidify the sense of community that is a backbone of our town and positively impact lifestyles. We can make a difference!