Empowering Senior citizens through Connection, Care, and Purpose

Category: Meetings

PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – May 2025
May 13, 2025
10:30 a.m.
PKS Town Hall

Call to Order: Cindy Schersching

Agenda

Old Business
- Continue to focus on updating/adding to service and medical professional lists for currency and accuracy in order to be on and promoted on our website. This is important as these lists are unique to us, PKS has established a link to us, and Shoreline pages are being reduced. Who will help?
- Continue the discussion of Time Banking. Kathy Driver to present information on software requirements.
New Business
- We are hosting two upcoming forums. Confirm these will be videotaped and refreshments served. Attendance is not limited to PKS. Event notices appear on our FB page; please share them on your FB pages. We want great attendance.
  - May 15 – Caregiving
  - June 9 – Dementia
- John Clarke will be doing 1 minute videos of Police and Fire programs that are offered to the community. Need to confirm dates for filming.
- Expanding our exercise options is still an option. What classes should we focus on?
- Our survey…call for ideas/questions.
- What else should we be doing?
Minutes

Old Business
- Help needed to expand benefits to the community and status of new opportunities for the group to engage more people. Our list of recommended service people and medical professionals is unique and underutilized. Let’s focus on updating/adding to these lists in 2025, raising awareness they exist, and getting/publicizing feedback.
- It’s been 1 – 1.5 years since we put these lists together. We need to review them for accuracy and update the information before they can be published and promoted on our website. This is an ongoing request.
- Continue the discussion of Time Banking when Kathy Driver is available to provide more information on software requirements.
New Business
- Linda Langheld presented a forum on Caregiving. It was very well attended and she shared valuable, practical information.
- In June, we have January Brown from the Eastern Carolina Council; her responsibilities include Coordinator for the Area Agency on Aging (ECC-AAA). Ms. Brown will present a forum on dementia. Her experience, expertise, and tools speak to how sensory inputs are perceived by individuals with dementia. She will share her knowledge on the best ways to work with and relate to this group.
- We have been asked to Zoom specific forums. Since the COSA doesn’t have a Zoom account, we would be limited to only 45 minutes. While the Town also doesn’t have a Zoom account we could borrow, it does have a means to transmit the forum. Missy spoke to John Clarke about how we could utilize this tool.
- Promoting our website. The website for the Town of Pine Knoll Shores and the Council on Successful Aging are now linked.
- Council members assisted the Easter Bunny in filling eggs with candy for the Easter Egg roll at Garner Park this year. Many thanks to all of the volunteers.
- With new management, Hotel Alice is being dropped from our partnership list. They appear to have little interest in maintaining a relationship with us. John Macheca has reached out to the Mexican restaurant Nacho’s in Atlantic Beach Station who are interested in being a gathering place for us. John will keep us informed as this relationship develops.
- A survey of PKS seniors is being developed. Everyone is encouraged to contribute their ideas/questions.
Our next meeting is June 10, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in the Betty Carr Room of the A.C. Hall Municipal Building.
May 15, 2025
PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – April 2025
April 8, 2025
10:30 a.m.
PKS Town Hall

Call to Order: Cindy Schersching

Agenda

Old Business

Help needed to:

Expand benefits to the community and status of new opportunities for the group to engage more people. Our list of recommended service people and medical professionals is unique and underutilized. Let’s focus on updating/adding to these lists in 2025, raising awareness they exist, and getting/publicizing feedback.

It’s been 1 – 1.5 years since we put these lists together. We need to review them for accuracy and update the information before they can be published and promoted on our website.

Continue the discussion of Time Banking. Kathy Driver to get more information on software requirements.

Note on Assistive Devices closet: We will not pursue this, but the public should know that the First Presbyterian Church maintains such a closet at 1604 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557, 252-247-2202. Equipment lending is open to all. Call for hours. They do not deliver.

New Business
- Publication of the list of nonprofit agencies in Carteret County will appear in May’s Shoreline and will reside on our website. They represent volunteer opportunities.
- Upcoming forum: The topic to be presented is Caregiving. Have we locked in a date, time?
- Promoting our website – PKS has established a link to us.
- Need to review/update list entries currently on the website.
- Who will help?
- Council members assisted the Easter Bunny in filling eggs with candy for the Easter Egg roll at Garner Park this year.
- Our survey…call for ideas/questions.
- Volunteer appreciation: Let Missy Shine know by April 18 if you will attend.
Minutes

Old Business

Help needed to:

Expand benefits to the community and status of new opportunities for the group to engage more people. Our list of recommended service people and medical professionals is unique and underutilized. Let’s focus on updating/adding to these lists in 2025, raising awareness they exist, and getting/publicizing feedback.

It’s been 1 – 1.5 years since we put these lists together. We need to review them for accuracy and update the information before they can be published and promoted on our website.

Continue the discussion of Time Banking. Kathy Driver to get more information on software requirements.

Note on Assistive Devices closet

We will not pursue this, but the public should know that the First Presbyterian Church maintains such a closet at 1604 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557, 252-247-2202. Equipment lending is open to all. Call for hours. They do not deliver.

New Business
- Publication of the list of nonprofit agencies in Carteret County will appear in May’s Shoreline and will reside on our website. They represent volunteer opportunities.
- Upcoming forum: The topic to be presented is Caregiving. Have we locked in a date, time?
- Promoting our website – PKS has established a link to us.
- Need to review/update list entries currently on the website.
- Who will help?
- Council members assisted the Easter Bunny in filling eggs with candy for the Easter Egg roll at Garner Park this year.
- Our survey…call for ideas/questions.
- Volunteer appreciation: Let Missy Shine know by April 18 if you will attend.
Next meeting

Our next meeting will be May 13, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in the Betty Carr Room of the A.C. Hall Municipal Building.
April 9, 2025
PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – March 2025
March 11, 2025
10:30 a.m.
PKS Town Hall

Call to Order: Cindy Schersching

Agenda: Old Business

The PKS Council on Aging needs help to:

Expand benefits to the community and status of new opportunities for the group to engage more people. Our list of recommended service people and medical professionals is unique and underutilized. Let’s focus on updating/adding to these lists in 2025, raising awareness they exist, and getting/publicizing feedback.

It’s been 1 – 1.5 years since we put these lists together. We need to review them for accuracy and update the information before they can be published and promoted on our website.

Confirm contact numbers for county nonprofits and publish these as volunteer opportunities in the Shoreline, Facebook, our website.
- Continue the discussion of Time Banking. Is this something we want to pursue?
- Continue the discussion of creating an Assistive Devices closet. Is this something we want to pursue?
New Business
- Upcoming forums.
- Evaluate/rate the accessibility of handicapped rest rooms in local restaurants and publish our findings.
- Care giver placement.
- Promoting our website – PKS has established a link to us.
Other possibilities?
- Organizing a ‘cook’s night out’ or a progressive dinner.
- Should we have specific offerings that could benefit those who are living alone? Ideas?
- Bring a friend to meetings, forums, PARC activities.
- Promote ‘socials’ at local locations.
- Different meeting format?
Minutes

We reviewed our recent efforts:

Reiterated the unique value of recommended service people and medical professionals asked for help to update this list – especially to confirm the recommended individuals were still in place. Also hope to expand the lists with additional references. Once done, we will push to raise awareness of the lists and our website.

Shoreline publication

Confirmed the currency of county nonprofits for publication/publicity as volunteer opportunities in the May Shoreline, current Facebook, our website.

Time banking

Continued the discussion of Time Banking. Is this something we want to pursue? It was decided that the idea had merit and that Kathy Driver to present more information on the software requirements to set this up.

Assistive devices closet

Concluded the discussion of creating an Assistive Devices closet. The First Presbyterian Church in Morehead City has an Assistive Devices closet already successfully established. While this was not on the island, it was determined there was no compelling reason for us to set up our own closet when our residents had access to the church’s.

Group social engagement

We continue to stress the need to attract those who are living alone and want more social opportunities. No specific events were suggested though emphasis should be on Bring a friend to meetings, forums, PARC activities and help promote ‘socials’ at local locations.

Next meeting

Our next meeting will be April 8, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in the Betty Carr Room of the A.C. Hall Municipal Building.
March 15, 2025
PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – February 2025
February 11, 2025
10:30 a.m.
PKS Town Hall

Call to Order: Cindy Schersching

Agenda: Old/New Business

Annual Board Retreat: LAST CALL FOR ADDITIONAL IDEAS?

Thursday and Friday, February 13 (full day) and 14 (half day) at the Trinity Center Beach House. All are invited. If you would like lunch on the 13 let Missy Shine know: 252-247-4353 ext. 13.

Preparation

We will be reporting to the BOC and other agency heads:
- What we have accomplished/improved upon in 2024.
- What we plan/hope to accomplish in 2025.
- What we need to accomplish our 2025 goals.
Ongoing

We didn’t get time to adequately discuss the ideas below:
- Expand benefits to the community and status of new opportunities for the group to engage more people. Our list of recommended service people and medical professionals is unique and underutilized. Let’s focus on updating/adding to these lists in 2025, raising awareness they exist, and getting/publicizing feedback.
- A variation of the service people listing that could be useful is the establishment of a “Time Bank.” With this design participants offer a service to the community and the estimated time it takes to perform it; the service + time are banked and can be exchanged for a service they need, e.g., baking a pie might bank 1.5 hours which can be used toward 1.5 hours of power washing.
- There are software packages available to facilitate this – Kathy Driver will share her experiences.
New ideas mentioned for further discussion
- A book club; a ‘cook’s night out’; a progressive dinner.
- Broadening our participation in activities offered by St. Francis by the Sea? The Leon Mann Center?
- There are several in our community who are living alone. Should we have specific offerings that could benefit this group? Ideas?
- Is there interest in creating and maintaining a ‘Assistive Devices Closet’? This would require an inventory of medical devices – e.g., walkers, wheelchairs, etc. – created through donations. If there a resident has a need of a device, they can get one on loan from ‘the closet’.
- There may be cost implications to this offer.
In order to offer this service, at a minimum, we would need donations, a space to keep the devices, someone to pick up the donation, someone willing to clean up donated items, and a point person to call to confirm a device is available, arrange for pick up/delivery and keep track of devices loaned.

Kathy Driver agreed to be the Council’s representative on the Eastern Carolina Council (ECC). ECC is a multi-county, local government, planning and development organization serving local governments in 9 counties in our region through regional initiatives, projects, resources, and technical assistance.

Minutes

Time Banking

Time Banking was suggested as an adjunct to our list of services provided or as a stand-alone separate community program. Kathy Driver explained how time banking typically works:

Everyone’s time is valued equally; the program is an exchange of abilities, not money, i.e., one hour. of service is earned and is equal to any other hour of service. Labor-time units can be credited to a person’s account in the time bank and redeemed for services from other members of the time bank. Typically, the most often traded services are simple, low market-value tasks, such as the care of the elderly, social work, and home repair; the time bank puts a value on retired activities.

A trademarked software package is available to run the program, however, the program needs a coordinator to run the software, and possibly an oversight committee.

With a minimum of three people, time banks can be linked. The time bank links can be made across any distance, e.g. NC and FL.

Assistive Devices/medical devices closet

Establishment of an Assistive Devices/medical devices closet was also under discussion.

The idea behind this initiative is to collect physician-issued mobility equipment that is no longer needed by the patient (e.g., wheel chairs, crutches, boots, canes, etc.) and make these items freely available to others in need.

There are several challenges to establishing a program like this, including, but not limited to:
- Finding storage: We will need to find a dedicated space.
- A dedicated coordinator who will maintain an inventory of items coming in and going out.
- A sanitation process for all equipment received and stored.
- Dedicated individuals to pick up and deliver on requests.
- Assurances that any equipment loaned out is in top, working condition. Failure to do this would make us liable for any issues that could be associated with imperfect equipment. PKS EMS could provide guidance on how to we could proceed.
Alternatively, if an Assistive Devices closet is currently operating on the island, we could offer our support. It would be worthwhile checking with local churches and the Leon Mann Center to identify sources and explore interests in working together.

Other group socializing ideas
- Organizing a ‘cook’s night out’ or a progressive dinner.
- Should we have specific offerings that could benefit those who are living alone? Ideas?
- Bring a friend to meetings, forums, PARC activities.
- Promote ‘socials’ at local locations.
Next meeting

Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in the Betty Carr Room, A.C. Town Municipal Building.
February 15, 2025
PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – January 2025
January 14, 2025
10:30 a.m.
PKS Town Hall

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Call to Order: Cindy Schersching

Agenda: New Business

Board Retreat Participation

Thursday and Friday, February 13 (full day) and 14 (half day) at the Trinity Center Beach House. All are invited. If you would like lunch on the 13 let Missy Shine know: 252-247-4353 ext. 13.

Preparation

We will be reporting to the BOC and other agency heads:
- What we have accomplished/improved upon in 2024.
- What we plan/hope to accomplish in 2025.
- What we need to accomplish our 2025 goals.
Old/New Business

Status of new opportunities for the group to engage more people and expand benefits to the community

Of the events/activities under discussion – Movie Nights, participation in Leadership Carteret, and adoption/inclusion of elements of the Connecticut group Staying Put in New Caanan – only Movie Nights held some interest.

Cindy spoke with the Manager of the Atlantic Station Cinema 3/4 weeks ago and reviewed potential mutual benefits. In exchange for increasing publicity for the films shown, an incentive of a drink + popcorn ‘bundle’ given to PKS residents was most likely. There has been no word that the owner has further interest.

Service Provider list

Our list of recommended service people and medical professionals is unique and underutilized. Let’s focus on updating/adding to these lists in 2025, raising awareness they exist, and getting/publicizing feedback.

Time Bank

A variation of the service people listing that could be useful is the establishment of a “Time Bank.” With this design participants offer a service to the community and the estimated time it takes to perform it; the service + time are banked and can be exchanged for a service they need, e.g., baking a pie might bank 1.5 hours which can be used toward 1.5 hours of power washing.

There are software packages available to facilitate this. Kathy Driver will look into it and report back to us.

New ideas were mentioned for further discussion
- A book club; a ‘cook’s night out’; a progressive dinner.
- Broadening our participation in activities offered by St. Francis by the Sea? The Leon Mann Center?
- There are several in our community who are living alone. Should we have specific offerings that could benefit this group? Ideas?
Assistive Devices Closet

Is there interest in creating and maintaining a ‘Assistive Devices Closet’? This would require an inventory of medical devices – e.g., walkers, wheelchairs, etc. – created through donations. If there a resident has a need of a device, they can get one on loan from ‘the closet’.

There may be cost implications to this offer.

In order to offer this service, at a minimum, we would need donations, a space to keep the devices, someone to pick up the donation, someone willing to clean up donated items, and a point person to call to confirm a device is available, arrange for pick up/delivery and keep track of devices loaned.

Meeting Minutes

Attendees: Ann Bures, John Clarke, Karen Murphy, Kathy Driver, Clark Edwards, Michelle Powers, Cindy Schersching, John Brodman.

Call to Order: Cindy Schersching

Prepare for PKS Offsite for All Committees — What Do We Want to Emphasize in Coming Year

Fitness Classes later in the day

From Cindy
- Updated survey to determine what we want/need.
- Broaden awareness base.
- Increase number of dedicated volunteers.
- Continue work to have a voice with local hospital.
- What are the opportunities at a worker bee level to provide input for PKS.
- Community Center.
- Transportation to Leon Mann Center.
Volunteers in Community Service

Primarily used during hurricanes.

Association of Rural Hospitals

Eastern Carolina Council of Governments

Clark Edwards is the current PKS representative to the Eastern Carolina Council of Governments.

There are multiple opportunities to learn about what is going on and what resources are available to us.
January 15, 2025
PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – December 2024
Meeting Notes

December 10, 2024
10:30 AM
PKS Town Hall

Attendees: Ann Bures, John Clarke, Karen Murphy, Kathy Driver, Kathy Noy, Leigh DeKorte, Clark Edwards, Cindy Schersching, John Broadman

Call to Order: Cindy Schersching

Old/New Business

Review/discussion of feedback requested November 25, 2024 and updates:
- We have been given a couple of opportunities to build our awareness in the community and do some different (healthy) activities for the benefit of the community. Cindy requested our feedback on these: ideas, e.g., interest level, participation, how these ideas could be developed, any questions.
- Events/comments covered: Movie Nights, participation in Leadership Carteret, and adoption/inclusion of elements of the Connecticut group Staying Put in New Caanan.
Movies as a senior outing (proposed by Bob Ross)
- PKS-wide issue, hope to keep AB Cinema on the island.
- Streaming services have negatively impacted theaters.
- Perhaps include current movies and “coming attractions” in “In The Know.”
- Movies (and especially refreshments) sometimes seem cost-prohibitive. Offering PKS residents a discount on a ‘refreshment combo’ could be an incentive.
- Perhaps old Classic Movies can be run at special times targeting senior adults just as the animated movies are heavily discounted for kids on summer mornings.
- Cindy spoke with the manager about a cooperative approach to building theatre attendance. She will speak with the owner. The ball is in their court.
Socialization

Building attendance at any event is challenging. Identifying topics of interest and frequently communicating relevant messages are key.
- Women’s Club has book clubs and a dinner club.
  - Would we be interested in something similar?
  - Maybe a progressive dinner club.
- PKA’s monthly “sittum social” participation is down.
- An interest survey sent to 700 individuals yielded only 13 responses.
- Leigh DeKorte went door-to-door to publicize her health fair in Swansboro, resulting in a good turnout.
- Office seekers sometimes go door-to-door as well.
- John Clarke noted that on Loblolly and White Ash Streets there are 18 widows and widowers (not counting divorcees!).
- St. Francis By The Sea is having a Blue Christmas Service at 5:30 pm on December 22, Winter Solstice, which is the shortest and darkest day of the year.
- John Clarke does a great job updating our FB page with activities people may be interested in. Let him know of events you are aware of.
  - There are always events happening at St. Francis.
- There are numerous events at the Leon Mann Center that we could participate in. Transportation may be an issue.
Leadership Carteret
- A Chamber of Commerce program focused on Carteret County and its needs.
- Participants develop awareness of local issues and perform community projects.
- They may look to us for candidate projects.
- We didn’t have a project that fit their criteria this year.
- As this is a yearly activity, we may prepare a proposal for next year.
New Canaan, CT
- Many respondents were concerned about cost if there were membership fees.
- Much larger population than PKS (20,000 vs. 1600).
- We are not aware of how often our list of Recommended Vendors is used.
  - The list needs to be updated in the new year.
- Perhaps our folks might be interested in a “Time Bank”, where participants offer their services and then the time it takes to perform go into a “Bank” to be exchanged for a service they need.
  - E.g., baking a pie might bank 1.5 hours which can be used toward 1.5 hours of power washing.
  - There are software packages available to facilitate this.
  - Kathy Driver will look into it and report back to us.
Assistive Devices Closet

Many seniors occasionally find themselves in need of a walker, wheelchair, crutches, etc. In some communities, an inventory of such devices is maintained by a church or other such organization. The inventory is built by donations when someone no longer needs their device.

The following are needed to establish such a service; there may be cost implications to this offer that will need to be explored:
- Devices.
- Space to keep them.
- Someone to pick up donations if the donor cannot deliver them.
- Someone willing to clean up donated items.
- A point person to call when a device is needed to determine availability and to arrange for pick up.
John Broadman will determine whether or not the town has space available before we move forward.

Next Meeting

Our first meeting in 2025 is January 14 at 10:30 a.m. in the Betty Carr Room of the A.C. Hall Municipal Building.
December 15, 2024
PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – November 2024
November 12, 2024
10:30 a.m.
PKS Town Hall (Betty Carr Room)

Attendees: John Brodman, John Clarke, Elizabeth Jobe, Kathy Driver, John Macheca, Leigh DeKorte, Cyndy Schersching, Grace Marshall, Michelle Powers, Mike DiLauro

Call to order: Cyndy Schersching, Chair

Opening note: Before the agenda was addressed, John Macheca raised a concern as to women in PKS being treated fairly and equally, without bias. The Council agreed with the concept but expressed the opinion that this is a non-partisan forum.

Old Business

Bringing exercise classes to PKS from Leon Mann – A winning offering

Every Thursday morning: Chair Yoga 8:45 a.m. Betty Carr Room. Continue to spread the word. Continue to encourage men to attend. Presented by Ann Bures.

Status Update ‘partnership’ with Carteret Hospital

Putting the community voice in the community hospital with the help of Julie Anderson, Mayor John and Jason Baker, PKS Fire Chief.

Summary of the Fall Fair: Excellent opportunity to raise our awareness

40+ stopped by. Sold a few copies of George Fuller’s book. Interest in chair yoga expressed. Interest in coming to the forums and watching the ones we have produced on YouTube.

Report on Forum with George Fuller

21 people attended the forum and were enthusiastic about George’s presentation. Several people bought his book and/or the Go Wish cards he mentioned. A dinner party and Sing-Along with George were hosted by Kathy Driver that evening. 14 people attended and everyone seemed to have a great time.

New Business

Bob Ross on Community Movie Night

Guest Bob Ross attended to discuss his idea of movie outings. Bob grew up in Durham and attended UNC. He is a movie aficionado! He has talked with the lady who manages the AB movie theater about scheduling movies that target adults.

He would also like to see locals patronize the movies in AB more often, possibly to go in groups and afterwards adjourn to one of the local restaurants to discuss the movie. In the meantime, go online and see what is playing each week and support the local movie house. There is an article written by Bob in the November Shoreline on this topic. This would fit into our efforts to have more social activities for our population.

Another Council on Aging Model in New Canaan, CT

Cindy shared information on a different model for a Council on Aging. This model included:
- A membership fee which comes with benefits.
- Cindy provided a handout (attached).
- New Canaan is a wealthy area with a population of 20K+.
Participation in the Fall Fair

We participated Sunday October 27 in the event sponsored by Spoondrift. John Clarke with the help of Mike DeLauro and Kathy Driver oversaw the event.

Crystal Coast Senior Lifestyle Expo 11/13/2024. Contact Leigh DeKorte
- Home Helpers sponsored this Fair at the Swansboro Civic Center (directly behind CVS).
- 25-30 vendors will be there.
- This a free event to all.
Next meeting

Our next meeting is Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in the Betty Carr Room, A.C. Town Municipal Building.
November 15, 2024
PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – October 2024
October 8, 2024
10:30 a.m.
PKS Town Hall

Attendees: Ann Bures, John Brodman, John Clarke, Mike DiLauro, Kathy Driver, John Macheca, Leigh DeKorte, Cindy Schersching.

Call to Order: Cindy Schersching

Old Business

Status update: Bringing exercise classes to PKS from Leon Mann – A winning offering

Every Thursday morning: Chair Yoga 8:45 a.m. Betty Carr Room at Town Hall. Key Instructor: Kaylee Wolf; Key COSA Contact: Ann Bures. Spread the word. Encourage men to attend.

Chair Yoga is a success! Across four weeks the average attendance is 12 and has ranged from 10 to 20 people. Last week 3 men attended. As staff members increase and more instructors are certified, Ann said the Leon Mann Center is open to having additional offerings in the future. Exercise options include, but are not limited to Tai Chi for Arthritics and Zumba. Sasha, who lives in PKS, is available as a contractor to Leon Mann. There is also interest in a class later in the day!

Status Update ‘partnership’ with Carteret Hospital

Putting the community voice in the community hospital with the help of Julie Anderson, Mayor John and Jason Baker, PKS Fire Chief

Three positions are open on the Carteret Hospital board. Likely two of these positions will be filled by the end of the year. John B. indicated Julie has spoken with chair of hospital board. Jason has indicated an interest in serving; PKS supports his application.

New Business

Participation in the PKS Fall Fair to raise awareness of the Council and our work
- Sunday October 27 in the area between the Library and the Safety building.
- The Fair is sponsored and organized by Spoondrift.
- John Clark will man our table and he would love company. Please see John if you can be there with him.
- Fire and Police will grill burgers and hot dogs.
- Activities for kids.
Group social activities

Some Council members have expressed an in interest in more group social activities. These are encouraged. It will be up the folks interested in participating to organize themselves/members; the Council will help to publicize the activity.

Also note that activities supported by the Town are open to all. Several email lists are circulated monthly by PKS, the Library, and the county Chamber of Commerce; the Island Review magazine also publishes a list of events.

Many of these activities are opportunities for us to create broaden the awareness of the Council on Successful Aging.

The group generated a listing of current events/ideas including:
- Gallery Openings at Saint Francis By The Sea (SFBTS)
- LobsterFest at SFBTS is this Saturday. Ticket sales end today.
- Veterans Day Parade
- Turkey Trot
- Golf Cart Christmas Parade 12/14/2024
- Floatilla
- Halloween Party at 5:30 at Brock Basin
- Garden Club Veterans Day Event
- Walk the Labyrinth at SFBTS. Next guided event 11/2/2024 at noon with Amanda Todd, Ph.D., Labyrinth Facilitator. May go anytime for self-guided walk or walk with a group and have a drink at a local restaurant/hotel after the experience.
- Organize a pot-luck Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
- Anyone interested in organizing a group around a Community Vegetable Garden?
- Note that Hotel Alice can continue to be a gathering place, but is no longer interested in offering free food or discounted drinks at group events. It may be worthwhile exploring options with the Double Tree. At the Hotel Alice, Carrie Ann Brady replaced Amy Novick as Sales Manager.
- Home Helpers has organized a Crystal Coast Senior Lifestyle Expo for 11/13/2024—Contact Leigh DeKorte with interests/questions (9252.622.4690). The Fair is free with free food and parking. Vendors pay for spot. 25-30 vendors. Looking for more vendors. Location: Swansboro Civic Center (directly behind CVS).
Next meeting

Our next meeting is November 12, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in the Betty Carr room at the A.C. Town Municipal Building.

See you there!

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October 15, 2024
Don’t Let the Tough Questions Go Unanswered
By John Clark, Guest Columnist

The Council on Successful Aging has organized a series of invaluable forums, featuring speakers who have generously shared their expertise on topics crucial to our community. These professionals address some of the most difficult questions—and most interesting issues—that face each of us, including, but not limited to:

How to protect yourself from being scammed

Older individuals are frequent targets of unscrupulous individuals. We keep you current on the latest methods being used and how you can avoid falling for tricksters skilled in taking advantage of others.

Crystal Coast Hospice House

What role our county Hospice House can play in providing care and comfort to you or your loved ones.

Estate Planning

You have prepared for your retirement years throughout your working life. Are you current with how you want to distribute your estate? For you and your family’s peace of mind, we bring you up to date with the legal requirements of wills, trusts, power of attorney, etc.

Join the Forum

We offer 4 to 6 forums in a year at the Town Hall. All of this information is provided for free AND we serve refreshments. You can learn about the upcoming forums in a number of ways:
- We do our best to meet the Shoreline’s deadlines for announcements as well as the town’s In the Know activity listing sent out monthly via email.
- The forums are announced on our Facebook site; join us on our Facebook Group, PKS Council on Aging.
- If you do not use Facebook or receive the Shoreline or the In the Know activity listing, contact Cindy Schersching at [email protected] and ask to be added to our mailing list for updates or call 252-726-1986.
In case you have missed any of the forums, each has been recorded and is now available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

To access these, simply visit https://pkscouncilonsuccessfulaging.com/youtube. These recordings are also on our website; just Google pkscouncilonsuccessfulaging.com/ and search for Videos.

We look forward to seeing you in the audience.
September 25, 2024
PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – September 2024
Additional thoughts/comments on the PKS Strategic Plan

Meeting held on September 10, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at PKS Town Hall.

Affordable Housing and Infrastructure
- While the need for affordable housing was recognized, PKS doesn’t have what is considered ‘affordable housing.’
- We don’t allow accessory units to existing homes to be built which would help expand housing/living options.
- Building is constrained by the lack of sewer system and there is no plan currently to consider laying one.
- Nor is there an island plan for expansion of the current septic system.
- This may be reconsidered as the size of homes increases. Taller buildings can be built higher in the institution district.
Population Increase
- Relative to pre-Covid years, 400 new residents have been counted. The split of full time to parttime residents has shifted from 28% to 34%.
PKS Community Center
- The possibility of a community center was raised but no decision made.
- With home re-evaluation scheduled for 2025, home assessment may be doubled – providing revenue that could be spent on a community center.
Status update: Bringing exercise classes to PKS from Leon Mann
- It’s coming this week – Chair Yoga 8:45 a.m. Betty Carr Room September 12, 2024.
- Spread the word.
- Other exercise options that may open up include Zumba gold, tai chi for arthritics, and bingosize.
Community Awareness

What else could we be doing to increase awareness of the Council? Ideas mentioned included:
- We could expand our use of Facebook to all communities.
- Put ads in the Shoreline.
- Spread the word through church connections.
- Use of our business cards.
- Consider use of this reminder in our correspondence.
Forums

Our objective with the Forum is to offer topics of interest to the local population. Key question: How do we build our audience response?
- How do we determine topic?
- When to offer? E.g., day of week? weekend? morning or afternoon?
- When to start advertising event?
- Which advertising channels?
- Handout flyers to those who are in other groups?
- Set a minimum number of attendees before we go ‘live’?
- Other ideas? Broaden topics to include presentations of food/recipes, nursing care, Dr. Fuller re: making decisions about relationships and the future.
New Business

Items were mentioned for further discussion:
- Update ‘partnership’ with Carteret Hospital (?)
- Explore the idea of a Community vegetable garden as a social activity(?)
- Considerations include Identifying locations, fencing, watering sources, talk with Sonny.
Next meeting

Our next meeting is October 8, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in the Betty Carr room at the Town Hall. See you there!
September 10, 2024