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PKS Council on Aging Meeting Minutes – February 2024

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Written by

Cindy Schersching, PhD

in

Here is a summary of current topics discussed at the PKS Council on Aging meeting on February 13, 2024.

Raising Awareness of PKS Council on Aging

In the upcoming year, our focus will be on increasing recognition of our brand, mission, and the services we provide.

Club Speakers

Cindy will speak to the Women’s Club on March 16. Dates for the Garden Club (Michelle Powers agreed to speak), and History Club (Susan Phillips will speak) – and any group that would like a presentation – TBD.

Michelle and Susan were given brochures and talking points.

Churches and Libraries

We will also reach out to local churches. I need to hear from you which ones may be interested.

Cindy will speak to the BB Branch Manager, Danijela Mitchell. At minimum we would like to display our brochure and post our meeting dates at the library entrance.

We are open to other ideas.

Leon Mann Senior Center

There are opportunities to partner with Leon Mann.

The Senior Lifestyle Expo will be held at Leon Mann on May 17. I hope to have a table at this event. Anyone willing to attend with me is welcome.

Further, we can offer Arthritis Foundation Exercises and Tai Chi Classes once a week in PKS provided by the Center – if there is an interest and a location can be dedicated.

Let me know your thoughts. Specific dates/times are dependent on availability of Leon Mann staff.

Town of PKS-Sponsored Activities

We have a presence in all town sponsored activities and plan to be visible in the hallways/lobbies with materials prior to town meetings.

I’d like a few of you to commit to setting up a table 3–4 times this year in Town Hall to greet Commissioners, Planning Board members, and other event attendees. We can review schedules to find workable dates.

We will continue to have brochures in key places, e.g., Town Hall, Hotel Alice, and Spoondrift Market.

We would also like to link our website with the Town’s website. The Town is exploring new vendors; once a decision is made, we can pursue this option.

Forum Update for 2024

Next year, we hope to offer 2–3 times more forums than in 2023, covering a diverse range of topics.

The presentations will be recorded and made available on our website, Facebook, and YouTube.

Mike DiLauro and John Clarke will be responsible for expanding the topics, arranging speakers, promoting the dates, and recording presentations for online audiences.

Ann Bures has agreed to manage refreshments at the forums, with expenses reimbursed.

Topics under consideration

  • Nutrition, medication safety, life documents – could also help frame dialogue with the hospital.
  • Medical insurance planning and coverage.
  • Estate planning.
  • I’m dead, now what? Preparing for the end.

Please let Mike, John, or Ann know of any topics you would like added.

Resident Data Collection

A crucial aspect of the services we strive to deliver relies on data. This data should be gathered through a comprehensive survey of all residents.

I will continue to speak to stakeholders about this. Once we work out database details, I’d like to draft a more comprehensive survey than last time, exploring the “quality of life in PKS.”

Wrap Up

This will be an active year and I am hopeful all will find ways to participate.

If you have additional ideas to explore, please voice them. We grow with new ideas and collaboration.

Agenda

I would like to continue the discussion from our January 9, 2024 meeting.

Outreach

Raising our awareness in the community.

  • We will be presenting to local Town organizations – Women’s Club, Garden Club, and History Club. Others?
  • I’d like to have a presence at local Town meetings – e.g., Strategic Planning, BOC.
  • I’d like to reach out to local churches – suggestions?
  • The Library indicated interest in working with us.
  • What could we do with the Leon Mann Center?
  • Our forum offerings.
  • Other communication channels?
  • Other ideas?
  • Volunteers?

Forums

The number of forums will be expanded this year. Mike DiLauro and John Clarke are working to line up topics/speakers and videotape sessions.

  • Ideas for topics? Presenters?
  • Volunteers? Of special interest is a volunteer to oversee audience refreshments; you will be reimbursed.

Initiatives

Checking in on the development of our current initiatives: What is our next step? What do you need to take the next step?

  • Gathering Places, Lists of Service People and Medical Professionals, Transportation Issues, Food Security–Meal Delivery, and developing a dialogue with the Hospital.

Additional Topics

What else should we consider working on? Why? Proof of need?

Do we need another survey?

I’m hopeful everyone is willing to contribute to the discussion. The emphasis should focus on Goals/Messages and Next Steps. This may mean trimming our list of initiatives and adding new ones. Let’s see where the discussions take us.

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