Staying physically active is critical to ‘successful aging’

We have not yet received approval to bring Leon Mann’s weekly exercise classes to PKS.

Mayor Brodman agreed to follow up with Chief Ryan to confirm the status of the request of an ‘informed consent’ document and if there is anything we can do to make it a reality.

We reminded ourselves of the variety of alternative area activities available to all including, but not limited to:

• Morehead City Marlins Home Games at Big Rock Stadium. Visit mhcmarlins.com for a full schedule and to buy tickets, or call 252-269-9767 for more information. Do we want to organize a game evening for the group?
• Cornhole action at 34º North of Cedar Point every Tuesday, 6-10 pm, at 1106 Cedar Point Boulevard.
• Visit Fort Macon. In addition to cannon firings on announced days, Park Rangers organize hikes explaining the flora and fauna found at the park. Check the website for specifics.
• Check the PKS Aquarium website for outdoor adventures including kayaking events.
• The Leon Mann Center has a very nice exercise room free and open to all.
• St. Francis by the Sea also has an exercise room; check for the hours. Robin Smith will check with St. Francis by the Sea regarding guided labyrinth experiences.

Raise Awareness

Efforts to raise awareness of the Council within the community continue:

• Contact with local churches still need development. Kathy Driver volunteered to speak to the Bogue Banks Baptist church.
• I will contact Parks and Rec.
• The Library and Spoondrift have been given brochures. I will follow up with both.
• Ike Pipkin will connect with the Board of Commissioners.

Community Forums

Our next Forum will be on funeral plans – what to be prepared for. John Clarke and Mike Dilauro are organizing this August’s talk.

John/Mike: We must advertise 2 to 4 weeks prior to the forum to ensure larger audiences.

Consider posting a ‘Save the Date’ reminder now in addition to our Facebook and the Shoreline (depending on timing).

Advertising in the Town’s Stay in the Know should widen our reach.

What else could we be doing to increase awareness of the Council?

New Business

Gathering Places

John Macheca will update us on the development of ‘Gathering Places.’ These include the Crystal Coast Oceanfront Resort and Trinity Center.

PKS Strategic Plan

John Brodman and Michelle Phillips will update us on the PKS Strategic Plan.

The Plan has been in development for some time and is being disseminated to Town Groups for comment.

It is a very thoughtful document that describes the considerations the group has been researching and learning from focused discussions. In preparation for their presentation, I recommend you take a look at the Plan and the Appendices that appear on the Town of PKS website.

Business Cards

Our business cards are ready. I’ll bring them to our next meeting.

If anyone would like them before then, please let me know.

Aging in the News

Lastly, the group was asked to spend a few moments reflecting on the ongoing dialogue currently on every news channel about aging:

• Pay attention to the language used to describe aging individuals.
• The expectations we have of those who are 70+.
• How are ‘acceptable behaviors,’ and ‘problematic behaviors’ described, and how do these behaviors impact the perceptions of seniors, etc.

Should we change the dialogue? Can we change it? What should we be focused on? Please share your thoughts.

Agenda

Ongoing Business

Objective: Bringing exercise classes to PKS from Leon Mann.

Activities to transport to PKS from Leon Mann under discussion include but are not limited to:

• Tai chi for arthritis and fall prevention.
• Other fitness classes: Arthritis foundation exercise program.
• Floor yoga.
• Chair yoga.

Location for classes: Town Hall – Betty Carr room, the Library’s meeting room, the 2nd floor of the Safety Building.

• Options depend on size of class, ease of reserving the area, approvals.
• Is transportation to Leon Mann once a week possible/necessary?
• What’s the hold up? Attorney’s sign off on a consent form.

Objective: Grow our awareness/build a broader awareness base.

Please share your experience targeting local churches with information about the Council. Please insert an announcement in your church bulletin, speak to your minister/pastor/priest/rabbi letting him know who we are. Take brochures and talking points. Sign up. Let me know which churches you will be speaking to.

• John Clarke and John Macheca signed up for St. Francis in June.
• We need to broaden this list.

PKS meetings:

• Strategic Planning – Bill Douglass for June.
• Appearance Committee – Ann Bures in May.
• Planning Board – Michelle Powers in May.
• Board of Commissioners – Ike Pipkin.

We still need someone to speak with Parks and Recreation.

Other Business

When is our next forum? What is the topic? Who will be speaking?

What else could we be doing to increase awareness of the Council?

Business cards will be available at our next meeting.