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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOA Minutes 10-6-20Oshkosh Seniors Center 200 N. Campbell Rd. Oshkosh, WI 54902 (920) 232-5300 (920) 232-5307 FAX OSHKOSH COMMITTEE ON AGING (COA) MINUTES October 6, 2020 A.) Mr. Duerkop called the meeting to order at 8:03 a.m. B.) PRESENT: Sue Ashton; Ron Duerkop; Judy Richey; Deb Allison-Aasby; Julie Maslowski; Julie Davids; Lindsay Christian; Heidi Basford-Kerkhof; Julie Kiefer EXCUSED: Xandy Kloeckl ABSENT: STAFF: Jean Wollerman, Senior Services Manager; Bobbie Luft, Activities Coordinator; Anne Schaefer, Marketing Fund Development Coordinator; Ray Maurer, Parks Director C.) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 1, 2020 minutes approved as written. Mrs. Allison-Aasby moved to accept the minutes as written, Mrs. Maslowski seconded. Motion carried to accept the minutes as written. D.) NEW BUSINESS: a. Stephanie Gyldenand-Winnebago County Health Department provided a presentation on Isolation and Loneliness. (Attachment A; Scoial Connectedness & Older Adults) Mrs. Allison-Aasby thanked Mrs. Gyldenand for the presentation and expressed along with the pandemic adding to depression there is that time of year for seasonal depression, which adds to the feeling of isolation. Mrs. Gyldenand explained Winneconne was working on a grant on how to create neighborhood hubs in the winter months, so people can come together. Mrs. Shaefer, Marketing and Fund Development Coordinator announced the Oshkosh Seniors Center received The Bader Philanthropy Grant. She stated the grant would bring technology to seniors. She encouraged anyone with questions to call the Oshkosh Seniors Center. She stated there have been one on one appointments taking place since August and have had 35 participants. Mrs. Schaefer stated the funding will go through next year. She explained there have been participants in their homes since March and the program has helped them reach out to others, with the use of technology. Mrs. Allison-Aasby questioned what other programs were happening at the Seniors Center. She encouraged staff to get the story out as people believe the Center is closed. Mrs. Wollerman stated there are small group classes; art; bingo; virtual book clubs and exercise equipment work out area. She explained all participants must be pre- registered for any class. She stated in the work out area participants are allowed a 45 minute workout, 5 participants per hour and all machines are cleaned and sanitized in between use. Mrs. Davids announced the YMCA on 20th Avenue offers coffee on Fridays from 7 am to 10:30 am, just bring your own cup. Mr. Duerkop stated there is an app called Next Door Neighbor for your neighborhood. Mrs. Glyndenvand urged people to get to know your neighbor and to break the ice of not knowing about them. She stated Palaces or the People was a great book to read. She explained some libraries were doing Wii bowling teams against other participants in other libraries. b. Mrs. Gyldenvand encouraged all to go to Winnebagopublichealth.org for information regarding Covid-19. She stated in September the age was 1-20 something for contacting Covid-19, she explained that number has leveled out and is expanding over the entire demographic and is spreading across the community. She explained all public health nurse are active with Covid-19 items. She encouraged all to get a flu shot. Mr. Duerkop questioned the reasoning for the spike. Mrs. Gyldenvand replied people are getting together with others. E.) OLD BUSINESS: a. November Election and Voting Information- Ms. Richey announced the date of the election as well as information on voter registration, absentee voting and voter rights. (Attachment B; Voter Information) Ms. Richey shared information regarding voting location changes. (Attachment C; Voter Location Change) She shared information on viewing the status of your absentee request. (Attachment D; Viewing my Absentee Request) Go Transit will have free rides on November 3rd for elections. F.) OTHER BUSINESS: a. Discussion and information pertaining to COVID-19 update and community resources: Mrs. Ashton stated she had worked three months doing contact tracing and it was a challenge. She explained they are required to call the person three times per day, and texting was helpful. She stated the problem is that the 20-30 year olds are patronizing several bars with friends. She stated the person testing positive should be calling their contacts. Ms. Ashton reminded all to wear a mask, keep six feet distance and not to patron bars or restaurants and not have social gatherings, she encouraged to order food and pick it up. Mr. Duerkop questioned if there was a cut back in contact tracing; Mrs. Ashton replied, yes it is very overwhelming. Mrs. Wollerman questioned if there were other sites as Sunnyview was taking three to four hours in line; Mrs. Ashton replied, she was not sure of other sites, but stated to register ahead on line. Ms. Richey stated it took her less than two hours to go through the line at Sunnyview. She explained if there were two or more in a vehicle to be tested they went to another line. She stated they had new hours; Monday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday’s from 8 am to 4 pm. Mrs. Ashton encouraged all how important flu shots are and to get one. She explained she received hers and the next day the pharmacy was out of the high risk dose. Mr. Duerkop encouraged people to contact their doctor’s office for a vaccine as well. Ms. Richey announced the deadline for Farmers to Families was extended through October and it is not based on income. Mr. Maurer explained the route, enter the park on Merritt Avenue, and turn left along the tennis courts to Miller’s Bay lot to the semis with the food boxes. (Attachment E; Farmers to Families) The Real ID deadline has been pushed back another year. b. Discussion and information pertaining to scams targeting senior citizens- Ms. Richey stated the apple product scam is very persistent, with contacting people regarding problems with the account. Mr. Duerkop stated there was a scam pertaining to open enrollment for Medicare. He stated if people want to view the plans they should go to medicare.gov and to report Medicare scams to call 1.888.818.2611. Mrs. Basford-Kerkhof stated she receives five to ten scam calls on her business line. She encouraged everyone to report elder abuse, as it is prevalent in this community. c. Discussion and information pertaining to Strategic Plan: Strengthen our Partnership with Neighborhood Association and other partners-Mrs. Maslowski stated she had nothing to report at this time; Improve Access to Affordable Transportation and Delivery Services for Seniors- Ms. Richey stated there had been lots of progress with delivery services, grocery stores are delivering or having pick up. She stated Hometown Pharmacy will come to your car to provide a flu shot. Create Community Design & Policy that supports an Age Friendly Community-Mrs. Wollerman stated herself and Bryn Ceman would have a presentation in the near future. Mrs. Ceman stated the City of Oshkosh had been approved as an Age Friendly Community with AARP. Improve Communication & Visibility of Available Services to Seniors-Ms. Richey stated they would discuss this topic at the next meeting. d. Silver Linings: the good happening in the community during the pandemic-Mrs. Davids announced she and her family have discovered all of the beautiful parks in Wisconsin and Marinette County has 15 waterfalls. She stated Oshkosh Parks are nice as well. G.) ADJOURNMENT: Mrs. Allison-Aasby moved to adjourn at 9:19 am, Mrs. Davids seconded, motion carried to adjourn at 9:19 am. NEXT MEETING: November 3, 2020-Mr. Duerkop announced Jennifer Skolaski, PH.D. will present on the Fall Prevention Survey 8 am City Hall, Room 404 Respectfully Submitted, Bobbie Luft Activities Coordinator, Senior Services