HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.06.2021 COA July MinutesOshkosh Seniors Center
200 N. Campbell Rd.
Oshkosh, WI 54902
(920) 232-5300 (920) 232-5307 FAX
OSHKOSH COMMITTEE ON AGING (COA) MINUTES
July 6, 2021
A.) Ms. Richey called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m.
B.) PRESENT: Cheryl Hentz; Heidi Basford-Kerkhof; Julie Davids; Bryn Ceman; Julie Maslowski;
Judy Richey; Mike Ford
EXCUSED: Lindsay Temple
ABSENT: Julie Kiefer
STAFF: Jean Wollerman, Senior Services Manager; Bobbie Luft, Activities Coordinator
C.) CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS: None
D.) PUBLIC COMMENT ONAGENDA ITEMS: None
E.) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 1, 2021 minutes approved as written: Ms. Hentz moved to
approve the minutes as written; Mrs. Maslowski seconded; ALL IN FAVOR, Motion carried
(7) to accept the minutes as written.
F.) PRESENTATION:
a. Oshkosh Civility Project-Rick Thiel; Mr. Thiel stated he had been a member of the
Oshkosh Civility Project for five years. He explained Walter Scott had developed this
project ten years ago, after he had read a book Choosing Civility, The twenty-Five Rules of
Considerate Conduct, by P.M. Forni. He explained Mr. Forni’s forward explained his
main goal of the book; “persuasive case to make civility a central concern in our lives”.
Mr. Thiel questioned what civility means to the members; Mrs. Maslowski replied, she
would take it off of Mr. Thiel’s shirt, respect. He replied, respect, be kind and listen
are just to name a few. He had passed around a magnet with 9 cues to aspire to daily.
He then explained a civil person definition; politeness, consideration and courtesy.
Mr. Thiel encouraged people to try to be civil at least once a day and see how better
you feel about yourself. Mr. Ford questioned how many members are on the Civility
Project and how does one join; Mr. Thiel replied, 12 members and stated to review
social media and contact Walter Scott, or stop at the Farmer’s Market booth (Farmer’s
Market booth July 17 and September 11 from 7:30 to 12:30). The group meets three to
four times per year. Mrs. Ceman questioned what paper the group writes monthly
articles for; Mr. Thiel replied The Oshkosh Northwestern. Ms. Hentz questioned if the
“Be Kind” signs located in various places around town were part of the Civility
Project; Mr. Thiel replied, that was part of Franki Mascato’s doing. He stated Ms.
Mascato will be attending the Farmer’s Market on the 127th of July with the Civility
Project. Ms. Richey stated that Shawn Dockery also has a Kindness revolution and is
doing great things, she’s hoping all these acts of kindness would be a good change for
the community.
b. Therapy Dog/King Veterans Home Visits-Rick Thiel; Mr. Thiel introduced Hope; she is
his 10th dog and is 3.5 years old. He had an eleventh dog at home named Faith and is a
year. Hope has gone through seven sessions to become a therapy dog, she has K9
Good Citizen, and she is very obedient and smart. Mr. Thiel stated Hope will
eventually be trained to be his service dog. He explained Hope’s mom, Love is a
service dog and is trained for diabetes, she can smell and lick the owner’s skin and let
them know if something is not right.
Mr. Thiel visits the veterans in King once a month. He explained they are with
approximately 12-15 residents for five minutes. He stated prior to visits he will run
Hope for about half an hour to calm her excitement down.
G.) OLD BUSINESS:
a. Age Friendly Community Project-Bryn Ceman; Jean Wollerman, Sandy Toland-Mrs.
Ceman shared AARP Survey results of 347 responses:
Trends:
90% of respondents reported it is somewhat to extremely important to stay in their home
60% reported that they are wanting help to live independently is a factor of being able to
stay in their home
66% rated "very good" or "excellent" for their current community as a place for people to
live as they age
Areas of improvement (would need to identify top priorities):
41% "not sure" about home repair services for low income older adults
45% "not sure" about special transportation services for people with disabilities and
older adults in their community
53% "not sure" about affordable home care services including personal care and
housekeeping in their community
83% of respondents do not participate in continuing education or self-improvement
classes or workshops in their community
Between 48% and 63% "not sure" about older adult workforce options and/or volunteer
opportunities
Ms. Toland explained the Human Library, a person with a skill can check out another
person, this helps to build connections with in the community, the library is currently
participating in this; She explained “time bank” out of Baltimore; an individual puts x
amount of hours in the “bank”, someone may use someone’s time for specific reason and
then turn around and donate time to help someone else. She stated this allows for
individuals to receive free assistance from the community, while alleviating the social
isolation feeling from the pandemic. Mrs. Davids stated she is fond of the idea of the time
bank. Mrs. Basford Kerkhof questioned the safety of volunteers in the time bank; Ms.
Toland replied, she hasn’t done the research regarding that as of yet.
Mrs. Ceman explained that in the future pulling in senior expo opportunity to focus on
aging in place. She stated discussion had been made regarding a how to manual. She stated
the group is doing a lot of brainstorming right now and any ideas are welcome. Mrs.
Ceman announced core members of the working team; Library, Seniors Center, Health
Department, ADRC, Jeanie from Senior Expo and Julie Maslowski. Mrs. Maslowski stated
that “home” is different for everyone, home could mean, where they grew up, or raised a
family or the facility you may be living in.
H.) NEW BUSINESS: NONE
I.) OTHER BUSINESS:
a. Upcoming ADRC and Community events for Older Adults-Bryn Ceman; Mrs. Ceman
provided all members a copy of the ADRC of Winnebago County Newsletter. If you
would like to receive it electronically contact Bryn, or if you have any updates you
would like to add to the calendar of events.
b. Ms. Richey announced there will be a wheelchair wash at J n R Service, 629 N Main St,
on Saturday, August 7th, from 10 am to 1 pm. She stated appointments are
encouraged. Call 920.225.1719, Make the Ride Happen, should you need a ride.
c. Mrs. Wollerman announced the Friends of the Oshkosh Seniors Center (FOSC) will be
having a Food Truck Friday event on August 20th and along with that they are having
a raffle of 1,000 tickets at $10 each to win, $1200 in free groceries from Mark and
Susie’s Piggly Wiggly, $100 a month for 12 months.
d. Ms. Toland stated the Oshkosh Public Library has a new and larger magnifier, puzzles
and games, try it yourself kits and book club kits. She explained the book club kits
come with 10 books, one large print and one audio.
e. Mr. Ford stated the Planning Division proposed the location for the new homeless
shelter. He stated the City would receive federal funds of $20.5 million for Covid
funding.
J.) ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Hentz moved to adjourn at 8:48 am, Mrs. Maslowski seconded, ALL
IN FAVOR, Motion carried (7) to adjourn at 8:48 am.
NEXT MEETING:
8 am City Hall
Respectfully Submitted,
Bobbie Luft
Activities Coordinator, Senior Services