HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.02.2021 COA November MinutesOshkosh Seniors Center
200 N. Campbell Rd.
Oshkosh, WI 54902
(920) 232-5300 (920) 232-5307 FAX
OSHKOSH COMMITTEE ON AGING (COA) MINUTES
November 2, 2021
A.) Ms. Richey called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.
B.) PRESENT: Bryn Ceman; Julie Maslowski; Judy Richey; Julie Kiefer; Mike Ford; Julie Davids
EXCUSED: Cheryl Hentz; Heidi Basford-Kerkhof; Lindsay Temple
ABSENT:
STAFF: Jean Wollerman, Senior Services Manager
C.) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 7, 2021 minutes approved as written: Mrs.
Maslowski moved to approve the minutes as written; Mrs. Ceman seconded; ALL IN FAVOR,
Motion carried (6) to accept the minutes as written.
D.) CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS: None
E.) PUBLIC COMMENT ONAGENDA ITEMS: None
F.) PRESENTATION:
a. Katie Samuelson, Center Director, BEAMING Inc. (Equine Assisted Services) provided
a presentation. (See Attachment A – BEAMING INCOPORATED). She stated that
BEAMING is the second quine assisted service center in the United States to offer
Riding in the Moment (RIM). She explained the program was designed to enhance the
quality of life for adults with Alzheimer’s disease, early stage dementia, and other
forms of memory loss. She stated the program creates evidence-based improvements
in well-being for elderly participants living with early onset dementia and their
caregivers by integrating horses, caregivers, family, BEAMING’s staff, and volunteers
of all ages. Ms. Samuelson announced on December 12th would be their 11th annual big
gala, Night of the Races, which would be held at Bridgewood Convention Center. She
provided her contact information: 920.851.6160; www.beaminginc.org.
Mrs. Ceman questioned options for funding; Ms. Samuelson replied, there is no
charge for Riding in the Moment. She explained funding came from grants and stake
holders. Ms. Samuelson stated every Wednesday evening they have a vet ride.
G.) OLD BUSINESS:
a. Senior Expo Recap-Ms. Richey thanks Mrs. Ceman and former Committee on Aging
member Ron Duerkop for staffing the booth. Mrs. Ceman explained because of having
less vendors this year, the visitors could discuss more with vendors of their choice.
She felt having less vendors did not have a negative impact on the event. Ms. Richey
stated she too had positive feedback from the visitors. She explained she thought this
was the best one as visitors were not rushed at vendor tables so they were able to hold
more conversations. Mrs. Wollerman explained she too was able to hold more
conversations. She stated the center has seen many new faces recently.
H.) NEW BUSINESS:
a. Discussion of use of alternates and ex office members-Mrs. Wollerman explained that
City Attorney Lorenson requested each board/committee to clear up their procedure
for alternates. She provided examples: alternate 1 would be asked to serve first,
another example was alternate 1, next time alternate 2, the last example was, to go
month by month for each alternative. Mrs. Ceman questioned who the alternates
were; Ms. Richey replied, Mike Norton as alternate 1 and she was waiting to hear if
Joanne Murphy-Spice was appointed as alternate 2. Ms. Richey explained in the past
both alternates had been used to complete a quorum, alternates were allowed to
attend meetings and provide input, but would only have voting rights if they are
filling in a vacant seat or for an absent member. Mr. Ford stated to keep it as alternate
1 and alternate 2. Mrs. Maslowski stated to keep it the same. Mrs. Maslowski moved
to keep alternates as alternate 1 and alternate 2; Julie Davids seconded, all in favor,
motion CARRIED.
I.) OTHER BUSINESS:
a. Upcoming community events for Older Adults- Mrs. Wollerman provided each
member a copy of the Seniors Center monthly newsletter, mask mandate in place
through November. She stated activities were going well with smaller number of
people attending each program and the partnership with Living in Retirement was
going quite well. Mrs. Ceman questioned why so many new people; Mrs. Maslowski
replied retired folks are moving back to be by their children. She stated 50% of the
residents at Bella Vista were there to be by their children. Mrs. Maslowski also stated
that Oshkosh was ranked 14th out of 257 small cities, for best place to retire.
Mrs. Davids stated that adding Mrs. Murphy-Spice to the committee would be great
with her energy and knowledge. Ms. Richey stated that Mrs. Davids husband was
very proud of her and the training she is taking. Mrs. David explained she was
training with Teepa Snow, Train the Trainer, a class that teaches caregivers how to
work with people with dementia, the course is 12 weeks, submit a video and pass. She
stated once certified she would be able to teach others how to work with people with
dementia.
Mrs. Keifer stated Learning in Retirement and the Seniors Center was going to have
a program; The Legacy of the Athearn Hotel, November 30th from 1:30-3 pm, the
presenter, Michael McArthur from the Oshkosh Public Library. She stated Mr.
McArthur presentations fill up quickly. She announced the December program was
Everything Google, with Stephanie Carlin, a tech with the Oshkosh Seniors Center.
Mr. Ford stated there was a budget hearing at 5pm and urged all to get their COVID
booster.
Mrs. Maslowski announced Eden Brook and St. Croix Hospice would be doing
“Santa for Seniors”. She explained that if anyone knew anyone that would benefit
from this to contact her.
Mrs. Ceman provided all members a copy of the ADRC newsletter and announced
that November was National Caregiver’s month. She provided a couple of caregiver
groups; National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCS) and Alzheimer’s Family
Caregiver Support Program (AFSP). She announced other important items in
November were Veteran’s Day, Marketplace open enrollment and Mee Yang, Board
President, Hmong Service Center, Inc., presentation on Who are the Hmong people,
Where did they come from and Why are they here, November 4th at 3pm.
Ms. Samuelson announced BEAMING INC would be having Santa and Sleigh
December 11th and from 1:30 to 11:30 would be for seniors, this is their Open House
and no registration required.
Ms. Richey announced that the Salvation Army was taking coats for kids, she
reminded all that sometimes seniors are in need of those items also. She stated Father
Carr’s Place is taking donations for Thanksgiving dinner.
J.) ADJOURNMENT: Mrs. Maslowski moved to adjourn at 8:52 am, Mrs. Kiefer seconded, ALL
IN FAVOR, Motion carried to adjourn at 8:52 am.
NEXT MEETING: December 7, 2021
8 am City Hall
Respectfully Submitted,
Bobbie Luft
Activities Coordinator, Senior Services