Montgomery News

City of Rockville Senior Citizens Commission met March 15.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

Members Present: Bruce Abram

Jill Cornish

Lynn Wagman

I. Marshall Levy

Ann Herbster

Jack Martinelli

Norma Brailsford

Veronica Williams

Staff: Alexis D’Angelo, Trish Evans, Martha McClelland, Terri Hilton

Chair Bruce Abram opened the meeting at 1:00 p.m.

Administrative Issues: Terri Hilton spoke about the meeting she had with Rona Kramer, Office of Secretary, Department of Aging. One thing discussed was Communities for Life (CFL), a program to help seniors age in place. Three main services: transportation (personal trips, certain amount a week), chore services (certain amount a week or month) and social service/social worker (one on one, dedicated person.) An enhancement of what we do, with membership fees or fee for service. Terri also spoke about future ADA plans for the Senior Center, along with other City of Rockville Community Centers and Parks. As well, as shared the Community survey results, recently released by City of Rockville. Terri shared the PROS plan was completed in 2009, making FY 19 the 10-year mark to have this plan updated. The Commission unanimously expressed support for the City's senior staff and the work they do. They also support their recommendation of hiring a consultant to do the study.

Martha McClelland will share a thorough update at the next meeting.

Alexis D’Angelo informed the Commission that the water conservation program was cancelled under senior services, but continued under the CDBG. It was a program that assisted many for the three years under senior services.

Trish Evans shared updates on each neighborhood village. An upcoming event for village leaders will be held on Saturday, April 14, 9:30 a.m.- noon to exchange information and resources.

Old Business: Commissioner Jack Martinelli met with Terri Hilton and Alexis D’Angelo to discuss concerns about handrails at Community Center in Rockville and the Rockville Senior Center.

New Business: Chair Bruce Abram shared that last month he met with CPL Ken Matney, who told him about ‘comfort bags’ for children. These backpacks are filled with items to calm children during certain scenarios. The Commission talked about ideas to use their funds for something like this for seniors.

Chair Report: Chair Jill Cornish will be speaking at the Mayor and Council meeting Monday, March 19. She will provide an update on Senior Citizens Commission’s mission statement and upcoming goals.

Chair Jill Cornish and Commissioner Marshall Levy informed the group, United Senior of Maryland (USM) will meet on Monday, March 19. Their focus is on caregiving- how can the state do better teaching long term care? assist with long term care?

Commissioner Lynn Wagman reported that Rockville Seniors, Incorporated (RSI) would like to fund the tables for the Carnation room. They will remain funding programs currently in their budget, but no new programs.

Meeting adjourned at 2:34 p.m. Next meeting: April 19, 2018 at 1 p.m.

http://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03152018-2226