COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING
TUESDAY, 5-6-08
COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING – ROOM 3212
1:30 PM – 3:45 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Audrey Kader, Chairperson, Patricia Boge,
Sharon Hampson, Robert Machotka,
Dr. Edward Miner, Brad Pfaff
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Shirley Holman
OTHERS PRESENT: Noreen Kuroski, Director, County Aging Unit
CALL TO ORDER
Audrey Kader, Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 1:30 PM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 4-1-08
MOTION: Motion by Robert Machotka and seconded by Dr. Edward Miner to approve
Minutes of 4-1-08. Pass unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS OF AUDREY KADER, COMMISSION ON AGING CHAIR & PATRICIA BOGE, COMMUNITY MEMBER
Noreen Kuroski as well as the Commission on Aging Board members welcomed Audrey Kader as Chairperson and Patricia Boge, Community Member to the Commission on Aging. Chairperson Kader stated she was very happy to serve on this Commission Board as Chairperson and is a strong advocate for the elderly. Patricia Boge, Community Relations for the La Crosse Public Library was happy to serve on this Commission Board.
SENIOR FARMER’S MARKET
Noreen Kuroski reported the Senior Farmer’s Program is offered to eligible low-income seniors to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs from certified farmers.
A $25.00 voucher per person. Senior Farmer’s Market vouchers are to be used from 6-1-08 to 10-31-08. Roadside stands may have a yellow sign indicating their participation. Change will not be given if you buy less than the amount of the voucher. An article will be placed in the Senior Life for the month of June explaining the program. Dr. Miner asked if La Crescent is an approved vendor and Noreen Kuroski stated “yes”.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT CON’T
REPORT ON EASTER SEALS MOBILITY PLANNING INSTITUTE
Noreen Kuroski reported a trip to Washington D.C. from April 21st through the 25th was attended by Keith Carlson, Peter Fletcher, Steve Johnson and Pat Peterson from Vernon County and was sponsored by Easter Seals Mobility Planning Institute. The conference focused on mobility training and comprehensive planning for specialized services and how
to encourage cooperation and planning with other entities. Easter Seals will be willing to provide technical support with planning efforts. A copy of the draft plan for coordination for Western Wisconsin was distributed.
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION WEEK EVENTS
Noreen Kuroski reported that Volunteer Recognition will be celebrated at the sites on Friday, 5-2-08. A flier was handed out showing the individual award packages. The President’s Volunteer Service Award Foundation has awarded 67 of our volunteers for the following awards: Bronze award to 39 persons for 150-249 hours of service, Silver award to 22 persons for 250-499 hours of service, Gold award to 1 person for 500 plus hours of service and Call to Service Lifetime Award for 5 persons for 4000 plus hours. These awards include a lapel pin, a letter from the President, and a letter of appreciation from the President’s Council on Service and a personalized certificate. All other volunteers will receive a memo board as a token of appreciation .
MAY 20TH- OLDER AMERICAN’S DAY EVENTS
A hand-out was provided regarding the menu and activities for Older American’s Day at the nutrition sites for Tuesday, 5-20-08. A small token of remembrance for those elderly over the age of 90 will be given out at the Older American’s Day Celebration. Chairperson Kader encouraged the Commission Board members to attend one of the sites for this celebration.
NUTRITION PROGRAM COORDINATOR POSITION
Noreen Kuroski reported the Nutrition Program Coordinator position has been offered and accepted by Dawn Jorstad who formerly worked as Nutrition Manager for the School District. The position is part-time for 20 hours a week.
AGING UNIT INTERNS
Noreen Kuroski reported the County Aging Unit will be sponsoring two interns. One intern from Viterbo and one from the University of Wisconsin at Stout will start on 5-28-08 for ten weeks. Some of the projects will be the Senior Fun Day, Home-Delivered assessments, Prepare Now, Fall Prevention, etc.
Noreen Kuroski reported Three Rivers will continue at this time to deliver our meals even though they have lost the La Crosse School District contract. Three Rivers is in the fourth year of their contract. Two busses, two personnel for two hours a day, five days a week from approximately 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM is provided. Noreen Kuroski considered the County Facilities and the County Highway Departments but would be unable to provide this service. Riverfront has been contacted but no response as of this date. Noreen Kuroski will keep the Commission apprised of the situation as it arises.
REPRESENTATIVE FROM COMMISSION ON AGING FOR AGE ADANTAGE
Dr. Edward Miner reported the merger of four agencies into one has been determined. All four existing AAA have agreed to adopt a board resolution certifying the voluntary nature of this change in order to avoid challenges and costs with no RFP necessary. The taskforce will continue its study of what organizational structure is best suited to meet the needs of the new state wide agency. A team based model around various program areas that involves six different territories was presented as well as a second model based on clusters that specialized in specific skills or programs without geographic focus. There were two organizational models presented. Members saw strengths in each model but need to create a revised structure that builds on the strengths of each model.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Update on Consortium
La
Crosse County Senior Services
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Moved by Robert Machotka and seconded by Brad Pfaff to adjourn.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:45 PM.
Minutes may be approved, amended, or corrected at the next Committee meeting.
Ruth Hafner, Recorder