Seniors' Advisory Committee - Minutes

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

9:30 A.m. - 11:30 A.m.

Virtual

Present:

• Glenda Reid, Citizen Representative
• Lorraine Best, Seniors NL
• Deanne Stapleton, Council Representative
• Neil Hamilton, CARP
• Neil Moores, NLPSPA
• Ruby Constantine, Citizen Representative
• Sharron Callahan, Chair (CARP)
• Patsy Yetman, Citizen Representative

Regrets:

• Sam Wells,Citizen Representative
• Devonne Ryan, Public Representative (19-35)
• Judy Tobin, Manager of Housing

Staff:

• Karen Sherriffs, Manager of Community Development
• Robyn Dobbin, Adult & Seniors Co-ordinator
• Maureen Harvey, Legislative Assistant

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

2.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

• Recommendation
  Moved By Neil Hamilton
  Seconded By Patsy Yetman

  That the agenda be adopted with the addition of an update of signage by Metrobus.  Sharron and Neil Hamilton will work on generators.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7 to 0)

3.

ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

3.1

Adoption of Minutes - May 15, 2020

• Recommendation
  Moved By Neil Hamilton
  Seconded By Patsy Yetman

  That the minutes of May 15, 2020 be adopted as presented.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4.

DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

5.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

5.1

Engage St. John’s - Engagement Session

The Committee discussed the information note circulated advising members of upcoming City engagement sessions and the means by which people can register for input. Links for signing up and registration are included.  The following sessions are scheduled and members were encouraged to sign up for notification of all City related matters. 

The following sessions are scheduled:

1. Virtual Public Meeting Via Microsoft Teams- Sidewalk & Snow clearing.
     a. June 17- 10:30 a.m. to noon, register here. or
     b. June 17-7:00pm to 8:30pm, register here.
2. Virtual Open House- Re-Imagine Churchill Square- virtual open house via Zoom.
     a. June 25-1pm- Click here (External link) to register.
     b. June 25-7pm- Click here (External link) to register.

Discussion took place with the Committee suggesting these sessions should allow for a collective voice for these and other committees of Council for input.  To have individual members attend does not facilitate meaningful Committee input. 

Karen Sherriffs agreed to address this matter with the City Clerk and Engagement Team to identify a better mechanism and more fluid process for committees to provide collective input.  

Karen Sherriffs, Manager of Community Development joined the meeting at 9:54 AM.

5.2

Senior of the Year Award Review

The Committee considered an information note dealing with the Senior of the Year Award review.  It was noted that during the review process it was decided to also recognize and acknowledge the two other nominees, Janice Baird and James Collins for their outstanding volunteer contributions in our City.

This year’s volunteers were recognized at the June 8th council meeting. Once COVID 19 restrictions allow, Margaret, Janice and James will be presented with plagues, the receipt of which from Kenny's Pond is pending.

Discussion took place on the means by which more nominations can be solicited and this will be taken under advisement during the debriefing session of the Review Committee.

Ruby Constantine, Citizen Representative joined the meeting at 10:18 AM.

6.

NEW BUSINESS

6.1

Creating Connections for Seniors - Summer 2020

The Committee was informed that as summer outings and events for older adults and seniors will not be taking place this summer due to COVID 19 restrictions, the adult and seniors’ staff have developed ways to stay connected with this population throughout the summer.

The Adult & Seniors team with guidance from management have developed several ways to stay connected with seniors to help in the reduction of social isolation and food security. All activities will follow the guidelines set forward by the Department of Health and the Chief Medial Officer. Below are some examples:
• Stay Connected-Care Packages- Staff will generate a list of activities and participants will have choice to what they’d like to receive. i.e Sudoku puzzles, one on one Face-time conversations with staff etc.
• Outdoor Inspirational Messages- Created in parking lots of senior’s apartment complexes
• Connecting with Seniors through Nature - Gardening Kits and/or gift cards would be provided to seniors – This will be dependent on approval of a grant submitted to United Way
• Monthly Newsletters- mail out with current resources and information relating to Covid and other relevant information
• Food Security Support- Deliver hampers/grocery store gift cards to low-income seniors- This will be dependent on approval of a grant submitted to United Way

Discussion took place with agreement that staff reach out to the Office of the Seniors Advocate for direction on accessing funding through government and other agencies. 

Lorraine Best, Seniors NL left the meeting at 10:22 AM.

Lorraine Best, Seniors NL joined the meeting at 10:30 AM.

6.2

Intergenerational Connections between Advisory Committees

The information note discussed how the Recreation Department in the areas of Seniors and Youth have been discussing ways to connect both committees on topics of mutual interest.

The idea developed is “Then & Now” questions would be asked by Youth to Seniors in order to start the dialog. This would connect committee members and create the opportunity to work directly with each other on initiatives that would incorporate both Youth and Senior demographics.

Once COVID 19 restrictions allow, youth and seniors would get the opportunity to meet and collaborate on initiatives discussed.

This would also provide an opportunity to discuss what both areas feel are important in our City.

The Committee welcomed this initiative and suggested it may be a worthwhile exercise to expand this interconnection with other committees to identify potential points of intersection. 

Sharron Callahan, Lorraine Best and Neil Hamilton agreed to work with staff on this project.

7.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 pm.