HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior Board Meeting April 2025_MinutesSenior Services Board Meeting
April 10, 2025, at 2:00 pm
Community Center
Presiding: Ann Crowley (Chair)
The meeting was called to order at 2:00 pm
Attendance:
Present:
Ann Crowley, Jennifer Sickman, Debbie Pedrick, Laura Turley, George Hildebrand, Robin
Burks, Soraya Brombacher, Geri Wood, Candyce Beneke, Diana Ayers, Karen Kenny, Susan
White, Kay Bryan, Eileen O’Neil, Teresa George-Hung, John Montgomery
Absent:
None
Guests:
Mardi Turner, Bruce Beneke, Carlos Delatorre, Alida Drewes
Previous Minutes Approval:
Minor corrections noted, including a format change and punctuation adjustment.
Motion to approve: Diana Ayers
Seconded by: Soraya Brombacher
Dementia-Friendly Community Initiative (Karen Kenny):
• Dementia Friendly America offers education and support tools for implementation.
• Committee members viewed a certification video from DementiaFriendsUSA.org
covering U.S. dementia demographics, communication techniques, and ways to assist in
public interactions.
• Certification is available online.
• Goal is to make WestU a dementia friendly community
• Participants are encouraged to join a Dementia Choir launching in Fall 2025.
• The certificate can be presented at a future board meeting.
• Karen Kenny and Michelle Brunt will lead the Dementia Choir, aimed at reducing
isolation and building community among individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
• There are currently choirs in Dallas, Austin, and Arlington.
• Soraya suggested involving the Good Neighbor Team.
• Karen requested volunteers who can play piano or guitar.
• The choir will likely be composed of 50% individuals with Alzheimer’s and 50%
caregivers.
• Michelle suggested collaborating with schools or local musicians (e.g., Rice University or
bluegrass groups at Buffalo Grill).
• Eileen inquired about local dementia statistics, but HIPAA limitations prevent access.
• Laura asked if non-dementia seniors could join, possibly as a Good Neighbor Choir.
• Michelle confirmed this initiative will begin in the fall, allowing time to prepare and
distribute a flyer with more details.
Publications and Communications:
• Ann shared that the Senior Guide is now included within the West U Activities
Publication.
• Susan White noted the summer edition includes four pages dedicated to summer camps;
these will not appear in fall. Rental facility information is also included.
Senior Center Programs:
• Ann provided updated data on senior center participation for 2024 (see handout).
REPORTS:
Senior Services (Michelle Blunt):
• Information was discussed above by Ann.
• Michelle is working with Patricia to develop programming for September–December.
Parks and Recreation (Susan White):
• The 100 Days Committee recommended expanding pickleball courts from 2 to 4 and
adding a divider fence.
• Funding is available through the Parks group, pending board approval.
• No fee increases are planned for 2026.
• Upcoming Spring Festival is scheduled for April 12 (9:00–11:00 a.m.) with live
entertainment at 7:00 p.m.
• Colonial Park's informal celebration will include new seating and grilled hot dogs.
• Parks across West U are undergoing lighting assessments and a shade study.
• Ordinances under review:
o Regulation of e-bikes and e-skateboards
o Conditional allowance of pets in parks with director-granted exemptions
o Possibility of dog obedience classes
Good Neighbor Team (Soraya Brombacher & Angela):
• Michelle set up a shared online drive with updated schedules and budgets.
• Soraya encouraged members to opt out if overwhelmed, as additional volunteers are
available.
• Suggested printing generic Good Neighbor Team cards with space to write personal
notes.
• Soraya shared a touching story of a 91-year-old blind resident who lives independently.
• Choir and community interaction may help those experiencing memory decline and
isolation.
• The Good Neighbor Team was honored with a plaque for 20 years of service.
• Angela included safety bells and knock box info in the last delivery.
• June delivery will include flashlights and batteries for hurricane preparedness.
APAC Update (Karen Kenny):
• Flyers distributed from the Hope and Healing Center Institute and Harris County Area
Agency on Aging.
• Services are limited due to funding shortfalls; triage protocols are currently in place.
Council Update (John Montgomery):
• Council is preparing for post-election transition.
• Pavers installed by the previous contractor must be redone at no added cost.
• Water rate study is ongoing—seeking public feedback on flat vs. progressive rate models.
• Funding decisions will significantly impact upcoming infrastructure projects.
• John encouraged residents to engage in the upcoming election and review all
propositions, including Proposition D.
• Architectural renderings are conceptual and subject to future community input and design
revision.
• John expects to attend one more meeting as council liaison until a new appointment is
made.
Citizen Comments:
Bruce Beneke:
Residents 70 and older are eligible for free METRO cards.
Alida Drewes:
• Voiced concerns over reduced senior meal benefits, lack of city communication, and
HIPAA concerns related to service refusal.
• Opposed recent ballot items and called for more fiscal oversight regarding city employee
vehicle replacements
Motion to Adjourn:
Motion made by Karen Kenny and seconded by Jennifer Sickman.
Meeting adjourned at 3:07 pm
Notes by Teresa George-Hung