October HOH Coalition Meeting Minutes

In attendance:

  • Brendan Schauffler, Facilitator, Oxford County Wellness Collaborative
  • Carl Costanzi, Western Maine Health
  • Kate Goldberg, SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator, Healthy Oxford Hills
  • Cortney Lavorgna, Tobacco Prevention, Healthy Oxford Hills
  • Holly Stuhr, SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator, Healthy Oxford Hills
  • Steve Johndro, Executive Director, Healthy Oxford Hills
  • Sarah Carter, 5210 Let’s Go! Coordinator, Healthy Oxford Hills
  • Erika Lindstrom, Children’s Case Management Supervisor, The Progress Center
  • Maija Dyke, Community Education Supervisor, Seniors Plus
  • Jenn McCarthy, Integrated Care Manager, Tri County Mental Health
  • Allie Burke, Executive Director, River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition
  • Melissa Harding, Program Coordinator, River Valley Rising
  • Ben Tucker, Regional Rep., Senator King’s Office
  • Diane Madden, Executive Director, Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine
  • Lisbeth Wierda, Program Manager, Maine Med Research Center

 

Maija Dyke – Seniors Plus

  • Seniors Plus is area agency on aging and has many different departments. Maija represents community service department. Not all programs have age requirements. Pre-COVID classes were in person, but are now all online.
  • Partner of 5 AAA Maine agencies & statewide network
  • Classes are not only focused on aging, but also aging in place. Many classes are specific requests from community members that directly impact their quality of life. Most classes are FREE or a greatly reduced price (may cover materials).
    • Zoom 101
    • Crafting
    • Chair Yoga
  • Educational workshops & Evidence Based Programs:
    • Savvy Caregivers
    • Thai Chi for Health and Balance (16 week course- 2/week for 8 weeks)
    • A Matter of Balance
    • Chronic Disease Prevention (Diabetes, Pain Management, etc.) 6 week classes
      • Living Well for Better Health
      • Living Well with Diabetes
      • Living Well with Chronic Pain (includes fitness & movement)
    • Classes are via Zoom. However, Toolkits are available and mailed to participants, if they do not have access to internet. An instructor will call and help walk them through the program for 6 weeks. No age requirement for these classes.
    • November offerings are listed at: https://www.seniorsplus.org/assets/ed_center_november_2020.pdf
  • healthylivingforme.org
    • Can search for upcoming classes!
    • Healthcare Practices can make direct referrals
  • Some of the challenges of COVID have been lack of access or interest from participants to use technology for classes. However, Zoom 101 has been very helpful with this when in-person programs cannot happen safely. Also have an I pad loaner program, which has helped as well.
  • FREE classes offered by community agencies can be shared with participants of Seniors Plus through their newsletter.
  • contact:
  • Seniors Plus also offers assistance with:
    • Meals on Wheels
    • Money Minders (checkbook, financial assistance)
    • Friendly Caller (phone call to help with isolation)
    • Senior Companion (now overseen by UMaine)

 

Partner Updates

 

  • River Valley Healthy Community Coalition: USDA food distribution 10/28 at 10am.

 

 

 

 

Next HOH Coalition Meeting: 11/24/20