Breakthrough Coalition

 

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

August 1, 2006

 

Next general meeting will be October 3, 2006, at 8:30 am in the Maryland Heights Centre.

 

Wilma Schmitz, Breakthrough President, called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. Wilma explained that the meeting started at a later time because of the press conference for the Missouri Senior Report announcement by Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Deputy Director Nancie MacAnaugh and Director of OSEDA, Bill Elder.  The meeting began with the traditional introductions of all members present. Wilma asked that because of time constraints, no announcements or marketing be done at this time. Wilma enforced request.

 

Committee Updates

 

 

Finance Committee: No report.

 

Senior Report: David Sykora, committee chair, recognized the work Jamie Opsal, currently MEAAA’s nutrition director, started 10 years ago and continued with OSEDA. Her efforts resulted in the Missouri Senior Report.

 

Advocacy: Carroll Rodriguez handed out educational material regarding the voter identification requirement to vote. Carroll reported that the voter photo identification was needed for the November election, not the August primary. Carroll also distributed a general information list on who is running for the various offices. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is assisting food stamp recipients obtain additional food stamps for the food lost in the recent power outages.

 

Gateway Grandparents/Kinship Network: Betty Reinsch reported that the July event was a success. The next meeting will be August 7 at the offices of Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Their quarterly newsletter is KinCare Connection. Betty announced that the fourth edition of their resource guide is due out soon.

 

Outreach Committee: Barbara Buesse reported that the 2007 speakers and topics are set. The committee meets the second Wednesday of the odd months at the offices of St. Andrews.

 

Resource Guide Committee: Lea Ann Coates and John Rothbarth unveiled the cover of the 2006 edition of the St. Louis Senior Guide. Breakthrough Coalition is the first organization to receive the 2006 edition of the guide. Lea Ann recognized John Rothbarth for his work in publishing this year’s guide. Current members and new members receive several copies of the guide. Current members are individuals who have attended three meetings or are actively participating on a committee.

 

Safety Committee: Hedva Barenholtz-Levy reported that the committee met July 13 and is working on a checklist for discussing health issues with the health provider. The next meeting is Sept. 14 at the American Red Cross at 9 AM. The committee is scheduling a training session in September in how to use the Solitaire tool.

 

Steering Committee: Wilma Schmitz reported that the Steering Committee met on July 11 to prepare for the August general meeting.

 

The Steering Committee has determined the following policies regarding dissemination of written information and utilization of Breakthrough membership list. The member wishing to send information to the membership must contact the president. Members wishing to utilize the membership list must contact the Steering Committee for approval.

 

Wilma is seeking volunteers to serve on the Nominating Committee to choose the slate for next year’s officers. Stephanie Rohlfs-Young will be the new president in January, 2007 and Wilma will be the past president. Call (314) 588-0116 to inquire about serving on the Nominating Committee.

 

 

Education Segment

 

Marla Berg-Weger, Ph.D., professor from St. Louis University presented on the topic of “Driving and the Elderly”.

 

Press Conference

 

Mary Schaefer, executive director of Mid-East Area Agency on Aging, introduced and welcomed Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder. Kinder announced the release of the first Missouri Senior Report. Nancie MacAnaugh and Bill Elder addressed questions pertaining to specific data in the report. The report allows state policymakers and communities to prepare for the needs of their growing senior population.

 

Announcements

Home Sweet Home: UM-St. Louis received a grant to assist the older adults in this area and is now doing a needs assessment survey. Once the survey is completed and analyzed, CORP's role will be to supply resources for those who have been identified as needing services to assist them with aging in place. Please complete the survey regarding information on the services members provide, including any scholarhips, discounts, or free services for low income, disabled or other needy older adults.  The survey and cover letter are here.

 

Missouri End of Life Coalition: The Missouri End of Life Conference is on Friday, Aug. 25, 2006 in Jefferson City from 830 AM – 4:30 PM. Call Debra Schuster at (314) 872-2166 for more information.

 

Full Living Services: This entity offers freelance writing services to agencies. Contact person is Stephanie Malench, (314) 952-7525.

 

Memory Care Home Solutions: This agency is seeking a part-time administrative assistant. Contact Lisa Baron, executive director at (314) 426-6247 or lbaron@memorycarehs.org.

 

The Rehabilitation Institute: Facility tour and overview available by appointment. Contact Mary Joyce at (314) 658-3802, cell: (314) 550-6865.

 

Spiritual Care at Barnes Jewish Extended Care: Spiritual care is provided for persons with dementia for the third Sunday, Aug. 20 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm. Contact Rev. Barbara Patten, (314) 854-1118.

 

Washington University School of Social Work: A research in progress offering support groups for older adult women who are 55 years or older who are survivors of form of interpersonal violence. Call Sharon Bowland for more information (314) 288-4777.

 

Respectfully submitted by Joann Eng-Hellinger, Secretary.