Meeting Minutes 4/10/2025

In person, Morse High School in Bath

Attendees: Jess Irish, Joel Merry, Jim Peavey, Polly Shaw, Michele Melanson, Susan Ellis, Karin Sadtler, Marla Davis, Janet Persen, Jennifer O'Grady

Approval of the Minutes: Karin approved; Jim seconded

Subcommittee Reports

Volunteer Transportation Program (VTP)

The programs are expanding to other communities.

VTP Arrowsic: Karin reported making good progress. Arrowsic s2ll has no riders, but nibbles. She handed out postcards for the four towns who currently have an Assisted Rider program up and running. The VTP supervisors met with Patricia Oh to discuss background checks and privacy guidelines. All the towns now have email accounts—except for Bath. The email that follows the same format as the others was already taken.

For now, People Plus is the ride assist option for residents of Bath.

VTP Georgetown: Jim has been working on cleaning up the data base to match the guidelines. There are still more drivers than riders in Georgetown.

VTP Phippsburg: Susan reported having a couple of riders, and two potential drivers. She will be attending a Phippsburg Cares event and hopes to inspire more volunteers. She will pass out postcards there.

VTP Woolwich: Jennifer has been enlisted as the ride coordinator in Woolwich. Thanks to Marla’s efforts, Woolwich has one rider, three drivers, and four more driver applicants. Marla and Jen have begun brainstorming ways to get the word out and will share ideas with other supervisors.

Susan asked about the notice that went out in tax bills in Woolwich. Marla reported that the

notice went to 1,700 people and generated a number of inquiries. She suggests helping towns with their mailings.

VTP Bath: Bath still needs a coordinator. The Grace Episcopal Church is having a luncheon on May 21 at noon. Perhaps someone there would be willing to be a coordinator.

Marketing of the VTP programs will be an item on the next agenda.

Photo Contest

First the poster will be completed, then judges will be solidified, and then the criteria will be set.

• Kelly’s class is creating a poster. Susan would like to do the kickoff before kids get out of

school.

• Michele will send a text to Wendy and Soggy Dog Designs.

• We have two judges, but need more.

• Susan will follow up with the photo club.

• Janet knows someone who might want to judge.

• Janet talked to the library about a display.

• We will be partnering with a mentor program.

New Business

• Central Maine Area Agency on Aging is looking for a new board member to represent

Sagadahoc County. Someone with a background in health is advisable. Marla was

encouraged. Joel and Michele mentioned that area agencies are well connected and provide wonderful opportunities for community partnerships. Jess mentioned that our services pale in comparison to those in other areas, particularly Augusta. Michele mentioned Boothbay Harbor as another region that serves the aging well.

• We have a table at the Spring into Summer Event of Main Street Bath at the Waterfront

Park on 5/17. The table will be attended as follows:

Susan is 10-1

Jim 10-11

Michele 11-12

Janet 12-1

Karin will create a list of materials we need at the table.

• Karin attended MCOA’s Leadership Exchange on Ageism and reported that it was an

excellent, deeply moving experience: “Go if you can.” There were people of all ages—

representives from the government and support groups. It was very open, very

inclusive—a very safe place. She found the experience amazingly intense as ageism was

examined in both systematic and interpersonal ways.

https://mainecouncilonaging.org/power_in_aging_project/

• A possible team for the Patten Free Library’s Spelling Bee was suggested, but the group

would prefer to be spectators rather than competitors.

• Deirdra and Michele are hoping to bring in Maureen O’Connor to speak at the Ageism

Lunch and learn on May 15, from 11:30-1:00. Jim suggested that drinks and chips be

provided. Janet, Karin and Michele will work on marke2ng.

• Several AFCLK members attended the Life Long Learning Colloquium last year and learned about Assisted Rides and AI amongst other things. It was a great professional development day.

• Jim will be speaking for the Lincoln County Planning Commission on April 16 in Bristol.

• Janet attended a conference on climate change and the aging population.

Michele closed the meeting by presenting questions, encouraging members to reflect on their participation regarding AFCLK:

What am I doing here?

What is my purpose?

Am I working toward my purpose?

Next meeting date: May 8, 2025, 3:30-4:30 Morse High School