The Oceana County Council on Aging (OCCOA) board of directors met Feb. 24. Following unanimous approval of the minutes from the Jan. 27 board meeting and the financial report by board treasurer Pamela Czurak, the bulk of the meeting was spent on the executive director's report.
Director Stephanie Moore reported the meal total for January was 48 breakfasts and 958 lunches. She noted 25 volunteer driving hours were recorded along with 52.5 volunteer hours at Our Friends House (OFH) and 37.5 volunteer hours in the kitchen.
Moore’s program update included plans for a trip to Meijer Gardens for the Butterflies in Bloom event, a trip to the John Ball Zoo for their Lantern Festival, additional museum trips, an overnight trip to Frankenmuth, and an extended-stay bus trip this fall to Biltmore and Ashville, North Carolina.
Further director’s news included cooperation with the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office and county Emergency Management for plans to provide transportation and family reunification in case of a catastrophic event. OCCOA is partnering with the Michigan State Police in Hart to educate staff and seniors about scams that target seniors and continues to support Safe Seniors in their work of protecting seniors in several counties.
Moore, Transportation Director Lisa Nagel, and members of the Bus Garage Committee met with Congressman John Moolenaar’s office staff to discuss options for the bus garage supported by a federal grant of $1,007,201. The Federal DOT grant is distributed through MDOT. Senior Resources has also continued their grant to support transportation services.
OCCOA hosted the Hart Rotary Casino Night Fundraiser on Jan. 31, and OCCOA staff hosted the Hart Performing Art Series reception on Feb. 22.
Under her transportation update, Moore reported the Bus Garage Committee would tour three facilities on Feb. 27 for construction ideas. She also reported an application for $978,500 was submitted to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The total bus miles for January was 6,017 which was less than last January due to several snow days. Because of OCCOA’s work with MDOT, OCCOA qualifies to receive a fleet fuel rebate for special services.
Jaccie Smith shared that Senior Care Services is assisting 42 clients with in-home services, and five clients are being served at OFH, where they had a Valentine’s party. Community Living Support services has a waiting list of three prospective clients.
President of the Michigan Association of Senior Centers Kim Phillips was introduced and invited to address the group. Phillips also sits on the National Council on Aging, and she knows Moore through both of these organizations. She was visiting the OCCOA center for the first time. “It is very unusual for a senior center to succeed in getting a government grant the size of your $1,000,000 grant for the bus garage. You deserve congratulations."
Public comments at the meeting included concerns regarding finances and transparency to expressions of thanks for programs and bus transportation.
Moore announced that the 2025 Annual Report would be available on the OCCOA website by Monday, March 2. The meeting adjourned at 1:22 p.m. The next OCCOA Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 1:30 p.m., at 4250 Tyler Rd., Hart.
