Older Adult Advisory Committee (OAAC) September Meeting Summary

Date: October 2, 2023

Rola Zarife
Communications Coordinator
Macomb County Board of Commissioners
One South Main Street, 9th Floor, Mount Clemens, MI 48043
Email: rola.zarife@macombgov.org
Phone: 586-469-5126

Macomb County Board of Commissioners – Older Adult Advisory Committee (OAAC) Meeting Summary 

On Friday, September 29th, 2023, the Older Adult Advisory Committee (OAAC) of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners gathered at the Shelby Township Senior Center. The meeting centered on matters concerning the well-being and interests of older adults in our community. The meeting provided a platform for robust discussions and important updates. Here are some key highlights from the meeting:

Commissioner Sylvia Grot, representing her district, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. She acknowledged Phil Randazzo, an OAAC board member representing Shelby Township, a Purple Heart veteran, and an event coordinator for veterans. “Mr. Randazzo’s dedication to the Shelby community is commendable, and it was a great event which allowed me to meet new residents within my district. I encourage people reach out to me. I am eager to help and here to serve.” said Grot.

Dave Pankotai, Chief Executive Officer of Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH), delivered an informative presentation on mental health services for older adults and mental wellness within our community. His insights shed light on the crucial role mental health services play in the lives of older adults and mental wellness within our community.

A presentation by Kyle McKee, the Board of Commissioners Director of Legislative Affairs, provided an explanation of the upcoming 2024 County Budget. Attendees gained valuable insights into the county’s process, financial policies, and the role of the Board in adopting the budget. Chairman Brown emphasized the importance of community engagement and encouraged residents to ask questions about how these processes and policies impact not only older adults but everyone in Macomb County.  Under their advisory role to the Board of Commissioners, the OAAC approved a memo recommending funding for seniors as a priority for the 2024 budget and continued funding for the many valuable services the OAAC has learned about this term.

John D’Anna, a visitor to the OAAC meeting, highlighted the Kiwanis Club of Shelby Township Golden K’s Senior Music Outreach Committee. This initiative utilizes personalized digital music to enhance the lives of the elderly and veteran populations. Mr. D’Anna, a music teacher with three decades of experience, creates customized playlists for individuals based on their musical preferences, benefiting residents in facilities such as Martha T. Berry Medical Care Facility and memory care homes.

Chaired by Commissioner Barbara Zinner, the OAAC is a dedicated group representing each commission district, as well as up to four at-large members. Their mission is to serve as an advisory committee to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, focusing on identifying and addressing the challenges, trends, concerns, and opportunities affecting older adults within the County.

As always, OAAC meetings remain open to the public, ensuring that residents’ voices and concerns are heard and addressed. All interested individuals are encouraged to participate in these gatherings.

For more information about the OAAC’s upcoming meetings and the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, please visit https://bocmacomb.org/about-us/