The North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature met for the third and final Session of 2019, on October 1-2, 2019. The session convened at the Holiday Inn Raleigh North-Midtown. The Outgoing Speaker, Rev. Dwight Cartner presided over the Session. Sixty-nine Delegates, thirty-three Alternates and nineteen guests were in attendance on day one. Special guests (Area Agency on Aging staff, spouses and other guests) were recognized. Newly appointed Delegates and Alternates were presented and administered the oath of office by Outgoing Speaker, Rev. Dwight Cartner, with the assistance of Robert Allen, Chairperson of the Elections and Credentials Committee.

An update on services provided by the Division of Aging and Adult Services was presented by Sarah Maness-Smith, Program Administrator. Her focus was on the increasing demand for positive caregiving, as well as adult protective services and a reduction of elder abuse. Updates on services available to older adults and Medicare related changes and challenges were provided by Melinda Munden, Director of North Carolina Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). She was assisted by Dr. Lori Byrd a representative from the Governor’s Council on Aging. Gene Knoefel, President of Friends of Senior Tar Heels reminded members of the objectives and need to sign Pledge Cards, in support of education and advocacy events.

Issues committees (Long Term Care, General Legislation, Health/wellness/Quality-of-Life, Enrichment Opportunities, Crime/Safety/Security and Service Access) convened to evaluate 2019 Legislative Priorities. Discussion ensued with the final outcome supportive of the recommendation to retain the 2019 Legislative Priorities for 2020. Day one ended with a reception in honor of the Outgoing Speaker, Rev. Dwight Cartner and Mary Edwards, Administrative Assistant for more than twelve (12) years.

On day two (2) October 2, 2019, seventy-one Delegates, twenty-eight Alternates and fifteen Guests were in attendance. David Rhew, Executive Director of the NC Public Transit Association and Don Willis, with Goldsboro/Wayne County Transportation Authority provided information regarding the benefits of transit in North Carolina for Older Adults. Rebecca Freeman, with the Division of Aging and Adult Services provided a comprehensive overview of the Living Healthy Program. The program includes self-management classes and workshops (Chronic Conditions, Diabetes, Chronic Pain, Tai Chi, Matter of Balance, etc.). All classes and workshops are facilitated by Master Trainers and Lay Leaders through the Area Agency on Aging, as well as other partners. Day two (2) ended with the election and installation of Officers for 2020-2022: Norma Duncan, Speaker; Rev. David Boone, Speaker Pro Tempore; Annette Myers, Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore and Sherrye Perry, Secretary. The session was adjourned by newly elected Speaker Duncan. The next meeting of the NCSTHL will be held in March 2020.