Cass County Board: Central Minnesota Council on Aging presents annual report

   WILSON TOWNSHIP— Lori Vrolson, representing Central Minnesota Council on Aging (CMCOA) presented their annual report to the commissioner’s at their regular board meeting Tuesday, June 21. During the presentation Vrolson shared that CMCOA is committed to maintaining the highest level of independence of older people by developing and coordinating community care, reducing isolation and improving access to services.

   Due to the pandemic and the increase of federal funds the organization was able to utilize approximately $5 million regionally in 2021 over the approximate $3 million during 2019. Of this funding Vrolson stated Cass County received six percent of CMCOA funding and CMCOA regional funding towards programs. Some of the programs CMCOA provides to citizens 60 years and older are congregate meals, home delivered meals, assisted transportation, assisting in chores, homemaker help, caregiver consulting, respite care and legal assistance.

   One program Vrolson focused on was the senior food program offered which currently offers low income seniors up to 20 frozen meals per month. When asked where seniors can acquire this food package Vrolson stated the CMCOA is focusing on providing it at the Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS) sites rather than local food shelves. This is due to the fact that these meals are only available to people over the age of 60 and when younger families would visit the food shelf they would question why this was not available to them.

  Another program discussed was concerning assisted transportation and the lack of volunteers. During Covid, most volunteers were reluctant to drive people to and from appointments or shopping trips. Currently the problem finding volunteers to drive is due to the increase of fuel prices. 

   County Engineer Darrick Anderson requested the board motion and adopt a resolution to authorize offers of compensation to landowners for easements required for the County State Aid Highway 70 project that will provide a new river crossing in East Gull Lake and replace the existing dam crossing.

   The next meetings are as follows: commissioner’s board meeting 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 5 at the boardroom in the courthouse annex in Walker and commissioner’s board meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 19 at Birch Lake Township, 3611 40th Ave NW, Hackensack.