O'Fallon Senior Advisory Committee Aims to Fill Two Vacant Positions

The Senior Advisory Committee is looking for a couple of interested residents to fill vacant seats. 

The committee is made up of eight members, including a representation from each ward in O’Fallon and three at large members. The group, formed in 2006 by former Mayor Donna Morrow, acts as a liaison between the O’Fallon’s senior community and the mayor’s office. 

City Clerk Pam Clements said that the purpose of the committee is to help the seniors in O’Fallon with a variety of issues they face as they get older. Members are appointed to the committee by the mayor and approved by City Council. 

Clements said that the committee hosts speakers at the O’Fallon Senior Center on a variety of topics such as reverse mortgages, health issues or legal issues affecting seniors. She said they are always looking for professionals who are willing donate their time to speak with seniors on pertinent topics.

Senior Center Administrator Patty Duncan said that the speakers are popular at the center and at times attendance has topped 100. She wishes the speaker series happened more frequently to address issues.

The Senior Center is a city owned building, but is leased by the Mid-East Area Agency on Aging and runs independent from the city. Duncan said that she welcomes any assistance and involvement from the committee.

O’Fallon Councilman Jim Pepper is the council representative to the O’Fallon Senior Advisory Committee.

“The SAC is charged with bringing to the city the concerns of seniors throughout the city," he said. "We work on advancing programs and activities for seniors.”

One focus the committee has is to ensure that federal and private grant money earmarked for home modification is made available to seniors. The city often receives grants designated to assist seniors in winterizing their homes or in modifying the entrances  to make them more accessible. Pepper said the committee works to get that money distributed to those in need, so that the money does not sit idle.

Additionally, the Senior Advisory Committee works to keep the community involved and aware of the needs of seniors. Pepper said that it is important for home builders to be aware of the requirements for accessible housing and the committee strives to pass on that information.

Members also work with other local senior committees and councils from surrounding towns to address other types of issue. Currently, the O’Fallon Committee is working on promoting the Emergency Beacon program that is popular in the St. Peter’s area.

The Emergency Beacon program aims to provide seniors, veterans and disabled individuals with devices that turn outdoor lighting into a flashing beacon light in the event of an emergency. The beacons enable emergency responders to find the residence in a timely and efficient manner.

Pepper said that the committee relies strictly on donations and is looks to local businesses for help to keep the program funded.

Currently, there are two vacant positions on the O’Fallon Senior Advisory Committee. Applicants must fill out an application to be considered for appointment.

Applicants must be 55 years old. Interested residents should contact Clements at 636-240-2000 or fill out the application online.

The Senior Advisory Committee meets at 2:30 p.m. at City Hall every third Wednesday of the month.

For more information, contact Paula Creech, staff liaison to the committee, at 636-474-8121 or senioradvisory@ofallon.mo.us.