Crossing academic streams, I put out an email request for help to the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs where I will start studying this fall. I ended up speaking with Dr. Deirdre Mageean, professor of Urban Affairs, about demographics: the effects of an aging population and how to approach surveying those changes to plan for the future. Internship aside, she is a contact I intend to keep, at least in connection to my post on the Rec Commission.

Cynthia Andrews is the president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Lorain County. Andrews found me at work one day and offered herself for a conversation about what foundation does and might do in helping any community, including Oberlin, meet the needs of its seniors, its residents, more broadly. While it does not offer direct services, it helps fund many services that are offered.

Heidi Freas is the third generation in her family to own and operate Welcome Nursing Home. The average age among the residents in the 99-bed facility has dropped in her 22 years of helping to run the operation as there is a developing split between a more typical elderly population and a younger, 50s age group dealing with the affect of chronic health conditions. Home healthcare is an expensive choice to fill the gaps, she explains, even as it introduces a more socially active population to the nursing home.

With the closure of the Neighborhood Alliance building in town and the social restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic, places and events to foster educational events are in short supply.

In this interview, I speak with Rev. Duane Anderson, carrying out the conversation about how, if there are activities seniors will find worthwhile, word of mouth will find its way to letting seniors know. We owe them too much, he was clear, to leave them behind.

This week I talked with Tony Wilgus, retired professor, and currently someone who fosters neighborhood spirit on North Park Street.

This time, I interviewed my father who is the fourth generation of Comings to live in Oberlin. We talk about things ranging from the programs he has given to his remembrance of “Scottie, the barber” who used to take newspapers to the hospital each week.

There are more to come.

This week I interviewed Oberlin resident Gina Makris. Some context. She references IGA. I work at IGA. She mentions my father a couple times. Sid Comings, by name, he can be frequently seen around town walking or biking.

Know anyone who might have an important take on social, recreational or other needs of senior citizens in Oberlin? Send them my way: petercomings@gmail.com.

https://ohoberlin.com/gina-makris/

Kathy Burns, client services coordinator for Oberlin Community Services, has been with the agency for 14 years. For their purpose, “senior” is defined at 60 and older.

“It’s difficult right now with Covid, in addition to the financial and food aid we’re here for them just as somebody to talk to,” she shared. “One senior in particular wanted me to type her will for her.” During pre-Covid times, the agency’s Saturday distribution would include grilling and outdoor music events.

“People would come early. They would just sit and talk,” she said.

The agency, this week, starts its five-year planning.

Kathy Burns podcast