Commission on Aging & Silver-Haired Legislature
The Commission on Aging is a voluntary group of individuals appointed by the Board of County Commissioners.
The commission provides information, guidance and support to the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging and serves as a liaison to the BOCC concerning the needs of older county residents and services to meet those needs.
COA Board Members
2025 Commission on Aging
Front Row left to right: Mary Estrada, John P. Smith, Trinette Waldrup, Chair Ben Harber, Vice-Chairwoman Ruth Hopkins, BOCC Liaison Janee’ Hanzlick, Cindy Green
Back Row left to right: Becky Parrott, Julia Meyer, Richard Hellman, Paul Lewis, Marvin Singleton, Paul Lyons, KS Representative Liaison Jarrod Ousley
Not pictured: Carol Feaker and Rob Givens
If you would like to obtain information on the commission, attend a meeting or contact board members, please contact Jill Zink, Administrative Assistant, at 913-715-8860 or by email.
COA Meeting Schedule and Minutes
The Commission on Aging meets in person on the second Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. There are no meetings scheduled during June and December.
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Date |
Time |
Location |
Address |
|
Jan. 14, 2026 |
9 a.m. |
Johnson County Medical Examiners Building, Room 102 |
11894 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS |
|
Feb. 11, 2026 |
9 a.m. |
Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1070/1075 |
11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS |
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March 11, 2026 |
9 a.m. |
Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1070/1075 |
11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS |
|
April 8, 2026 |
9 a.m. |
Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1070/1075 |
11894 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS |
|
May 13, 2026 |
9 a.m. |
Sunset Drive Office Building, Rooms 1070/1075 |
11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS |
|
June – No Meeting |
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July 8, 2026 |
9 a.m. (9 a.m. Public Hearing on FY 2026 Area Plan on Aging, 9:30 a.m. COA Business Meeting) |
Sunset Drive Office Building, Rooms 1070/1075 |
11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS |
|
Aug. 12, 2026 |
9 a.m.
|
Sunset Drive Office Building, Rooms 1070/1075 |
11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS |
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Sept. 9, 2026 |
9 a.m. |
Sunset Drive Office Building, Rooms 1070/1075 |
11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS |
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Oct. 14, 2026 |
8:15 a.m. (8:15 a.m. Legislative Breakfast, 10 a.m. COA Business Meeting)
|
Sunset Drive Office Building, Rooms 1070/1075 |
11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS |
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Nov. 10, 2026 |
9 a.m. |
Sunset Drive Office Building, Rooms 1070/1075 |
11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS |
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December – No Meeting |
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Commission on Aging members serve on subcommittees. These meetings are scheduled as needed.
Executive Subcommittee
The Executive Subcommittee is responsible for the integrity of the Commission, ensuring that the Commission stays true to its mission. The Subcommittee often acts as an overseer of Commission activities and, in certain circumstances, has specific powers to act on behalf of the full board.
The Executive Subcommittee meets virtually, starting at 9 a.m.
| Date | Time | Location | Address | Virtual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 28, 2026 | 9 a.m | Virtual | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS | Join Meeting |
| Feb. 25 | 9 a.m. | Virtual | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS | Join Meeting |
| March 25 | 9 a.m. | Virtual | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS | Join Meeting |
| April 22 | 9 a.m. | Virtual | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS | Join Meeting |
| May | — | No meeting | — | — |
| June | 9 a.m. | Virtual | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS | Join Meeting |
| July 22 | 9 a.m. | Virtual | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS | Join Meeting |
| Aug. 26 | 9 a.m. | Virtual | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS | Join Meeting |
| Sept. 23 | 9 a.m. | Virtual | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS | Join Meeting |
| Oct. 28 | 9 a.m. | Virtual | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS | Join Meeting |
| November | — | No meeting | — | — |
| December | — | No meeting | — | — |
Leadership in Aging Subcommittee
The Leadership in Aging subcommittee presents the Peg Deaton Leadership in Aging Award. The subcommittee reviews nominations, researches individuals or organizations in the community that contribute to the enhancement and/or improvement of aging services, and selects the honoree.
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Date |
Time |
Location |
Address |
Virtual |
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No upcoming meetings scheduled |
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Legislative Subcommittee
The Legislative Subcommittee keeps informed about issues and bills being discussed by the Kansas Legislature and at the national level, especially those that affect older adults.
The Legislative Subcommittee meets at approximately 10:30 a.m. at the Sunset Drive Office Building (11811 S. Sunset Drive, Room 1070, Olathe, KS 66061) following the Commission on Aging meeting. This meeting is held in a hybrid format (both in person and virtually).
| Date | Time | Location | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 11 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1070 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| March 11 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1070 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| April 8 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1070 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| May 13 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1070 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| June | — | No meeting | — |
| July 8 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1070 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| Aug. 12 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1070 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| Sept. 9 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1070 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| Oct. | — | No meeting | — |
| Nov. 10 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1070 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| December | — | No meeting | — |
Outreach Committee
The Outreach Committee provides information on the COA and serves as a liaison to the AAA on coordinating collaborations with other civic organizations.
The Outreach Committee meets at approximately 10:30 a.m. at the Sunset Drive Office Building (11811 S. Sunset Drive, Room 1075, Olathe, KS 66061) following the Commission on Aging meeting. This meeting is held in a hybrid format (both in person and virtually).
| Date | Time | Location | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 11 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1075 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| March 11 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1075 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| April 8 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1075 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| May 13 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1075 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| June | — | No meeting | — |
| July 8 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1075 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| Aug. 12 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1075 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| Sept. 9 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1075 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| Oct. | — | No meeting | — |
| Nov. 10 | 10:30 a.m. | Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1075 | 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 |
| December | — | No meeting | — |
By-Laws Committee
The By-Laws Committee reviews recommendations to update the COA By-Laws in even years or when determined necessary by the COA Executive Committee.
|
Date |
Time |
Location |
Address |
|
Feb. 25 |
9:30 a.m. |
Virtual |
Join Meeting |
Meeting Cancellations & Updates
Please note: Any subcommittee meeting may be canceled if there is no business to discuss. Committee chairs or members will announce cancellations during the subcommittee updates portion of the regular business meeting.
Kansas Silver-Haired Legislature
Johnson County SHL representatives serving from 2025-2027. Front row, Katy Hoffman, Mary Penrose, Mary Calhoun. Back row, Gary Scott, Marvin Singleton, Norman Kahn, Jr.
The Kansas Silver-Haired Legislature (KSHL) was created by Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1649, which was passed by the 1982 Legislature. It created a unicameral (one-chambered) legislature composed of 125 representatives. KSHL delegates are 60+ years old and are elected from their county of residence. Wyandotte, Johnson, Shawnee, and Sedgwick have five additional representatives bringing their totals to six.
Learn more about the 2026 Johnson County SHL Legislative Platform.
2025-2027 Johnson County Silver-Haired Legislature (SHL) Delegation
The following delegates were elected on May 31, 2025, to represent Johnson County in the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature.
- Mary L Calhoun
- Katherine (Katy) Hoffman
- Norman B Kahn, Jr.
- Mary Penrose
- Gary R Scott
- Marvin A. Singleton
Kansas Government and Legislative Information
AAA staff and COA members attended Older Kansans Day at the Capitol
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Kansas Legislature
Information about legislation, processes, and state senators/representatives. Citizens may reach out to their legislators by email or phone. -
Kansas Legislative Hotline/Government Information
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Kansas Legislation Information
Kansas Legislative Research Department
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The National Center on Law and Elder Rights provides insight on health, long term services, economic security, consumer protection, housing, advanced care planning, elder abuse prevention, decision-making and guardianship.