HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-28; Senior Commission; 01; Department Report on Senior Activities and Programs
Meeting Date: August 28, 2025
To: Senior Commission
From: Ashlee Benson, Recreation Services Manager
Staff Contact: Eric Biggin, Recreation Area Manager
eric.biggin@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2648
Subject: Department Report on Senior Activities and Programs
Recommended Action
Receive a report on recently completed and upcoming Adults 50+ activities, donations and
grants, as well as other topics of interest.
Executive Summary
Recreation Area Manager Eric Biggin and Recreation Supervisor II Andi Koller will report on
recently completed and upcoming senior activities, donations and grants, as well as other topics
of interest.
Exhibits
1. Department Report on Senior Activities and Programs
SENIOR COMM,ISS I ON
Staff Report
\
Exhibit 1
ADULTS 50+ ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS
DEPARTMENT REPORT
Aug. 28, 2025
GENERAL
Commission Work Plan Goal 1: Determine the needs of adults 50+
The Carlsbad Senior Center continues to integrate community feedback into programming and outreach
for adults 50 and older.
• Instructor Mike McMahon continued his monthly Digital Photo & Tech classes based on
participant interest and questions. Sessions in July and August included “All About Podcasts,”
“23 Killer iPhone Tips,” and “Amazing Free Library Resources.”
• In response to patron requests, staff arranged for Dr. Joel Heiser to present “Is Joint
Replacement Right for You?” on July 28, 2025, and staff are exploring a participant-led follow-up
group to extend the conversation.
• The Adults 50+ webpages were updated with expanded information on age-friendly resources,
based on frequent questions staff receive at the front desk.
Commission Work Plan Goal 2: Support the Age-Friendly Carlsbad Action Plan
Senior Center programming supported multiple domains of the Age-Friendly framework, including
Outdoor Spaces & Buildings, Social & Civic Participation, Health & Wellness, and Mobility.
• The Library Book Bike visited the Senior Center on July 14, 2025, expanding library access and
connecting with patrons who primarily rely on the Senior Center for books and technology.
• The Senior Center distributed 90 benefit cards through the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition
Program (SFMNP) on Aug. 13, 2025, offering low-income older adults access to fresh, locally
grown produce.
• The second annual “End of Summer Bash” was held on Aug. 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at
Pine Avenue Community Park. The event featured live music, sweet treats, and class promotion.
Commission Work Plan Goal 3: Create Adult 50+ opportunities & collaborations beyond Senior Center
Programs and partnerships extended the Senior Center’s impact beyond its physical location.
• The Senior Center partnered with the Carlsbad City Library to align printing systems in the
computer lab. This transition launched on July 3, 2025, and increased consistency for patrons
who use both library and Senior Center services.
• Senior Excursions took participants to Surf Bowl on July 17, 2025, and to the Del Mar Racetrack
on Aug. 28, 2025.
• Collaborations with external organizations, including AARP on Aug. 12, 2025, and Alzheimer’s
San Diego on Aug. 21, 2025, enhanced educational opportunities.
• The Senior Center Library “Open House” on Aug. 15, 2025, led by a dedicated volunteer,
introduced new resources and provided hands-on technology assistance.
Commission Work Plan Goal 4: Increase social inclusion, enhance connectivity & minimize isolation
Programs and communications promoted engagement, digital access, and intergenerational experiences.
• A new free karate class, Kata, was introduced on Saturdays beginning on June 28, 2025. The
class emphasizes low-impact, non-contact movements rooted in traditional Japanese martial
arts and is open to ages 18+.
{'city of
Carlsbad
Parks & Recreation
• Tech-friendly learning opportunities were offered throughout July and August, including “iPhone
for Seniors”, “Stay Safe Online”, and “Editing Your iPhone Photos”.
• Summer Games promoted intergenerational engagement by inviting local youth and senior
center patrons to play courtyard games together each Friday morning.
• New programs and events were promoted through e-blasts, print newsletters, posters, and in-
person announcements to ensure accessibility for our older adult audience.
• The Courtyard Concert with Blue Suede Crew on July 14, 2025, and Daniel Newheiser on Aug.
11, 2025, and the Sunset Shakers and Swayers dance performance on Aug. 25, 2025, created
welcoming social environments and encouraged ongoing participation.
SPECIAL REVENUE FUND
• Senior Center Special Revenue Fund budget/donations review
Current fund balance – $332,643.52
June 15, 2025 – August 15, 2025
o DONATIONS: None to report
o MISC REVENUE: $4,032.70 – Consists of Fitness Center drop-in fees and memberships
o EXPENDITURES: $480.00 – Includes costs to host Concerts in the Courtyard, garden
club supplies and maintenance.
On Sept. 23, 2025, the City Council will consider accepting a $185,469.82 donation from the
Davy L. Minge Estate in support of the Carlsbad Senior Center. In June 2025, the City
Attorney’s Office received notice of the estate’s final distribution, which included the
generous bequest. Mr. Minge had a special connection to the center, rejoining the
congregate lunch program after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted and remaining an active
participant until his passing about a year ago. Department staff are reviewing the terms of
the bequest and evaluating options for allocating the funds in a way that reflects Mr. Minge’s
intent and supports the center’s operational and programming needs.
STATISTICAL REPORTS
Nutrition
In fiscal year 2024–25, a total of 25,412 meals were served, including 13,050 congregate meals and
12,362 home-delivered meals, averaging 102 meals per day.
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25 Jun-25 Jul-25
Me
a
l
s
S
e
r
v
e
d
Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25 Jun-25 Jul-25
Congregate 1117 1161 1181 1078 1141 1132
HDM 924 1012 1030 1013 927 1004
Nutrition
T
+
+
~
T
+ ■
+ ■
Transportation
In fiscal year 2024–25, a total of 3,900 one-way rides were provided, serving an average of eight
passengers daily and 24 unique passengers each month.
Senior Programs & Classes
In fiscal year 2024–25, total program attendance reached 50,667, with over 100 unique programs
offered. The highest attended programs included Bingo, Duplicate Bridge, and Line Dancing.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25 Jun-25 Jul-25
1-
Wa
y
R
i
d
e
s
Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25 Jun-25 Jul-25
1-Way Rides 290 300 246 290 324 280
Transportation
3700
3800
3900
4000
4100
4200
4300
4400
4500
Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25 Jun-25 Jul-25
At
t
e
n
d
a
n
c
e
Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25 Jun-25 Jul-25
Class Attendance 3950 4050 4385 4030 4140 4194
Classes & Programs
■ I
■