Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-09-01; Senior Commission; MinutesMINUTES MEmNG OF: DATE OF MEmNG: TIME OF MEmNG: PLACE OF MEmNG: SENIOR COMMISSION September 1, 1994 (Regular Meeting) 1 :15 p.m. CARLSBAD SENIOR CENTER CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Heard called the Meeting to order at 1:15 p.m. ROU CALL: Present: Commissioners Heard, Chmiel, West, Whittaker and Zink. Absent: None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Chairman Heard. MATERS FROM THE PUBUC: There were no requests to address the Commission on a non-agenda item. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On motion by Commissioner Whittaker, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held August 4, 1994, were approved as presented. AYES: Chmiel, West, Whittaker and Zink ABSTAIN: Heard CONSENT CALENDAR: Senior Coordinator's Report The Commission accepted and filed the Coordinator's Report for July, 1994. Maurice Kimball stated there should be some further explanation with the title "Amateur Contest" to delineate the type of contest. BRAILLE INSTlTUTE FACIW UTIUZATION: Sue Spickard reported that representatives from the Braille Institute were present to explain their programs and request permission to offer a class at the Senior Center. She stated that the Commission has guidelines enacted in September of 1990, saying that the Center will not allow 'on-going outside groups' to utilize the Center between the hours of 8:OO a.m. to 5:OO p.m., Monday through Friday. September 1, 1994 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 2 BRAILLE INSTITUTE FACIUTY UTILIZATION: (Continued) Patricia Conlee, Director of Field Services, addressed the Commission stating the Braille Institute has been in operation for 75 years as a non-profit, privately funded organization, with all services provided free of charge. She said they like to think they are a part of the community, and not an "outside" organization. They are not new in Carlsbad, but have only been less visible. They have been providing services in the form of library services and visual aid consultations, and would like to expand their services in this community. Ms. Conlee stated that every community can benefit from one of their programs, as they cross all lines, serving the pre-school children, teens and the seniors. They use senior centers in other communities, and would like to come to this Center as a cooperative partner to join hands to help the people needing their help in Carlsbad. It is possible for seniors to get to a Senior Center when it is almost impossible for someone facing vision loss to get to some other location. By providing this program at the Center, the seniors can then become familiar with the Center and take part in the other programs offered here. Ms. Conlee continued, stating that we have lost the concept of neighborhoods and no longer are acquainted with all of our neighbors, and in the Senior Center, positive bridges would be built for those seniors who are feeling lost and they would be taught how to become more independent. The volunteers for this program are from the community and the students are from the community, and the staff would be from north county. Fortune Zuckerman, Director of the San Diego facility, stated she has worked for the Braille Institute thirteen years, and they would like to come to Carlsbad to serve the seniors in this area. Scotti Aretakis, Community Outreach Coordinator, stated she has lived in north county for twenty-five years. She told of her work history in north county and said her focus is working with seniors. She said that when she was hired by the Braille Institute, she felt this was her dream. She stated that the Carlsbad Senior Center is the top Senior Center and she would be privileged to work with the City. Ms. Conlee continued the presentation, stating that in San Diego County, there are approximately 92,000 individuals who are legally blind or visually impaired. The request to the Senior Center would be for a class to be held one morning a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:OO noon. There would be no charge for the class, as the Institute budgets $43,000 for each community served. They would like to have a program here at the Center, and do appreciate the Commission allowing them to give this presentation. Gommissioner Whittaker inquired how much space they would need, and Ms. Conlee said that they would need one class room, and the size would depend upon how many people took advantage of the class. Usually there are twenty to twenty-five people in a class. They would prefer a morning class, so the seniors could then take part in the Nutrition Program. Commissioner Whittaker stated he would like more time to consider this request before taking any action. The Commission has strict guidelines for the use of the Center, and he felt more time and discussion by the Commissioners would be necessary to make any decision. He said he would want to make certain that no seniors would suffer as a result of the facility being used by this group. Commissioner Whittaker added that this is a very noble organization and he is sympathetic to their needs, but the needs of the seniors in this Center must come first. September 1, 1994 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 3 BRAILLE INSTITUTE (Continued) Ms. Conlee stated that the average age of their participants is 75 years, or older. In response to query about the pre-schoolers, she stated that the children and youths would,not be serviced here at the Center-just the adult population. In response to a question as to whether the adults are over 55, Ms. Conlee said that there might be one or two younger than that, but those people would be working people who have been displaced temporarily because of a sight problem. The Institute would want to help them move back into their career field. Commissioner Whittaker inquired about liability insurance, and Ms. Conlee stated they provide proof of insurability and would be happy to have the Commission contact other senior center Directors to learn what their program has done. Commissioner Chmiel stated she too felt this was a worthy program, but the guidelines for use of this Center would have to be amended to allow this type of use, and she was not in favor of amending those guidelines. Also, this Center is a very busy Center, with most of the space occupied by classes every day. Ms. Conlee stated that they have talked with San Marcos about the program, and can only have the program in three cities. If they cannot have a class here, they will approach another city in the area. Chairman Heard stated that there would be no decision by the Commission today, as there are a lot of factors to be considered. He referred to the economics of free space, and stated that many companies that used to donate free space to different organizations, now charge for that space. He said that free space as such is becoming very minimal. Commissioner Zink stated that there are so many activities going on in this Center every day, and all of the space is occupied daily, and she felt it would be impossible to cancel one of the on-going programs in order to have this program. Ms. Conlee said that she was aware that this is a busy Center, and that is one reason they chose it. They would understand if it is not possible to have a class here at this Center. If the Commission needs more information or wants them to return for further questions, they will be happy to do so. TRUST FUND: Sue Spickard gave an update on the Trust Fund, stating there is approximately $32,000 avairable to support operations, programs, etc., and several things are being considered. The large screen video projector needs to be repaired, as there is a fine-line crack on one of the lens. This would cost approximately $400. Funds will be needed for the Volunteer Celebration to add to the support received from the Association. The Association has agreed to pay for recovering all of the chairs in the patio at a cost of $40 per chair. There has been a problem with people and children coming over the fence into the patio, and some damage has been done there. Ms. Spickard will meet with a City representative today to find out the cost to put a beam across the top of the fence so people cannot climb over. Ms. Spickard said that a plan is being worked on to re-do the reception area. She had hoped to enclose the entire area, but that is not possible, because of fire safety. They are looking at modular-type furniture to give the people there more privacy and security and provide more privacy for the back office. Trust fund money will be used to re-do that area. Ms. Spickard stated that some money will be needed for the Fifth Anniversary party. She explained that some people are confused about the Trust Fund and how the funds are spent, and she will be explaining to the Crafty Crafters just how the Trust Fund works. September 1, 1994 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 4 TRUST FUND: (Continued) Commission discussion continued about the patio chairs, with a suggestion that they need painting and also that perhaps new chairs should be considered, if these chairs need repair every year. Ms. Spickard stated she would look into that. ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION: Ms. Spickard stated that the donation by Corky Calsbeck was a quarterly donation with the Center as the beneficiary of their United Way donation. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Chmiel, the Senior Commission recommended acceptance of $27.30 donated by Corky Lee Calsbeck. AYES: Heard, Chmiel, West, Whittaker and Zink FIFIH ANNIVERSARY: Commissioner Zink reported on a August 22, 1994, meeting of the committee in charge of planning the fifth anniversary celebration. She stated that the committee has discussed many different ideas, and would like to have a display of the work done by the different classes at the Center; refreshments available and a special luncheon on Thursday, December 8. This luncheon would be served in both the dining room and the auditorium, with City officials invited to attend and a proclamation issued and read. The suggestion was made to have background music during the luncheon. Commissioner Zink stated that the committee members would like to explore the possibility of a video showing the progress made in the five years there has been a senior center and a Senior Commission. Ms. Spickard stated she has contacted the Media Specialist with regard to the possibility of making such a video. The video would start with shots of the Harding Street Center and the School District offices. The ground breaking ceremonies would then start the story of the new Senior Center and School District offices. Ms. Spickard is to contact Vista with regard to a special meal, and there would be a special cake for dessert. Ms. Spickard said that the County would have to approve the meal in order for this to be a part of the Nutrition Program. There is allowance made for a monthly large event. The Commissioners agreed that a video of the progress of the Center would be nice, and Ms. Spickard stated that the only problem would be getting it done by that time. It would be a difficult task to get the script written, and she stated that if anyone has an interest in such a project, please let her know. The Commission, by consensus, recommended that a video of the progress of the Senior Center be made, hopefully by that time, and a special luncheon be served in the dining room and auditorium, with programs in both rooms. VOLUNTEER CELEBRATION: Commissioner Chmiel reported that the Volunteer Celebration will be held at the Raintree Grill, on Friday, November 18, 1994. There will be refreshments and a no-host bar prior to the dinner. Research is still going on with regard to favors, entertainment and theme. There will be dancing to the music of the Golden Tones orchestra. September 1, 1994 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 5 VOLUNTEER CELEBRATION: Ms. Spickard stated that the present to be given to the volunteers is still being discussed. Ideas include coffee cups, ink pens and a calendar. She said that the calendars would be expensive, as you have to provide your own pictures for them. COMMITEE REPORTS: Suqqestion Committee Commissioner Zink gave the report, with the following suggestions being presented: Suggestion: Design and sell senior safari T-shirts. Answer: Several years ago, at the request of the Anglers group, a logo was designed and hats made to be sold. The venture failed, and there are still several dozen hats not sold. If a safari T-shirt was desired, this should be done individually. Suggestion: Offer a Tai Chi class. Answer: Tai Chi classes have been offered in the past, but were canceled due to a lack of interest. An interest list will be developed and if enough people sign up, the Center will consider offering the class. Nutrition Proiect Liaison Commissioner Chmiel gave the report, stating congregate meals served in July totaled 2,708; average donation $1.59; total home meals delivered in July, 1,000; average donation $2.09. The current balance of funds raised through Project Council activities is $2,013.45. These funds are raised from dances, craft and bake sales, etc. Commissioner Chmiel listed the special events held in July, and told of plans for a New Year's Dance, on Friday, December 30. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: Chairman Heard stated he had no further report. EMS FOR NEXT AGENDA: Consideration of request from Braille Institute Fund raising brochure Report on September 15 meeting on Volunteer Dinner Covering of patio chairs Expenditures of Trust Fund Costs for 5th Anniversary party Ms. Spickard stated that the speakers for the patio is an item that is being worked on. At this time, the City is trying to do as many things as possible "in-house', and that takes longer. September 1 I 1994 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 6 PUBLIC COMMENT: Maurice "Mo" Kimball reported that there was a very interesting meeting held at this Center this morning, 1O:OO a.m. to 11 :00 a.m., by a representative from Channel 39. There were 19 people in attendance, and all of them asked questions and participated in the meeting. He complimented staff for sponsoring such productive meetings. ADJOURNMEM: By proper motion, the Regular Meeting of September 1 1994, was adjourned at 2:20 p.m. / Minutes Clerk ..' August 22, 1994 TO: SENIOR COMMISSION FROM: Senior Center Coordinator COORDINATORS REPORT NUTRITION The Luau held on August 15 was a complete success! 245 lunches were served. The decorations in the diningroom and on the patio were beautiful. A great deal of thanks must be given to the hardworking volunteers who, without their efforts, we could not offer events of this nature. We are in desperate need for volunteer home meals drivers. There are many seniors in need of this program that we have had to develop another route. Anyone interested should contact Marolyn. Vista is experimenting with a new menu item - Pizza. The new entree will be offered on September 21. The Nutrition Project Council is looking ahead and planning a Halloween Costume dance for October 20, and a New Year's Dance on December 30, 1994. SPECIAL EVENTS Utilization of the minibus continues to grow. In August, 25 Seniors enjoyed a day trip to the new Stephen Birch Aquarium, lunch at Torrey Pines Inn and a visit to the Gliderport. On September 10 we will head for San Diego for a guided tour of the Presidio and Serra Museum. August 25 Senior Safari will head to Los Angeles to visit the State and County Arboretum and roam the 127 acres of landscaped grounds. Then on to Old Town Pasadena. September 22 join the Senior Safari to Big Bear Lake. Enjoy the beautiful San Bernadino mountains and a narrated excursion of Big Bear Lake. Spend the rest of the day visiting the quaint shops along the newly restored Village Drive. Beginning Italic Calligraphy will offer a new session beginning September 6. Ballroom dance classes begin again on Wednesday September 7. Exercise, Drama and Art will also resume after summer break. Plans are currently underway for the Annual Volunteer Celebration and the Senior Center 5th Anniversary party. The Amateur contest is scheduled for Monday September 19. All intsrested contestants must be present for the rehearsal on Monday September 12 at 1 p.m. in the Auditorium. On September 22 the award winning theatre group llStop Gap" will present improvisational theatre, sharing wit and wisdom from your "Life ' s Journey1' Gerico's & KOKO Beach Restaurants will again this year sponsor the annual fundraising golf tournament on September 24. Tickets for meals at Gerico's and KOKO Beach will soon be available for sale. This year tickets to be redeemed at KOKO Beach will only be redeemable between the hours of 12 noon until 6 p.m. UPCOMING EVENTS September 1 8 13 &4 20 15 15 19 22 24 29 - Presentation - "Media-are they Watch Dogs or Lap - Presentation - "Get It Together!' learn methods of - Bonsai Workshop and Seminar Dogs? organization (1 I1 - Fashion/Make-Up Tips for Seniors - Dance to music by the Golden Tones - Amateur Contest - I1Life's Journey1I - GERICO'S Golf Tournament - Financial Seminar - Preparing for being Alone SUE SCHULTZ SPICKARD c: Assistant City Manager Community Services Director