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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-11-03; Senior Commission; Minutes-- MINUTES MEmNG OF: DATE OF MEETING: TIME OF MEmNG: PLACE OF MEmNG: SENIOR COMMISSION November 3,1994 (Regular Meeting) 1:15 p.m. CARLSBAD SENIOR CENTER CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Heard called the Meeting to order at 1 :15 p.m. ROLL CAW Present: Commissioners Heard, Chmiel, West, Whittaker and Zink. Absent: None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Chairman Heard. Chairman Heard introduced Council Member Ramona Finnila, who was present at the meeting. MATERS FROM THE PUBLIC: There were no requests to address the Commission on a non-agenda item. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On motion by Commissioner Chmiel, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held October 6, 1994, were approved as presented. AYES: Heard Chmiel, West and Zink ABSTAIN: Whittaker CONSENT CALENDAR: Coordinator's Report Chairman Heard requested Sue Spickard read her Coordinator's Report today, as follows: Ms. Spickard reported that the mini bus has been filled to capacity on recent trips to Bates Nut Farm, Palomar Mountain and the Old Globe Theatre to see "Later Life". Dr. David lllich provided hearing screening to 15 seniors. This free screening is offered six times a year and all appointments are filled every time. - The Oktoberfest Celebration, October 13, was well-attended, with 179 seniors taking part in the festivities. There was non-alcoholic beer and soft pretzels, along with the traditional knockwurst and sauerkraut. , . I- . November 3, 1994 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 2 - Coordinator's ReDort (Continued) The craft workshops on fabric applique with paints, and fabric wreaths, were well-attended, with the fabric applique class being taught by Teri House. The participants requested an additional class, and that will be scheduled later in the year. The Halloween Dance was held October 27, with many seniors in costumes. Prizes were given for the best costumes, with Mayor Lewis and Council Member Kulchin doing the judging. Events for November are: Today, November 3, 1994 - A seminar on 'Managing Your Money During Retirement' - presented by Steven Scott of Retirement Wise Communications. November 4 - Crafti Crafters Annual Craft & White Elephant Sale--with all proceeds going to the Senior Center. November 17 - Senior Safari with a pre-holiday shopping trip to the L. A. Garment District. The fee for this trip is $34, and Ms. Spickard indicated that The Sun newspaper had printed incorrectly that the price was $3. November 17 - a Seminar on 'Beating the Holiday Blues', presented by Tri-City Hospital. November 19 - Mini bus trip to see "First Collections', a collection of dolls and toys from around the world at the Mingei International Museum, and then on to University Towne Center for lunch and shopping. - November 23 - the traditional Thanksgiving Day luncheon, and Ms. Spickard stated reservations should be made early. On Thanksgiving, again this year, the staff and volunteers will deliver hot meals to Carlsbad seniors who are homebound, along with a gift. December 1 - There will be a Workshop on 'Improving Communications with Grand Kids', by Avonelle Kelsey, with a fee of $5.00. Ms. Spickard continued, stating that staff is continuing to work on recruiting volunteer dishwashers in the dining room to help wash the noon dishes that the Center will soon be using. They are working with people who must do community service, and also they are pursuing going to the Hiring Center. Ms. Spickard reported that the count in the lunch room continues to decline, and staff is considering the possibility of installing a salad bar to attract more participation. Any ideas on how to increase participation would be very welcome. However, this Center is held in high esteem in the County since the count has stayed where it is. Ms. Spickard added that this is due to the special events held at this Center. In 1995, there will be new classes in Story Writing, Spanish Phrases to Assist when Working with Domestic Help, Chair Dancing, and many more. Ms. Spickard concluded her report, reminding everyone to mark their calendars for the Annual Volunteer Celebration at the Raintree Restaurant on November 18. November 3, 1994 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 3 Coordinator’s Report (Continued) In reply to Commission query regarding the dishes, Ms. Spickard stated that staff wants the dishes to dry within ten minutes, and the dishwasher would not do this. With help from the supplier of the dishwasher, adjustments have been made and the dishwasher will now dry the dishes in ten minutes. It wasn’t the dishes-it was the equipment. The dishwasher had not been used on a regular basis, and upgrading was needed. Ms. Spickard added that the Center is going to start cooking their own vegetables, as the vegetables from Vista are not too palatable after being cooked for three hours. Commissioner Chmiel stated that the new dishes and silverware would improve the appearance of the luncheon. She asked about the clearing of the tables. Ms. Spickard stated the dishes and silverware will be separated, and then the dishes will be scraped. In reply to query as to how many volunteers were needed to staff the change in dish washing, Ms. Spickard stated that two volunteers could take care of this. David Bradstreet, Community Services Director, arrived and was introduced by Chairman Heard. Commissioner Chmiel commented that there will be a cost savings by the use of permanent dishes and silverware, and Ms. Spickard concurred, adding that the savings will be considerable, and that money can be spent on other items needed at the Center. - There was Commission discussion on the proposed salad bar, and Ms. Spickard stated she is working with the County and Vista on just how that would be set up. Chairman Heard commented on the drop in luncheon traffic, and asked whether there was any feel of the seasonable impact, with the peaks and valleys that occur in the number of meals served. Ms. Spickard answered that the valleys have been lower than before, and this is happening nationwide. Here in Carlsbad, the snow birds always helped attendance, but there are not as many of those as there used to be. Chairman Heard stated that the restaurants are giving senior discounts and it is easier for seniors to buy their lunch in regular restaurants. Braille Institute Facilitv Utilization This item was tabled until the end of the Agenda, Gerico’s Fundraisins Efforts Chairman Heard stated Gerico’s has been a very generous contributor to the Senior Trust Fund, and this is very much appreciated by all the seniors. Sue Spickard reported that the golf tournament brought in $1,4438.00 (over $200 more than last year) and the meal tickets $2,985.00, (also an increase over last year), for a grand total of $4,423.00. They have been holding this tournament for seven years, with the proceeds going into the Senior Trust Fund. L - November 3, 1994 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 4 COMMITEE REPORTS: Suqaestion Committee No suggestions were received. Nutrition Proiect Liaison Commissioner Chmiel reported that the October meeting was canceled, so her report will contain the figures for two months. She stated that congregate meals served in August totaled 2,827; average donation $1 .%; September, 2,662, average donation $1.58. The total home meals delivered in August 1,068; September, 1,015, average donation $2.88. The current balance of funds raised through Project Council activities is $2,023.31. These funds are raised from dances, craft and bake sales, etc. Commissioner Chmiel listed the special events held in August, September and October, and the business conducted at the meeting. Senior Citizens Association Liaison Commissioner West reported on an October 20,1994, meeting, stating the main discussion was regarding the newsletter. So many people move and don’t provide a change of address, and there was a stack of newsletters with an address correction requested. The Association plans to continue with the same printer and the new format. She stated that the problem is to get people to subscribe and pay the $4.00. The Commissioners all commented favorably on the new format for the newsletter and felt it was greatly improved. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Heard inquired whether the City Attorney’s memorandum included in the packet applied to the Commissioners, and Ms. Spickard replied that each year all Commissioners must fill out the conflict of interest form and cannot accept any gifts as outlined in that memorandum. Chairman Heard commented on the activity sheet provided by Ms. Spickard listing items of interest to the seniors, Ms. Spickard stated that she felt it was better for her to go through the Parks and Recreation brochure and pick out the activities of interest to the seniors. There are copies of this sheet available in the hall of the Center. BRAILLE INSTITUTE FACILITY UTILIZATION Chairman Heard summarized the request made by the Braille Institute, stating that originally they presented their request at the September 1 meeting. All Commissioners were present at that meeting, and the Minutes of the meeting reflected the comments and reactions of the Commissions. Chairman Heard stated that at the October 6, 1994, meeting, the representative from Braille was present, as they had discussed their request with Ms. Spickard and Chairman Heard and realized that because of the activities at the Center, their original request could not be granted. They presented a somewhat scaled down proposal to provide their educational program for visually impaired people. November 3, 1994 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 5 Braille Institute Facilitv Utilization (Continued) Chairman Heard said that Ms. Spickard’s memorandum dated October 26, and the Minutes of the October 6 Commission meeting detailed that request. He said it is now time for a decision, and he asked the Commissioners for their comments. Commissioner Whittaker stated that the Braille Institute is a very fine organization and he has given this matter a lot of thought on how the Center could accommodate their request. However, he said that the guidelines for the Center basically preclude the use of the facility unless it is totally for seniors. Therefore, he stated he could not support this request. Commissioner Chmiel stated that if the Commission does grant this request, she felt it should be on a trial basis. If it does not work out, then it should be reviewed and discontinued. She stated that they are requesting Monday afternoons for an hour and a half, and she would approve that on a trial basis. Commissioner West concurred, stating it would have to be on a trial basis, since there is no way to determine just how many people will be involved in the program. Commissioner Zink stated she was concerned about the request to use the kitchen to teach the people how to wash dishes and the use of the telephone. - Ms. Spickard stated that the dish washing would be only one afternoon during the term of the program. Also, as far as the telephone, that was not for the students, but for the instructor, in case she had to contact the Braille Institute. Commissioner Zink agreed that this should be granted on a trial basis, with a review after two or three months. Commissioner Chmiel commented that the purpose of the program is to teach these people how to function in normal society. Chairman Heard stated this would give the Center an opportunity to serve a segment of the community that is not presently being served. He said he is in favor of the proposal as presented by Ms. Spickard. As far as the guidelines, he said they do state that a proposal of this kind can be granted on a very limited basis. Commissioner Whittaker agreed that the last paragraph of the guidelines does give the Commission some choice, but he felt it did not include a regular class; particularly when it is not one hundred percent seniors. There is no guarantee that there won’t be a younger person in the class. Chairman Heard stated that the Center does serve some handicapped persons in the dining room who are not seniors, and Ms. Spickard confirmed that. November 3, 1994 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 6 c Braille Institute Facilitv Utilization. (Continued) ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Chmiel, the Senior Commission agreed to allow the Braille Institute to start their program for the visually impaired on a trial basis, with the class to be held on Monday afternoons, at 1:30 p.m., starting in late January 1995. This program will be re-evaluated at the end of two sessions or six months; whichever occurs first. AYES: NOES: Whittaker ITEMS FOR NDCT AGENDA: Fundraising brochure (if available) Gerico's donation Heard, Chmiel, West and Zink The Commission and everyone present wished Sue Spic,ard a 'Happy Birthday'. ADJOURNMENT: By proper motion, the Regular Meeting of November 3, 1994, was adjourned at 21 1 p.m. Minutes Clerk October 25, 1994 TO: SENIOR COMHISSION FROM: Senior Center Coordinator COORDINATORS REPORT The mini bus was filled to capacity for our annual trip to Bates Nut Farm and Palomar Mountain. Another sold out crowd enjoyed the play "Later Lifet1 at the Old Globe Theater. Dr. David Illich provided hearing screening to 15 Seniors. Dr. Illich and the Senior Center offer this free screening approximately six times each year, and each time all appointments are filled. ' 179 participants joined the Oktoberfest Celebration in the diningroom on October 13. Those attending enjoyed non-alcoholic beer and soft pretzels along with the traditional knockwurst and sauerkraut. The craft workshops on fabric applique with paints, and fabric wreaths were well attended and received. The fabric applique class, taught by Teri House, was so well received that participants requested an additional class which will be scheduled later in the year . Halloween costume dance will be held October 27 with 1st and 2nd place prizes being awarded for the best costume. NOVEMBER Nov. 3 - Seminar - ItManaging Your Money During Retirement - The Options -The Opportunities", presented by Steven Scott of Retirement Wise Communications. Nov. 4 - Crafti Crafters Ann ual Craft & White Eleohant Sale - don't miss this opportunity to purchase the treasures offered by this talented group of ladies. All proceeds are donated to support the Senior Center. Nov. 10 - Senior Safari pre holiday shopping trip to the L.A. Garment District. Visit the Cooper Building and enjoy lunch at the Bonaventure Hotel. Fee $34 Nov. 17 - Seminar - "Beating the Holiday Blues", presented by Tri City Hospital. Nov. 19 - Mini bus trip to see IIFirst Collections", a collection of dolls and toys from around the world at the Mingei International Museum. Then on to University Towne Center for lunch and shopping. Novo 23 - Traditional Thanksgiving Day lunch. Make your reservations early! Nov. 24 & 25 HOLIDAY - Center Closed. DECEMBE R Dec. 1 Workshop - IIImproving Communication with Grand Kids", offered by Avonelle Kelsey. Fee $5 Staff continues to work on recruiting volunteer dishwashers in the diningroom to help wash the noon dishes that we anticipate utilizing soon. Count in the lunch room continues to be on the decline, staff is pursuing the possibility of installing a salad bar in hopes of attracting more participation. Any other ideas on how to increase participation would be welcome. Once again the Center will offer a hot home delivered meal to isolated, homebound Seniors in Carlsbad on Thanksgiving Day. Any one interested in volunteering should contact Marolyn. Looking ahead to 1995, new classes to include Story Writing, Spanish Phrases to Assist when Working with Domestic Help, Chair Dancing and more... Mark your calendars, the Annual Volunteer Celebration is at The Raintree on November 18. See you there! M- SUE SCHULTZ SPICKARD c. Assistant City Manager Community Services Director October 26, 1994 TO: SENIOR COMMISSION FROM: Senior Center Coordinator BRAILLE INSTITUTE Today I met with Patricia Conlee and Scotti Aretakis of the Braille Institute to discuss the potential for their utilizing the Senior Center Diningroom for an ongoing class. If approved, they have decided that they would prefer Monday afternoons beginning at 1:30 pm. in late January 1995. They would need some minimal storage space and are willing to purchase a cabinet. On a rare occasion they would need to utilize the copy machine and perhaps a phone. If possible, they also requested that Braille would be allowed to utilize our kitchen to teach tthow to wash dishestt. We spoke at length about their participants utilizing the Senior Center transportation, joining the lunch program, and how that might be accomplished without interruption to the regular participants. The Braille representatives have assured me that class participants would be predominantly Carlsbad Seniors. Should a situation ever arise, Carlsbad Seniors would get preference in accessing this program. Braille Institute wants their program to benefit the community and would invite all Seniors to attend appropriate programs (ie presentations by Social Security, etc.). Braille Institute is very interested in offering this program at the Senior Center and displayed sensitivity to the present programming needs of the Center. They offered their ongoing cooperation and expressed that their desire is to offer this service to Carlsbad Seniors and at the same time offer diversity to the Center‘s programming. Additionally, they have agreed to add the City as ttalso insuredtt on their liability policy. Senior Center staff is aware of the Commission’s concerns about Itopening the flood gatestt for other outside groups wishing to utilize the Senior Center. Any group would be required to follow the same procedure as has Braille Institute with this request. They would need to present the request to the Senior Commission for review and action. Therefore, on a case-by-case basis the Commission has the opportunity to decide which groups will and will not be allowed to utilize the building. Staff has discussed the potential for the Braille Institute offering this program at the Center and believes it can be accomplished with minimal impact on current programs. If the Commission approves the Braille Institute utilizing the Senior Center diningroom for this class, staff recommends that it be reviewed a minimum of annually. As programming needs change, continuance of the program will need to be analyzed. I am available to answer any further questions. SUE SCHULTZ SPICKARD Senior Center Coordinator