HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-01-04; Senior Commission; MinutesMINUTES
MEETING OF: SENIOR COMMISSION
DATE OF MEETING:
TIME OF MEETING: 1:15 p.m.
PLACE OF MEETING:
January 4, 1996 (Regular Meeting)
CARLSBAD SENIOR CENTER
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Whittaker called the Meeting to order at 1:15 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Whittaker, Chmiel, West and Zink. Commissioner Serrin arrived at 1 :18
p.m.
Absent: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Chairman Whittaker.
- MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC:
There were no requests to address the Commission on a non-agenda item.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
On motion by Commissioner Zink, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held December 7, 1995, were
approved as presented.
AYES: Whittaker, Chmiel, West and Zink
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Senior Coordinator’s RePort
Chairman Whitaker requested that the Senior Coordinator’s Report be given orally by Ms. Spickard.
Sue Spickard stated that the Holiday Season was certainly abounding at the Center this year. The
decorations were exquisite, especially with the large tree in the gallery made possible by ”Santa’s Ranch”,
whose business was located at the corner of Vista Way and Jefferson. FHP sponsored gift wrapping and
were surprised at the number of seniors who took advantage of the service. They assured everyone that
they will come back again.
Ms. Spickard reported that the musical put on by the “Toe Tappers” and Hawaiian Dance Class on
December 11 was attended by over 120 enthusiastic people. It was a great afternoon with music, dancing
and colorful costumes. -
January 4, 1996 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 2 -
Senior Coordinator's Report (Continued)
Ms. Spickard stated that the Carlsbad Warblers gave their holiday concert on December 20, with over 80
people attending.
Ms. Spickard reported that on December 22, Center participants had an opportunity to have their photo
taken with Santa. Dan Elston, the Center's very own Santa, got quite a workout this year. He delivered
home meals on every route the Center has and delivered goodies to the families that were adopted by the
Center. Elves Perry, MaryAnn and Jason assisted with the delivery of food and gifts to the adopted
families. All agreed it was very rewarding and the families were truly in need. Next year the elves will be
armed with candy and a camera so all those who came out to see Santa will receive something.
Ms. Spickard stated that many THANKS go to seniors, staff and City staff, who so generously donated their
efforts to make the Holidays special for the six families adopted. Each family received a turkey, ham and
all the fixings for a holiday meal, along with gifts for the children. Ms. Spickard added that those families
had a very nice Holiday thanks to a caring group of people.
Ms. Spickard said that most of the groups in the Center held their own parties, with all of them reporting
great parties. The Holiday Luncheon was served on December 22, with 185 seniors enjoying turkey and
all the trimmings.
Ms. Spickard reported that January will be an active month, with presentations on "Estate Planning Terms
& Money Savings Strategies" on January 5; "How to Organize Your Legal and Financial Affairs" on January
10; hearing testing by appointment on Monday, January 15, and a demonstration of "Waidangong: Ancient
Chinese Exercise" on Wednesday, January 17. There will be an oral cancer screening on January 24 and
a presentation on "Investing for Income" on the same day.
Ms. Spickard said staff is very pleased that the first meeting of the "Personal Computer Users Group" will
be held on Thursday, January 18, at 1O:OO a.m., in the auditorium. Everyone seems to be excited about
the formation of this group and many have offered computers for use by the group.
Ms. Spickard extended a wish for a Happy and Healthy New Year to all.
Ms. Spickard added that Perry retired as of December 28.
ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Chmiel, the Senior Coordinator's Report was
accepted as presented.
AYES: Whittaker, Chmiel, Serrin, West and Zink
Prime West
Norma Kjellberg, Advertising Consultant, Prime West, Inc., addressed the Commission regarding the
installation of a communication board that her company provides without charge to qualifying senior and
community centers. She explained that the board is solid oak, 5 1/2 feet high by 7 1/2 feet wide, and has
19 spaces for sponsors to be listed, with the center calendar area available for any notices the Center
wishes to post.
Ms. Kjellberg provided a list of the centers having these boards, including the center at Oceanside. -
January 4, 1996 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 3 -
Prime West (Continued)
Ms. Kjellberg stated that the Center controls the sponsors by having the right to deny use of any sponsor
on the board. There is no profit from the board for the first year it is in place, but after that the Center can
earn $500 a year. She distributed copies of letters from people who favor having these boards. In reply
to Commission query, Ms. Kjellberg stated that the agreement can be for three or five years, with three
years being the minimum.
This item will be placed on next month’s agenda and the Commissioners requested staff to plan a visit to
the Center at Oceanside to view the board in place there.
Recoqnition of Donations
Sue Spickard showed slides of the donation board in place in the Center in Palm Springs. She stated she
went to the YMCA in Encinitas and took photographs of the different types of recognition they have on
display. She said that most Senior Centers send a letter from the Director and do not have plaques on
the walls. Encinitas has a tree of life, which would take a large area and does make quite a difference in
the size and kind of the acknowledgment. The Commissioners commented they did not feel they would
want to use any type of board that used either smaller print or a smaller type symbol for lessor donations.
Sue Spickard stated that this Commission could make any recommendation to the City Council they
wished, including a recommendation against having any plaques of any kind.
Chairman Whittaker stated he felt this type of acknowiedgment could bring about some controversy, and
maybe create hurt feelings.
The Commissioners stated they would like to visit a place that has such a board/acknowledgment and talk
with the people who could answer questions about any comments or problems that have occurred.
Sue Spickard will arrange a visit and the Commissioners will be notified. This item will also be on the
agenda next month.
Volunteers in Schools
Commissioner Serrin referred to the information he provided to the Commission last month and stated in
reply to Commission comment that the volunteers would have to be treated fairly or it would not work.
He said that the school administration and the schools would have to unify the goal of the volunteers with
their strategic plan. He explained that volunteers would sign up at the Senior Center and be interviewed
there; then go to the chosen school and talk with a coordinator there. The students would work with a
tutor for approximately 30 minutes, with the tutors spending approximately three hours at one location.
This could be in the evening or daytime; with a schedule available to the students to inform them of what
tutoring was available at what time.
Commissioner Zink commented that most seniors learned school subjects quite different from what is
taught today, and Commissioner Serrin said that probably some updating would be necessary; particularly
in the upper grades.
Elections
This item was taken out of order at this time.
January 4, 1996 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 4 _-
Elections (Continued)
By unanimous vote, Chairman Whittaker was re-elected as Chairman for 1996 and Commissioner Zink was
re-elected Vice-Chair.
Commissioner Chmiel left the meeting at 2:lO p.m. She will give the Nutrition Report at the next meeting.
Volunteers in Schools (Continued)
Sue Spickard stated.that the Center has always been interested in having volunteers in the schools, but
it has not been a top priority, and perhaps with Commissioner Serrin to spearhead the program it will
become a reality.
Chairman Whittaker suggested Commissioner Serrin meet with staff to devise a plan to bring to the next
meeting.
Volunteer Recoq ni tions
Sue Spickard stated this item will probably be on the agenda for discussion for some time. She said she
contacted Tri-City Hospital to find how they are recognizing volunteers, and she said they have a party
once a year, but it seems that there is not too much cooperation from the hospital. Commissioner Zink
commented that they charge the volunteers for their own party and do not treat the volunteers very fairly.
Ms. Spickard said that the big issue is how to determine what constitutes a volunteer--what is the criteria
to be followed.
Commission discussion determined that a list should be compiled by category, listing the different
positions for volunteers, and to consider that rather than the number of hours spent in volunteering.
Ms. Spickard will compile a list and distribute this to the Commissioners before the next meeting.
This item was taken out of order. (See pages 3 and 4)
Scribe Appointment
Commissioner Zink was re-appointed as Scribe for 1996.
Committee Reports:
Committee Reports were continued to the next meeting.
Chairperson’s Report:
Chairman Whittaker wished everyone a Happy New Year.
January 4, 1996 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 5 -
Items for Next Aqenda:
Prime West
Recognition of Donations
Volunteers in Schools
Volunteer Recognition
ADJOURNMENT:
By proper motion, the Regular Meeting of January 4, 1996, was adjourned at 231 p.m.
Respectfull y,,su bmittedf
Minutes Clerk