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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-10-05; Senior Commission; MinutesMINUTES MEETING OF: SENIOR COMMISSION DATE OF MEETING: TIME OF MEETING: 1:15 p.m. PLACE OF MEETING: CARLSBAD SENIOR CENTER October 5,1995 (Regular Meeting) CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Whittaker called the Meeting to order at 1:15 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Absent: None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Chairman Whittaker. Commissioners Whittaker, Chmiel, Serrin, West and Zink. MAlTERS FROM THE PUBLIC: There were no requests to address the Commission on a non-agenda item. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On motion by Commissioner West, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held September 7, 1995, were approved as presented. AYES: Chmiel, West and Zink ABSTAIN: Whittaker Chairman Whittaker welcomed Commissioner Serrin to the Commission. CONSENT CALENDAR: Senior Coordinator’s Report Chairman Whitaker requested that the Senior Coordinator’s Report be given orally by Ms. Spickard. Sue Spickard welcomed Commissioner Serrin to the Commission and thanked Linwood Van for his services to the Center over the past years. October 5, 1995 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 2 Senior Coordinator's RePort Ms. Spickard reported that September was a busy month, with all of the regularly scheduled classes starting a new semester, and several newer classes. The newest class which the Commission approved, is "Spinal Fitness" with 35 students registered and 22 attending regularly, The instructor has commented on how very rewarding it is to teach this class, with many seniors who cannot participate in other types of exercise increasing their mobility. A presentation on "Medical Records Privacy" by Claudia Terrazus from the University of San Diego Center for Public Interest Law was well-attended and those attending expressed their pleasure with the information offered and suggested additional seminars on issues of privacy. The Senior Safari trip to Big Bear was sold out and the weather cooperated, making the trip very enjoyable, with the fall colors just beginning to show in the mountains. Ms. Spickard reported that Mexican Independence Day was celebrated in the dining room, with 200 lunch participants enjoying chips and salsa, Mexican dancers and a new dish "Flying Saucer" (also known as a Tostada Suprema). The Countywide District V Project Council meeting was hosted by the Center on September 28. Ms. Spickard said that October began with a presentation at 1O:OO a.m., this morning, in the Auditorium, "Terrorism At Your Doorstep". Peter Nunez, past Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Enforcement gave the presentation, and while in that office he oversaw the enforcement of the Customs Service, Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Senior Safari trips planned for October include one to San Diego to see the Life Guards, The Blue and Royal and the Black Watch. This is a musical and marching spectacular commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. October 19 the Safari will go to Palm Springs for a ride up the Tram with lunch at the Alpine Restaurant. Ms. Spickard continued, stating that on Monday, October 16, Mark Steyaert, Park Development Coordinator for the City, will talk about "All About Xeriscape". He will also offer suggestions regarding drought-tolerant plantings for gardens. The Holidays are fast approaching, and a great gift idea is a handmade sweatshirt decorated with Stones and Sparkles. Lucy Thew will be teaching her techniques on October 16. Ms. Spickard stated that the permanent dinnerware has been in use in the dining room for several months, and a large amount of dinnerware has been lost, due, she feels, to the habit of the seniors throwing the dishes in the trash. The dishwasher hours have been extended and he is now bussing the tables. This seems to work quite well and the loss of dishes has significantly declined. Ms. Spickard reminded the seniors to mark their calendars for the Oktoberfest Celebration on October 13. There will be soft pretzels, polka music, and (near) beer. The Center will be closed October 9 in observance of Columbus Day. October 5, 1995 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 3 Senior Coordinator's Report: (Continued) ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Serrin, the Senior Coordinator's Report was accepted as presented. AYES: Whittaker, Chmiel, Serrin, West and Zink Acceptance of Donation ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Zink, the Senior Commission accepted the donation of $148.33 from United Way. AYES: Whittaker, Chmiel, Serrin, West and Zink Volunteer Celebration Sue Spickard reported that Commissioners Chmiel, Zink and she met with staff regarding the Volunteer Celebration. This is the one time of the year that the Commission (and sometimes the Senior Association) fund a dinner and entertainment to say "thank you" to the volunteers. After trying again to have La Costa Hotel and Spa sponsor this event, Ms. Spickard said she was sorry to say they were turned down again. They are still talking with L'Auberge Del Mar, but to be safe have made reservations at the Raintree Restaurant. The date will be either November 10 or 17, and the theme this year is the stars-volunteers are the sun, moon and stars of the universe, and without them the Center could not shine. Ms. Spickard said that a very nice gift has been selected for the volunteers, and it will be a secret. Ms. Spickard said that the committee is looking for entertainment, and hope to have a comedian perform. There will be a no-host bar and the committee voted to go along with a similar menu as in past years, to be served buffet style, to also accommodate vegetarians. Gerico's/Koko Beach Sue Spickard reported on the tournament, stating that the exact dollar amount is not known, but it is in excess of $1,300 for the golf tournament alone. There were 72 golfers signed up and more than that participate and more than that took part in the tournament, including Commissioner West. Commissioner West stated that it was a fun day and an excellent lunch at Gerico's afterwards. Chairman Whittaker thanked Gerico's for holding this tournament each year to donate the funds to the Senior Center. Ms. Spickard stated that the dinner tickets are still available and she encouraged everyone to eat at Koko Beach. Proiect CARE Chairman Whittaker inquired whether some staff member would have to manage this program, and Ms. Spickard referred to her memorandum dated September 18, 1995, to the Senior Commission. In that memorandum she stated that "Project CARP did not seem to be the program that staff would like. It seems to be somewhat impersonal and requires much administration. Also, volunteers cannot be used. October 5, 1995 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 4 Proiect CARE (Continued) Ms. Spickard stated that with the assistance of Peggy Savary, a program has been designed to support homebound seniors through a weekly visit from a committee of two trained volunteers, who would connect the senior with other needed services and offer a friendly visit. All volunteers would be trained and required to attend monthly update meetings. These meetings would consist of sharing problems, concerns, ideas, new programs, new approaches, etc., with the initial training offered with the assistance of the Mental Health Senior Team and representatives from the Senior Peer Counseling. To qualify for the program, the person must be 60 years of age or older, a Carlsbad resident, homebound and request the service. Ms. Spickard said that these people would check on the seniors to make certain they are being taken care of in the way they need and would also connect them with the services they need. Ms. Spickard stated that Peggy Savary and she recommended, with the preliminary approval of the Commission, that an advertisement would be placed in the newspaper explaining the program and asking whether the community felt this was something needed and helpful. Peggy Savary stated that the idea was to see what the Commission felt about the idea and any recommendations they might have. She said there is nothing more tragic than to be old, ill and alone. Commissioner Zink stated she would ask Tri-City Hospital for their brochures on their plan that is similar to this. In reply to query regarding the storing of this information, Ms. Spickard stated they already have most of that information on the homebound recipients. By consensus, the Commission agreed to place this matter on next month's agenda or on the workshop agenda. Commission Workshoe The Commissioners stated they would like the agenda to contain the items they discussed at the last workshop, and also to add "Project CARE" and Volunteer Recognition (what constitutes a volunteer, etc.). The date for the workshop is Thursday, October 26, 1995, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:OO p.m., at Heritage Hall, Magee Park. Another request for a topic on the workshop agenda was made, and that is senior assistance in the schools. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Sue Spickard reported that the work on the reception area has been delayed since the contractor had not brought his insurance up to date. The latest information from the Purchasing Department is that all necessary paperwork has now been brought in to the City. Ms. Spickard stated that the chair covers for the patio furniture have been received by the company. Ms. Spickard stated that not all bids on the speaker system will be completed until December. October 5, 1995 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 5 Suaaestion Committee Commissioner Zink gave the following report: Suggestion: Answer: Suggestion: Answer: Suggestion: Answer: Install a cold juiceboda machine - J. K. Woods. At the previous location of the Senior Center there was a soda machine. It did not generate enough income and the company removed it. The committee does not recommend the installation of a machine again primarily due to the trash and bugs it would generate. Coffee is available in the lounge and drinking fountains are at various locations in the building. Please add more handicap parking spaces and make them big enough to get my wheelchair out of my car - Calvin Dobbins. The Center will try to get additional Handicap parking spaces, and will forward the concern about their size. If the size is not dictated by Code, the Utilities Maintenance Division could stripe them larger. Use Harding Auditorium for dances and cut out the food - M. M. Stamp. The popularity of the dances makes it tight in the Auditorium. However, the recommendation is to continue to utilize the Pine Street location for the Senior Dances. The concerns will be given to the Project Council, who is responsible for the dances. Nutrition Proiect Liaison Commissioner Chmiel reported on the congregate meals served in August, with 3,244 served; with an average donation of $1.42. Home meals in August totaled 1,072, with an average donation of $2.38. The current balance was $3,340.20. These funds are raised from dances, craft and bake sales, etc. Commissioner Chmiel listed the special events held in August and the business conducted at the meetings. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Whittaker thanked Linwood Van for filling in on the Commission and added that his efforts are very much appreciated. He said it was nice to see Peggy Savary here, and added that she is a Planning Commissioner and former Senior Commissioner. Chairman Whittaker stated that he visited some senior centers on his recent trip and was amazed that so many activities could be carried on in such small spaces. He said he saw three centers that would all fit into this auditorium. The seniors in Carlsbad should be very grateful for having such a beautiful center. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA: The possibility of putting plaques on the walls for people who have donated money to the Center. Volunteer Celebration October 5, 1995 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 6 ADJOURNMENT: By proper motion, the Regular Meeting of October 5, 1995, was adjourned at 156 p.m., to Thursday, October 26, 1995, at 1 :00 p.m., Heritage Hall, Magee Park, for a Commission Workshop. Minutes Clerk