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Minutes 04-06-98 MINUTES OF SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD AT CITY HALL IN THE MALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1998, AT 3:30 P.M. PRESENT Betty Collins, Chairperson Hank Ackermann, Neighborhood Mary Cannon Project Specialist Olive Field, Alternate Sharon Golden, Recreation Esther Stranahan Supervisor III ABSENT Marilyn Brook Ray Eney, Vice Chairperson Geraldine Graham Edgar Sackett Elizabeth Jenkins, Alternate 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER Chairperson Collins called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, followed by a moment of silent prayer for the seniors in the City who are ill and suffering. 2. ROLL CALL AND WELCOME TO GUESTS The Recording Secretary called the roll and a quorum was declared present. Chairperson Collins welcomed all the guests who were attending the meeting. Chairperson Collins also informed the guests that the Boynton Beach City Commission would be holding its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 1998, at which time the Commission will be making new appointments to fill the various vacancies in the City Boards. Many in attendance this afternoon have completed applications to become members of the Senior Advisory Board, and hopefully will be appointed at the Commission Meeting. 3. SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD HISTORY PRESENTATION Chairperson Collins informed the meeting that this Board originated when Arlene Weiner was Mayor of Boynton Beach. Chairperson Collins also stated that 46% of the City is comprised of senior citizens and west of the City at least half of the 50,000 homes consist of seniors. When the Board was originally formed, there was no MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 6, 1998 transportation, or social services to offer senior citizens. A task force was formed and the City Commission created the Senior Advisory Board. Among many of the accomplishments of this Board is the institution of bus service in the City. At first the bus was not successful because it did not cover the needs of the senior citizens; it was neither handicap nor wheelchair accessible. Also, seniors who did not drive were unable to get to the shopping areas throughout the City. Finally, the Shopper Hopper was instituted. This bus service, on certain days of the week, goes to any community in the City to pick up people door-to-door, who telephone for a pick up. They do not have to reside in a senior community. There are volunteers who ride the bus to assist persons to their door. The bus also transports seniors to the Boynton Beach Mall. Chairperson Collins welcomed Hank Ackermann, the City employee representative to the Senior Advisory Board. 4. FORMATION OF SUPPORT TEAM FOR SENIOR CENTER Chairperson Collins informed the meeting that the City operates the Madsen Center, which is referred to as the senior center, but there are many people and organizations that utilize this Center. It was determined that the seniors needed their own place for their activities. Questionnaires were sent out soliciting suggestions from seniors in order to meet their needs. Chairperson Collins also stated there are many lonely seniors in the City with no place to go. Chairperson Collins spoke of the programs and activities for seniors that are offered at the Mae Volen Center in Boca Raton. The Center offers day care for Alzheimer patients, and was originally started by Mae Volen in a little storefront. Through a generous gift from Mrs. Volen’s husband of one million dollars, Ms. Volen was able to expand the senior care center. Palm Beach County built a senior center in the northern part of the County. Also, there is a senior center in Lake Worth, which has been in existence for many years. These are all wonderful facilities, but in order to utilize them, a person must provide their own transportation. Chairperson Collins stated that there was a Mae Volen day held in Boynton Beach that was very well received at which time Ms. Volen gave a presentation on the Center. The funds designated for Boynton Beach also go to Mae Volen, but the Center does not provide transportation from Boynton Beach. Mae Volen offers social services and assist people with personal problems as well. A support group of approximately 50 to 60 persons was formed that met every Thursday. Funds have been designated for a site for a senior center. Approximately two weeks ago Chairperson Collins attended a meeting with the Mayor and Mae Volen at which 2 MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 6, 1998 meeting Mae Volen stated that they would like to start a branch center in Boynton Beach. This would be advantageous because Mae Volen has over 30 years of experience in running a senior center and can offer social services and noon meals. Chairperson Collins stated that in order to get the senior center started, it is essential that there is support group already established. 5. MAY ACTIVITIES PRESENTATION BY SHARON GOLDEN At this point in the meeting, Chairperson Collins introduced Sharon Golden from the City’s Recreation Department to present a program that she has developed. Chairperson Collins also noted that the conference room at the City Hall in the Mall could be utilized a few times a week for seniors to visit and participate in various activities. There have been requests from various professional people who would like to address seniors on matters important to them, but there has been no central place to accommodate these requests. Ms. Golden pointed out that the draft schedule that she distributed was incorrect and that the starting date for the activities being proposed will be May 6, 1998; not April 15, 1998. Ms. Golden stated that the draft being presented today is for the Board’s consideration and any ideas and suggestions are welcomed. Ms. Golden informed the meeting that the City is making the meeting room in the City Hall in the Mall available to seniors from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday and th Thursday of each week, beginning May 6until a permanent center can be located. Ms. Golden referred the members to the handout and the activities outlined and discussed the various activities being proposed. Discussion continued regarding the various activities being considered. Ms. Golden also stated that there is a walking club that walks the Mall at 9:00 a.m. every morning, and anyone wishing to join them is welcomed. With regard to the arts and crafts, Ms. Golden stated she will research this further to determine if there are any funds available to purchase supplies or if there are any supplies currently on hand in the warehouse. Other options discussed, were playing cards, board games, viewing videos, book discussions and exchange of books. Ms. Golden further stated that her purpose is to get the program started, but it will be up to the senior support group to keep the program operating successfully. Chairperson Collins thanked Ms. Golden for her presentation and informed Ms. Golden that this Board will follow her suggestions as presented today in order to get the program started. Chairperson Collins suggested that it might also be possible to have Mae Volen come up next month and give a presentation on their activities and programs. 3 MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 6, 1998 Chairperson Collins also mentioned that there is an affordable housing program being offered by the City, and Sara Williams who is present today is also on that committee. The City has many ways to assist seniors with their housing needs, but unfortunately most seniors are not aware of these programs. Chairperson Collins stated that it is important that this kind of information be made available so that seniors in need of assistance with repairs to their homes, either inside or out, know that there are agencies in the City that can assist them financially. th Hank Ackermann, from the City Manager’s Office, stated that on April 18, the annual Great Beautiful Palm Beaches clean up will be held and Boynton Beach will be participating in that event. Anyone who wishes to participate can volunteer. Chairperson Collins stated that she would like to thank the City Manager, Kerry Willis for instituting a renewed enthusiasm in the City for the senior center. Chairperson Collins informed the meeting that two Senior Advisory Board members were severely injured in an automobile accident last year. One member was very severely injured and the other member is too shaken to continue with this Board. Therefore, neither member will be returning. Since one of these members was Vice Chair, Chairperson Collins suggested that Esther “Peggy” Stranahan be made Temporary Vice Chair of this Committee, until the full Senior Advisory Board can officially elect her to this office. 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES No additions, deletions or corrections were made to the minutes of the last meeting. Ms. Stranahan moved to approve the minutes of the February 2, 1998 meeting. Ms. Field seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 7. MEMBER COMMENTS Ms. Stranahan stated that in order to make the senior center a reality, it would be necessary to advertise to inform seniors of the progress that is being made and that people are neededto help. Ms. Golden stated she would prepare a flyer for distribution. Discussion ensued regarding advertising in various newspapers, including the Boynton Times and also placing a flyer in various community newspapers. 4 MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 6, 1998 The matter of transportation was raised. Chairperson Collins stated that transportation cannot be furnished, but noted that the City bus goes to the Mall on Thursday afternoons and would be available. Chairperson Collins mentioned that seniors are also forming computer groups. There is one in the Leisureville Community and the Bethesda Hospital offers the senior net and this could be another idea to be considered. Chairperson Collins announced that the next Senior Advisory Board meeting is May 4, 1998, which is before the start up date of the senior activities in the City Hall in the Mall. th This will give us an opportunity to meet one more time before the May 6date. 8. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, Ms. Field moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:13 p.m. Ms. Stranahan seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, ______________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (One Tape) 5