Minutes 05-01-95
MINUTES OF THE SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA,
ON MONDAY, MAY 1, 1995, AT 4:00 P.M.
PRESENT
Betty Collins, Chairwoman
Raymond Eney
Geraldine Graham
Edward Sackett
Esther Stranahan
ABSENT
Rose Fichtman
James McMahon
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER
Chairwoman Collins called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag was recited, followed by a moment of silent prayer.
ROLL CALL
Prior to the commencement of the meeting, Chairwoman Collins advised that Ms. Fichtman
and Mr. McMahon would not be present. The Recording Secretary called the roll.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Chairwoman Collins welcomed guests in the audience, Lois Rush and Olive Field.
Chairwoman Collins advised the members that Lois Rush was one of the original members
of the Task Force on the Elderly.
Lois Rush
explained that she is a member of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Council.
This is a group of volunteers appointed by the governor with its objective being to answer
complaints at nursing homes and congregate living facilities. This Council has the
responsibility of inspecting all of these facilities on an annual basis. Ms. Rush distributed
copies of a new pamphlet which has been released by the Council. The brochure provides
information on the goals of the Council, where to go for help, and residents' rights.
Olive Field
solicited support for the Wizards softball team of Palm Beach County. They
will be traveling throughout Florida competing with other teams for the championship. The
team
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is soliciting financial donations to help defray some of the costs.
Ms. Field explained that the team spends four days each week practicing and they are all
still straight "A" students. Almost all of the ladies are from Boynton Beach.
She further explained that the name of anyone donating $50 will be placed on the banner
which travels with the team. A trophy will be awarded to anyone donating more than $50.
Chairwoman Collins recommended that Ms. Field and her granddaughter attend a City
Commission meeting and attempt to solicit funds from the City.
Ms. Field said contributions can be made to the Palm Beach Wizards, c/o Norma Berbes,
603 West Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach, FL 33426.
Mr. Eney suggested that Ms. Fields solicit funds from the area veterans' organizations.
DISCUSS PLANS FOR SENIOR CENTER
Chairwoman Collins reported that the last event held at the Civic Center was a success.
Between line dancing and bingo, she was able to speak to the people in attendance about
the possibility of a senior center in Boynton Beach. The response was very favorable.
Chairwoman Collins feels the board should place a survey in the Boynton Beach Times
whereby the public can respond to a questionnaire which will reveal whether or not there is
sufficient interest to warrant a center here in Boynton Beach.
Chairwoman Collins also explained the importance of including a budget in the
recommendation to the City Commission. Mr. Eney investigated the cost of a staff person
for the center, and determined that $20,000 would be necessary to cover the cost of one
person for three days per week. The members felt this was a reasonable amount of
money.
Mr. Eney submitted a questionnaire which he prepared relative to the senior center. This
questionnaire will be advertised in the Boynton Beach Times. In addition, Chairwoman
Collins will prepare flyers which will be placed at locations throughout the City. She will
also mail out the flyers to the condo associations throughout the City.
PURPOSE AND GOALS OF CENTER
Chairwoman Collins feels this center is needed so that seniors will have a place to go to
socialize with other seniors. Even though many seniors live in condos where clubhouses
are available, they feel left out if they are not card players.
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MINUTES
SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 1, 1995
SUGGESTIONS FOR REPORT FOR COMMISSION
Chairwoman Collins pointed out the importance of being able to show a great deal of
interest in the center when the report for the Commission is presented. The flyers will be
prepared within the next week and distributed throughout the City.
OTHER BUSINESS
Chairwoman Collins advised that she is a member of the Post Office Committee. They are
constantly seeking members. They meet at the Royal Palm Clubhouse once a month on
Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Chairwoman Collins advised that there are no other monthly functions planned at the Civic
Center.
Consensus
There was a consensus of the board to dispense with the regular meetings for the months
of July and August.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Eney moved to accept the minutes of the April 3 meeting without corrections. Ms.
Stranahan seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the board, Ms. Stranahan moved to
adjourn the meeting at 4:35 p.m. Mr. Sackett seconded the motion which carried
unanimously.
Janet M. Prainito
Recording Secretary
(One Tape)
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