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Minutes 05-04-98 MINUTES OF SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD AT CITY HALL IN THE MALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, MAY 4, 1998, AT 3:30 P.M. PRESENT Betty Collins, Chairperson Hank Ackermann, Neighborhood Amelia Bennell Project Specialist Olive Field Sharon Golden, Recreation Esther “Peggy” Stranahan Supervisor III Debbie Majors, Recreation Supervisor III ABSENT Mary Cannon Sara Williams 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER Chairperson Collins called the meeting to order at 3:35 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 in need of assistance. 2. ROLL CALL The Recording Secretary called the roll and a quorum was declared present. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chairperson Collins asked for a motion to approve the Agenda with the addition of Paragraph “A” under Part 4, “Public Audience”. Motion Upon motion by Ms. Stranahan and seconded by Ms. Field, the Agenda presented to the Board, as amended, was approved. Motion carried unanimously. 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 6, 1998 MEETING Motion Chairperson Collins asked if there were any additions or changes to the Minutes of the April 6, 1998 meeting. MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 4, 1998 Motion There being no changes or additions to the Minutes, Ms. Stranahan moved that the Minutes of the April 6, 1998 meeting be approved. Motion seconded by Ms. Field and carried unanimously. A. PUBLIC AUDIENCE Ms. Ann Centi and her daughter Dana Centi asked to address the Members. Ms. Centi said she was present today to make a $500 donation to the Senior Anthony Vito Paradise, Center on behalf of her father, who was recently deceased. Ms. Centi stated that her father really enjoyed going to the Boca Senior Center. Ms. Centi hoped that this contribution will start a precedent and that others will contribute towards a Senior Center for the senior residents of Boynton Beach. Ms. Centi stated that the seniors of this City were a vital part of the community and hopefully the Senior Center will become a reality in the near future. Ms. Centi presented a gold brick for all the “golden seniors” in the City on behalf of her deceased father. Chairperson Collins thanked Ms. Centi for her generous contribution and expressed her hopes that this will be the first of many contributions. Ms. Centi’s contribution in memory of her late father is very much appreciated. Ms. Stranahan stated she would like to see some recognition for Ms. Centi for her generous gift. Ms. Centi expressed her desire that the gift would be recorded without a name. Chairperson Collins stated that they have been trying for a long time to have a Senior Center in Boynton Beach that would offer social services that are greatly needed in the City. Chairperson Collins hopes this will be the year for the Center to become a reality. Chairperson Collins extended an invitation to Ms. Centi and her family to attend the opening ceremonies when the Senior Center actually opens. Ms. Centi requested that a copy of the minutes be forwarded to her. Chairperson Collins made note of Ms. Centi request. (Ms. Centi informed the Recording Secretary after the meeting had adjourned, that she would also like to have mentioned that her $500 donation is being made not only on behalf of her father, but also on behalf of the two Board members who were seriously injured in an automobile accident. Ms. Madden stated she would note her request in the minutes. Those two Board members were Raymond Eney and Geraldine Graham). 2 MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 4, 1998 Chairperson Collins indicated that she would attend the City Commission meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 1998 in order to inform the Mayor and the Commissioners of this generous contribution for the Senior Center. 5. REPORT ON SENIOR CENTER BY HANK ACKERMANN Chairperson Collins asked Mr. Ackermann for an update on the Senior Center. Mr. Ackermann stated that John Wildner, Parks Superintendent is arranging a meeting for next Wednesday on this issue. The location of the Senior Center is still under discussion. There have been suggestions of the south end of the City where the tennis courts are located; it could be located at the Library temporarily until the Art Center is completed, and then permanently located in the Art Center. Chairperson Collins stated that the first Senior Center activities will begin on th Wednesday, May 5 and made mention of the flyer that was circulated advising Seniors of the new center at the City Hall in the Mall and the dates and times of the activities. Chairperson Collins stated that there was no mention of the Senior Center in the Boynton Times and asked that something be included in next week’s edition of the newspaper. Chairperson Collins also stated that she received a call from a doctor, who has been th scheduled for May 20 at 1:00 p.m. to speak to the seniors. The doctor has a degree in “naturopathy”, which is the study of nutrition using herbs and natural products. Chairperson Collins stated that other professionals have indicated an interest in addressing the seniors. Chairperson Collins also said she has had inquires regarding bus transportation to the Mall and said she was uncertain on the schedule for all parts of the City. The bus does come to Leisureville on Thursdays at noon. Ms. Golden indicated that she spoke with Joe Hayward, who is in charge of the Shopper- Hopper bus schedule and requested, if possible, to have the bus run on Wednesday and Thursday, specifically for the Senior Center. Mr. Hayward stated he could accommodate this request and the bus will now run temporarily on Wednesdays and Thursdays to fill the needs of the Senior Center. Ms. Majors indicated that there are now four Shopper Hopper buses and the fourth bus can be utilized for this purpose. People can call the Shopper-Hopper office number for further information on times and schedules for their transportation needs. 3 MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 4, 1998 Ms. Golden introduced Debbie Majors to the Members. Ms. Golden informed the Members that Ms. Majors will be taking over the Senior Program and is here today to become acquainted with the Program and will be the contact for the Senior Advisory nd Board starting June 22. Chairperson Collins indicated she could have the Bingo machine available for Wednesday and it could be kept at the Mall. Ms. Golden informed members that the City purchased many new games for the Seniors and if there are any other games that people want, please let Ms. Golden know and she will make them available. Chairperson Collins stated that even though the Center is starting up in the spring and a lot of seniors have gone north, the Center is really being formed for the seniors who live in Boynton Beach year round and who are actually in need of the Center. It is also very important that there is a support group to keep the Center operating. Chairperson Collins asked Mr. Ackermann if there were any other items he wished to report on. Mr. Ackermann stated that there would be a reunion of the Visions group next month. Also, Mr. Ackermann said there was $125,000 that has been set aside for the Senior Center that could be used for site planning and design, if at all necessary. Otherwise, the funds can be moved to other areas for seniors. Chairperson Collins informed the Board that she had met with Helen Rice of the Mae Volen Center and Mayor Taylor. The Mae Volen Center has requested that they manage the Senior Center for the City of Boynton Beach. After considering all the services that the Mae Volen Center offers, Chairperson Collins felt that their help could be utilized as long as it is called the Boynton Beach Senior Center and not become an annex of the Mae Volen Center. Mae Volen has the resources and the seniors of Boynton Beach are in need of social services. Chairperson Collins stated that Lois Rush visited her and Ms. Rush informed her that she had seen the Mae Volen request for grant money and stated those grant funds should be earmarked for Boynton Beach. Also, Ms. Rush was concerned that the Mae Volen Center was not providing enough services for the Boynton Beach seniors. Chairperson Collins stated that the Mae Volen Center used to furnish the Senior Advisory Board with a list of Boynton Beach Seniors that had been serviced by them and it was always very small. This year, the Mae Volen Center did not furnish any reports as they didn’t keep separate records for Boynton Beach. Ms. Rush was also concerned 4 MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 4, 1998 where the extra money was being spent, since the Shopper Hopper is running, the Mae Volen Center is furnishing even less transportation services to Boynton Beach. Mae Volen will respond to requests from Boynton Beach Seniors, but does not advertise these services. Therefore, not everyone knows these services are available for Boynton Beach Seniors. Also, the Mae Volen Center has taken over the lunches that are offered twice daily in Boynton Beach. It is felt that only one meal should be served to as many seniors as possible in one place, whether it is lunch or dinner, in order that the meals can be offered together with activities. Chairperson Collins stated that Mae Volen will pick up people in the afternoon and take them to the Boat Ramp Park for an afternoon meal, but feels this is not necessary and should be eliminated. It should be concentrating on offering a noon meal at the Senior Center wherever that will be located and there can be activities in other rooms at the same time. Ms. Bennell inquired if there are meals-on-wheels offered in the City. Chairperson Collins said that the County runs this program through Boulevard Manor. Volunteers distribute the meals and there is a $5.00 charge each day for the meals. Chairperson Collins also stated that blood pressure readings are taken at the City Hall in the Mall and could be done on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Ms. Golden informed the members that every Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., seniors can have their blood pressure taken at the City Hall in the Mall and every third Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., there are screenings for sugar and cholesterol. Also, Mae Volen offers day care for Alzheimer patients and will pick them up at the door, keep them for the day and bring them home. However, people are not aware of these services unless someone tells them, even though the funds for Boynton Beach go to the Mae Volen Center for these purposes. Chairperson Collins stated it was very important that the Senior Center get publicity so that seniors can be advised of what will be offered at the Center. Ms. Majors indicated that she would contact the Boynton Times so that this information can be published. Chairperson Collins said that talking books could be made available also, but that someone will have to coordinate this. There is no charge for these books and that a person does not have to be totally blind for this service. Chairperson Collins suggested that someone from the Mae Volen Center should attend one of the Wednesday meetings to explain what services their Center offers to seniors. 5 MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 4, 1998 Chairperson Collins asked if anyone else had any suggestions for activities at the Center. Also, if anyone has any ideas for speakers, they would be welcomed. It is always good to have a member from the police force speak. In Delray Beach, the police keep a list of people who live alone and check on them regularly. There are a lot of elderly living alone in Boynton Beach with no one to check on him or her. Ms. Majors stated that the Outlook Club in Boynton Beach offers services for the blind as well as social activities and trips. Ms. Majors further stated that the Outlook Club is not a support club. Mr. Ackermann suggested that someone from United Way should be invited to one of the meetings and inform the seniors what is available to them. Mr. Ackermann inquired how this information could be disseminated to all seniors in the City, since many are shut-ins and don’t get out at all. Discussion continued regarding methods of making information available. Chairperson Collins suggested that the information could be published in the Boynton Times since this paper is distributed to everyone in the City. However, Mr. Ackermann stated that the Boynton Times is not distributed to everyone in the City. Discussion continued on whether some type of method should be developed for seniors living alone in the City to be listed in case of emergencies. Mr. Ackermann stated that if a form were developed for seniors to complete, it is possible that the police and code enforcement department could distribute it. Chairperson Collins stated this is the whole purpose of forming the Senior Center so that all this information can be available in one place. 6. ADVISORY BOARD FORUM, Saturday, April 18, 1998 Chairperson Collins informed the Members that four of the City Advisory Boards meet for a Forum four times a year and the last one was held at noon on Saturday, April 18, 1998 at the City Hall in the Mall. Only two Boards were represented, the Community Relations Board and the Senior Advisory Board. Ms. Stranahan gave an overview of the Forum. One of the issues that was discussed was the G.A.L.A. and that the Senior Advisory Board was not represented. Also, it was determined that Saturdays are a bad day to hold the Forum since a great many people are not available to attend Saturday meetings. This particular Saturday was a very busy day and there were many events previously scheduled throughout the 6 MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 4, 1998 City. Most of the discussion was spent on how the Community Relations Board could assist the Senior Advisory Board and how volunteers could be recruited. Also it was discussed how to have the youth of the City interact with the seniors and how relationships could be developed. It was felt that there needs to be more communication among the Boards to encourage full participation. Different times and dates for the Forum were discussed. Some people felt that the Forum should be held during evening hours. However, since the City Hall in the Mall closes at 9:00 p.m., it would be difficult to have the Forum there in the evening hours. It was decided the Senior Advisory would host the next Forum meeting which is scheduled Forum meeting at for October. After much discussion, it was decided to hold the next the Library from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on Monday, October 26, 1998. Mr. Ackermann will check on the availability of the Library for that date and time. 7. ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED FOR MAY, CITY HALL IN THE MALL Ms. Golden said that arts and crafts have been scheduled for this Thursday. Ms. Golden stated that for the time being the arts and crafts that are available through the Recreation Department’s Art Program would be used. 8. NEW BUSINESS A. VACATION SCHEDULE th Chairperson Collins asked what day the City will be observing July 4. Ms. rd Golden stated the City Offices would be closed on Friday, July 3. With regard to Senior Advisory Board meetings during the summer months, Chairperson Collins informed the Members that the Board did not meet during the summer months last year. After discussion, it was decided that there would be no meetings scheduled for July, August and September, since the first st Monday in September is Labor Day. After the meeting on June 1, there will be th no more meetings until the regularly scheduled meeting for October 5. B. SOCIAL SERVICES Hank Ackermann suggested that Herb Stevens of RSVP could address the seniors on the services RSVP offers. Chairperson Collins said she would contact Mr. Stevens. 7 MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 4, 1998 The possibility of having a representative from the Mae Volen Center will be addressed after it is determined how many seniors are attending the activities in the Mall. Ms. Majors stated that a schedule of the Senior activities could be left onboard the Shopper Hopper for distribution so that it can be available for anyone using the bus. 9. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Collins asked if there was any further business. There being none, Ms. Stranahan moved that the meeting be adjourned. Motion to adjourn seconded by Ms. Field and carried unanimously. Meeting properly adjourned at 4:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _______________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (one tape) 8