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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 - Senior Advisory Board - Annual ReportCity of Fort Collins Senior Advisory Board Annual Report 2007 The Board shall: ➢ Serve as a supporting agency for all senior citizen services and activities in Fort Collins; ➢ Publicize and support present senior citizen services and activities in the community; ➢ Investigate and make recommendations regarding new senior citizen programs ➢ Encourage and support widespread opportunities for more meaningful and useful participation ofseniors in community activities and programs; ➢ Establish and maintain communication with local, state, and national groups and agencies concerning seniors; ➢ Advocate for policies and practices within the community that respect and consider senior needs and interests; ➢ Work to dispel stereotypes about aging through education awareness activities Transportation: • Worked closely with Transfort to stay informed about reduction in Dial -A -Ride services, recertification requirements, the addition of new fixed routes, and disseminated this information to seniors. • Board members participated in a Transit Task Force to explore alternative transportation solutions for riders affected by the Dial -A -Ride reduction in services. • Encouraged Medical Center of the Rockies officials to work within the PVH system to create a viable, readily accessible transportation service to the new MCR. • Communicated with the city traffic department regarding pedestrian safety concerns resulting in repainted crosswalks, and the installation of pedestrian crossing signs and lights on Centre Ave. - access to several retirement and assisted living facilities. Outreach: Outreach meetings were held in 2007 at: Rigden Farm Senior Living, The Winslow on the Columbine Health System campus, and The Fort Collins Senior Center. In addition, an off -site meeting was held at Medical Center of the Rockies, preceded by a tour of the new medical facility. Issues raised at the outreach and off -site meetings included: -Dial-A-Ride service reduction and transportation alternatives for seniors -Safety concerns for pedestrians on Centre Ave. -Availability of a Senior Resource guide -Safe and affordable housing alternatives for seniors -Plans for expansion of the Senior Center -Lack of media coverage of work of city boards and commissions -Transportation service to MCR The board established a plan for effective use of the Outreach Meeting Evaluation and a procedure of follow-up on those issues raised at the meetings. Members of the Senior Advisory Board participated in the following events: -Senior Law Day -SummerFest -Salute to Seniors -Cemetery Stroll -Sundance Music Festival and Chili Cook -Off -Older Adults Art Show -Holiday Craft Fair at the Fort Collins Senior Center -Bridging the Gap at the Fort Collins Senior Center/ FC SAB member chaired event. -Community/CSU Homecoming Parade -United Way "State of the Community" luncheon -Senior Olympics -Joint meeting with Loveland SAB -Joint meeting with Fort Collins Senior Center Council -Special Budget Work Session hosted at the Lincoln Center by City Council Members of the Senior Advisory Board participated in the following ongoing activities: -Golden Girls Kiwanis -Sunshine Singers -Senior Sports Club -Meals on Wheels: home delivery -RSVP: grocery, frozen meal, and commodity delivery programs -Front Range Forum -Fort Collins Senior Center Expansion Committee -First Presbyterian Church: Mature Members -First United Methodist Church: Senior Adult Council -Instructor: "Strong Women Strong Bones" -Aspen Club exercise class -UniverCity Connections -and many others Advocacy: • Senior Center Expansion Committee remained active: working with consultants to establish By-laws, secure 501 3-C status, and design marketing strategies. • Senior Advisory Board members have served as liaisons to: AARP, TRIAD, VOA/RSVP, Women's Commission, Office on Aging, Affordable Housing Board, Transportation Board, Human Relations Commission, CSU Center on Aging, FC Senior Center Council, FC Ministerial Alliance Network, and Aspen Club. • Senior Advisory Board members have stayed abreast of those issues affecting seniors and communicated with the Mayor / City Council regarding those concerns. • Senior Advisory Board endorsed Bike FC plan to work toward Platinum level Award for a bike friendly community. Communication: 0 Senior Advisory Board hosted a social meeting with the Mayor and City Council members at a reception in conjunction with the Senior Art Show at the Senior Center. • Officers of SAB have scheduled periodic meetings with Mayor to discuss senior issues and concerns. • Mayor attended and gave "Opening Remarks" at the outreach meeting held at Senior Center. • Senior Advisory Board invited reporter from Coloradoan to attend SAB meeting in order to encourage media coverage of senior activities and the function of SAB. Coordination/Education/Facilitation • Speakers who were invited and gave presentations at the SAB meetings included: Karen Schneiders (Transfort), Dr. Manford Diehl (CSU Center on Aging), ValerieDiBaredetto (Meals on Wheels), Lt. Tom McClellan (current scams, FC Police Dept.) Marlys Sittner (update Dial -A -Ride), Mayor Doug Hutchinson, Jason Kosena (Coloradoan), Alex Stuessie, Doug Faus (MCR), Craig Foreman (update Parks and Rec. master plan), Denise Weston (update FC Bike Plan). • 2 Board members attended City Board member training. • 3 Board members attended reception for Boards and Commissions hosted by City Council. • 4 Board members provided a presentation at a gerontology class at CSU on the purpose and work of the SAB. • Senior Advisory Board developed a 2008 Work Plan. Peggy McGough, a SAB member, was nominated by the Board for the 2007 Bridging the Gap Senior Service Award.