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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.2 Input on new Senior Center Program & Events . •, OF DU Ql` n � ty —Sis 82 AGENDA STATEMENT PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING DATE: July 5, 2007 SUBJECT: Input on new Senior Center Programs'and Events ATTACHMENT: None RECOMMENDATION: Receive report and provide Staff with suggestions on the following: 1) Low-cost and fee-based classes and programs to offer on Wednesday evenings 2) New special event themes 3) Lecture series guest speakers,topics or themes 4) New senior sports leagues, classes or tournaments FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None DESCRIPTION: On June 28, 2007, the City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2007- 2008 budget for the Senior Center, which included a Higher Service Level to expand staffmg, operational hours, programs and events. This Higher Service Level increases the Recreation Technician from 30- hours per week to 40, to help with expanded volunteer recruitment and training, establishing an Ambassador Program, and expanding special events and contracted specialty classes. Funds were also . included to bring in a motivational speaker to energize the volunteers as well as provide customer service training. To increase marketing of Senior Center activities, funding is included to hire a temporary, part-time, Graphics .Technician to design and distribute advertising materials and press releases, as well as implement other marketing techniques. Additional Building Attendant hours have also been added to the budget to reduce the amount of the time the Recreation Coordinator and Technician spend setting up tables and chairs. • Staff is seeking suggestions from the Committee on ideas for new programs, classes, services and events to offer that will help accomplish this high priority City Council objective. Expanded Operational Hours This Higher Service Level expands traditional senior programs and services to accommodate working seniors on Wednesday evenings from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. During these hours affordable senior programs and services could be offered such as fitness and nutrition classes, adult education classes, health screenings, computer training, card games and senior support referral services. New programs and classes COPIES TO: ITEM NO. 7.2 G:\SRCTRADVCMTE\Statements\2007\7-05-07 Input on New Senior Programs.doc ' could also be introduced on Wednesday evenings that may be of more interest to working seniors, or caregivers who work during the day and therefore can not access the available support services. Special interest fee-based classes could also be expanded to offer more unique recreational opportunities. The new Wednesday evening hours will begin in September 2007. Staff is seeking suggestions from the Committee Members on the following: • What existing traditional low-cost Senior Center activities would be important to expand to Wednesday evenings? • What new low-cost or fee-based classes and programs should be offered on Wednesday evenings? New Special Events This Higher Service Level also provides funding to offer four new fee-based special events. Staff developed the budget based on conducting the following events: • Holiday Dessert Party(December 2007) • Super Bowl Party(February 2008) • Two Additional Events To Be Determined The existing L.I.F.E. event as well as the Special Luncheons, Crossing Cultures, and "DancEscape" events will continue as in the past. The Holiday Dessert Party was planned at the suggestion of the Committee. This grand social event will be held in December and feature catered desserts and live entertainment. A detailed event plan will be presented to the Committee at a future meeting for suggestions. The Super Bowl Party was an idea that was suggested when Staff was soliciting ideas for programs and events that would be of interest to men. The party may also be a great way to reach residents who may not otherwise visit the Senior Center. This low-cost event would feature appetizers and snacks, as well as a fun half-time activity. A detailed plan for this event will also be presented to the - Committee at a future meeting. In addition to the events listed above, Staff is seeking suggestions for two more events. New Lecture Series The Higher Service Level also includes funds to offer a new Lecture Series at the Senior Center. This fee-based program would include three lectures throughout the year by notable and inspirational figures. The Lecture Series is another venue to provide a new type of programming that may attract a different segment of the community to the Senior Center. Staff is seeking suggestions for potential guest speakers, topics or themes. New Sports Programs Finally another Higher Service Level was approved to expand the City's Sports Division. The new staff will be responsible for expanding teen and senior sports programs and leagues. This higher service level was based on expanding senior golf, tennis and softball classes and leagues. Funds are also included to conduct a citywide intergenerational golf tournament. Program Spring and/or Summer Training Sessions and provide trainers and or training facility(s) for Dublin seniors to participate competitively in the 580/680 Senior Games in the following sports - swimming, tennis, softball, bowling, and social dance. Staff is seeking suggestions for potential senior sports leagues, classes or tournaments. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Advisory Committee receive the report and provide Staff with suggestions on the following: 1) Low-cost and fee-based classes and programs to offer on Wednesday evenings 2) New special event themes 3) Lecture series guest speakers, topics or themes 4) New senior sports leagues, classes or tournaments