6 Senior Center Update
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Director
FROM:
Susan Bill, Senior Center Coordinator
DATE:
March 20, 2006
SUBJ:
Senior Center Activities Update
2006 is off to a great start. Participation in all of the events and programs at the
Senior Center has been good! The monthly theme lunches regularly draw 50-60
people. Many regular participants bring guests, which increases exposure to the
center. From what I hear, guests walk away with a welcome feeling and are very
impressed with the center as well as the diversity of activities and programs.
The weekly “Senior News” section in the Chanhassen Villager continues to be an
excellent source of exposure and for bringing new people into the center. This is
especially true for the Defensive Driving (AARP 55 Alive) classes. One to two
classes per month are offered, with an average attendance of 20+ people.
Participation in congregate dining has increased slightly along with the number of
home delivered meals.
Several health education sessions have been offered this quarter with physicians
from the Chanhassen Park Nicollet and Ridgeview Clinics presenting, thus
building on important community partnerships.
Monthly Health Insurance counseling continues to draw a steady amount of
people as Medicare Part D sign up is still going on.
In January, the Senior Center Book Club was the recipient of 15 (per month)
“Book in the Bag Kits” from the Chanhassen Library. This was made possible by
monies received from MVEC, the Chanhassen Lions Club, and the Friends of the
Library.
1:1 Computer Tutoring continues to be an excellent program. The 5 volunteers
thoroughly enjoy these sessions, often getting as much from these sessions as the
participants.
We have 5 Senior Center participants who volunteer their time to work one-on-
one with Chanhassen seniors on computer basics. This program started in July
and we have had 29 people receive instruction.
All day and extended trips have exceeded anticipated numbers. Club activities
continue to add more participants with numbers being great.
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Park & Recreation Commission
March 20, 2006
Page 2
The quarterly newsletter, which is mailed to 575 people, has a new format. The
newsletter features comments from the coordinator, special events, health,
education and fitness happenings, trip information, and our regular clubs and
activities.
The annual Holiday Party was attended by 72 people. The Community Bank
Chanhassen co-sponsored this event ($880.00) which took care of the food cost,
making the cost to the participants just $5.00. Bill Traxler (President) and Ryan
Sherwood from Community Bank Chanhassen attended and a plaque of
appreciation was presented to them.
“Meet and Greet Coffees” are being offered on a quarterly basis. These will be
hosted by the Senior Advisory Board (SAB) and will provide new participants
with information about the center’s activities and an opportunity to meet current
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participants. The first coffee was held September 14 with 22 people in
attendance.
Several new programs and classes are being offered and attendance has been
wonderful. All new programs have had maximum attendance.
?1:1 Computer Tutoring. We have 5 Senior Center participants who volunteer
their time to work one-on-one with Chanhassen seniors on computer basics.
This program started in July and we have had 29 people receive instruction.
?Two Library Catalog Classes (taught by Kathy Perschmann) were offered.
This class taught participants how to use the Carver County Library System
database.
?Beginning Bridge Class
?Medicare Part D Presentations (2) were offered informing seniors about the
new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage. 45 people attended the July
presentation and 85 attended the October presentation. Currently, 1:1
counseling on Medicare Part D Drug Coverage assistance is offered monthly,
enabling people to review MN approved plans and get input from state
insurance counselors.
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?Several activities highlighting Carver County’s 150 Anniversary have been
offered by the Senior Center over the summer and fall.
?Women’s first annual Tea luncheon and program.
?Recycled Greeting Card program
As you can see, the Senior Center is a busy place where new and old friends
gather and there is always something going on.
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