10-20-2020 SAM
Senior Advisory Board Minutes
October 20, 2020
Present: Kay Yoch, Al Barkeim, Connie Dahl, Mike Becker, Jeannette Meyer, Rhonda
Schwarze, Dave Husfeldt
City Staff: September Jacobsen, Jenni Behrendt, John McRaith
Absent: None
I. The meeting was called to order at 10:03 a.m. by Chair Kay Yoch.
II. Secretary’s Report: None
III. Treasurer Report: None
IV. Old Business- None
V. Business
A. Delano Senior Center Visit- September reported that some of our neighboring
communities are reopening their senior centers. A few weeks ago some staff,
along with board member Kay Yoch, visited the Delano center to see how they
were operating. They were basically following the CDC guidelines of wearing
masks and maintaining social distancing when possible. They had purchased
some larger tables to enhance distancing and dining was now being provided by
local restaurants in individual servings. Bingo was being played with
disposable game cards. They were having a book and puzzle sale at the time
which caught our group by surprise since touching items has been a big concern
within Covid protocols. Basically, their coordinator acknowledged that there
were certain risks involved with reopening but that those concerns were
outweighed by the fact that seniors need social interaction to avoid isolation and
depression.
B. Senior Center Reopening- The board discussed our options for reopening and
what activities would take place. It was a given that masks would be required
and if a participant was unable to use a mask for any reason, they would not be
eligible to participate. Face shields would not be acceptable. After much
discussion the board decided that several activities would be okay when the
Center is open again. They were bingo (no exchanging of cards), card playing
(hand sanitizer before playing, no food or drinks, and no early play), ping pong
(only singles), movies, book clubs, knitting, with books and puzzles available
(hand sanitizer before browsing). Jeannette made a motion that we reopen the
Center in November with a second from Mike. The motion passed. There was
additional discussion about beginning the SAIL program again but that will be
contingent on getting approval to begin again, finding willing instructors and
also what the conditions are that must be met to run the program.
VI. Adjournment: Connie made a motion to adjourn at 11:06 am with a second from
Rhonda. The motion passed.
John McRaith, Secretary