02-28-2011 SAMSenior Advisory Board Minutes
February 28, 2011
Present: Harriet Sturges, Phyllis Birkholz, Louise Jessen, Cliff Swanson, Rick Reiner,
Carrol Olson, Randy Bullert
City Staff: September Jacobsen, John McRaith
Absent: None
I. The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Carrol Olson
II. Secretary’s Report: The January minutes were examined. Rick made a motion to
approve the minutes and Harriet seconded the motion. Motion was approved.
III. Treasurer’s Report: Randy reported income this past month of $244.50 from card
sales, $21.00 from dish cloth sales, $227 from tax donations, and $10 from knitting
items. The current balance is $5889.68. Harriet made a motion to accept the report
with a second from Louise. The motion passed.
IV. Old Business
A.Tours- Julie reported that the trip to the Plymouth Playhouse is filling well
with 30 people currently registered. Another upcoming trip to Willmar has 23
participants at this time. Other trips being planned at this time include a step
back in time to visit Buddy Holly at the Historical Center, a summer boat tour,
an August trip to the State Fair, and a mystery tour for October.
B.Update on Programs- September reported that the last Travel program featured
Mount Ranier and Mount St. Helen. The next tour will be of man-made
creations around the world. The AARP tax program is working well with
clients being taken on a first come, first served basis. This program provides
free tax service for those seniors that have simple tax returns. The action
adventure movie “Red” was February’s movie of the month. March will feature
the inspirational film “Rabbit Proof Fence”. Some high school students
volunteered to do some shoveling for seniors as part of a program at the school.
The upcoming Fellowship Dinner will feature McCormick Restaurant’s beef
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stew. A senior dance is scheduled for March 16 with the “ Night Owls”
providing the musical entertainment. West Elementary is once again looking
for senior volunteers to help with a listening program for young readers. On
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March 10 at 11:00am the Event Center will be hosting a free presentation
sponsored by the Minnesota Historical Society. The audience will learn about
George Nelson and his life as a fur trader. “A Night to Remember” is the theme
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of an April 9 special event at the Center. Tickets are $15 each and guests will
enjoy a fine dinner along with a game of Jeopardy and other trivial pursuits.
New Century Charter School will provide some music as the group takes time to
remember happenings from many years ago.
V.New Business
A.Election of Officers- Harriet was nominated to be vice chairman replacing
Phyllis. Carrol was nominated to continue as chairman, Randy as treasurer, and
John as secretary. All nominees accepted and were approved by a voice vote.
B.Income Tax Preparer- A second person has indicated an interest in helping
seniors with their taxes.After some discussion, the Senior Board requested that
September follow up with the current tax preparer to see if help is needed. If so,
additional hours could be made available to accommodate a second preparer.
C.Air Pumps for Coffee- September reported a need for larger coffee dispensers
that could keep coffee hot for an extended period of time. She priced the
dispensers at approximately $70 each. Rick made a motion, seconded by
Carrol, that five new dispensers be purchased. The board unanimously
approved.
D.Review of Friday Closings at the Event Center- Board members were asked to
assess any difficulties that have arisen due to the Center being closed on
Fridays. The recurring sentiment expressed was that seniors are more adversely
affected by this change in hours because it may be one of the few opportunities
for them to get out of their homes and socialize. For many regular attendees at
the Center, removing one day a week from their social calendar has a large
impact on their lives. This session of the legislature will play a large role in
whether cuts are temporary or permanent.
VI. Adjournment: Rick made a motion to adjourn at 10:55am with a second from Harriet.
The motion passed.
Next Meeting: Monday, March 28th at 10:00 a.m.
John McRaith, Secretary