Loading...
Item 20 Staff Report Consider Jack Orlove's Request that Town Council Appoint a Commission Composed of Town Citizens to Evaluate the Possibility of a Dedicated Senior CenterCOUNCIL AGENDA REPORT DATE: November 17, 1999 TO: MAYOR AND TOWN-C.OUNCI FROM: TOWN MANAGER SUBJECT: MEETING DATE: 11/22/99 ITEM NO. ZD CONSIDER JACK ORLOVE'S REQUEST THAT TOWN COUNCIL APPOINT A COMMISSION COMPOSED OF TOWN CITIZENS TO EVALUATE THE POSSIBILITY OF A DEDICATED SENIOR CENTERS RECOMMENDATION: Consider Jack Orlove's request that Town Council appoint a commission composed of Town citizens to evaluate the possibility of a dedicated senior center. BACKGROUND: Mr. Jack Orlove submitted the attached letter requesting that Council appoint a commission to evaluate the possibility of a dedicated senior center. This report presents options for Council's consideration. DISCUSSION: There are at least five options for obtaining citizen input on this question: A. Appoint a commission to evaluate the question and report back to Council with recommendations. B. Direct the Manager to appoint a committee under the provisions of Town Code section 2.30.295. C. Ask Mr. Orlove to establish and spearhead a committee composed of contacts he has made over the last several months. D. Ask the Los Gatos Senior Consortium to assume the task of evaluating the feasibility of a dedicated senior center. E. Ask the Community Services Commission to evaluate the issue and report back to Council with recommendations. In his proposal, Jack assumes that staff is opposed to establishing a dedicated senior center. This is not the case. In the absence of a center dedicated only to seniors, staff coordinates with local agencies using existing facilities to provide a number of senior services. If the necessary resources are obtained to establish a dedicated center, the staff role will change accordingly. PREPARED BY: Regina A. Falkner, Community Servi for. N:CSD\TCrpts\srcenter.rpt Reviewed by: Q Y/Attorney Revised: 11/17/99 2:31 PM Reformatted: 7/14/99 PAGE2 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL SUBJECT: CONSIDER JACK ORLOVE'S REQUEST THAT TOWN COUNCIL APPOINT A COMMISSION COMPOSED OF TOWN CITIZENS TO EVALUATE THE POSSIBILITY OF A DEDICATED SENIOR CENTER November 17, 1999 Some elements of the charge to any committee or commission - should one be established, should include: • Obtain representative input from residents on establishing a dedicated senior center. • Evaluate facilities and programs provided by comparable communities, including information on construction, financing, and operating costs. • Advise Council on findings and make recommendations. Council may wish to include representatives from senior service agencies to any advisory body it may appoint. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: Is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required. Attachments: Letter from Jack I. Orlove, Sr. Distribution: Community Services Commission Jack I. Orlove, Sr., 220 Dover Street, Los Gatos, CA, 95032-3815 Los Gatos Senior Consortium: Debbie Kranefuss, Live Oak Senior Nutrition,19 High School Court, Los Gatos, CA 95030 Laura Kazmareck, Second Harvest Food Bank, 750 Curtner Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125-2118 Jean Sullivan, The Health Place, 208 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030 Regina Falkner, Community Services Director, P.O. Box 949, Los Gatos, CA 95031 Mary Goldsworthy, Convent of the Holy Names, 200 Prospect Road, Los Gatos, CA 95030 Jennifer Turk, Adult and Child Guidance Center, 1 West Campbell Avenue, Suite D40, Campbell, CA 95008 Arlene Crawford, Live Oak Adult Day Services, 1147 Minnesota Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 Fagie Rosen, Jewish Community Center, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 Pamela Bancroft, The Terraces of Los Gatos, 800 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 Joyce Meurer, Los Gatos Saratoga Seniors, 1671 Milroy Place, San Jose, CA 95124-4723 Susan Buxton, Los Gatos Public Library, 110 E. Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030 Wendy Woolsey, Sacred Heart Jesuit Center, 300 College Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030 Lynette Vega, Los Gatos Senior Program, 208 E. Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030 Josie Geisen, Council on Aging Representative, 217 Tait Avenue #1, Los Gatos, CA 95030 Sheri Lewis, Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1355, Los Gatos, CA 95031 ATTORNEY & COUNSELOR AT LAW November 8, 1999 Honorable Members of the Town Council Town of Los Gatos 110 East Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95031 OFFICE OF THt NOV b 1999 *vest", P Trwm ^r,,. Ref: November 22nd Town Council Meeting Agenda Item # 12 - Request To Consider The Establishment of a Dedicated Senior Center Dear Honorable Council Members: I want to thank those members of the Council and the Staff who have given me the opportunity to make a presentation at the November 22nd Council meeting concerning the establishment of a dedicated senior center. I am enclosing: 1. A position paper prepared by myself, explaining in detail the reasons for my position. 2. Copies of petitions signed by citizens of Los Gatos. 3. A copy of The Outlook, the official newsletter of the Saratoga Senior's Center. I thought it would be helpful to make a comparison between Saratoga and Los Gatos, and this newsletter shows the way a senior center could and should be run. Of particular interest is the letter included within the newsletter which states that almost 2,000 person utilize this Center each month and on the back of this letter is a solicitation for funds. After a brief oral presentation, I will be glad to answer any questions you may have concerning the subject matter. Yours truly; Jack t. i3rf-OVeL JACK 1. ORLOVE SR. • 2 2 0 DOVER ST • LOS GATOS • CA 9 5 0 3 2- 3 8 1 3 • 4 0 8. 3 9 9. L A W S Dedicated Senior Center As we may all know, all of the major cities in Santa Clara County, San Jose, Mt. View, Saratoga, Cupertino, Campbell, Los Altos, Sunnyvale and yes, Milpitas, all have dedicated Senior Centers and most of these are staffed with paid personnel. Dedicated in the sense, that the senior population in each city has the sense of ownership of the facility (not shared by other non -related groups) which serves all types of seniors' needs as discussed below. Each of these cities have studied their growing senior population and determined that it justified the expenditure of funds necessary for the establishment of a dedicated senior center. During the last census, Los Gatos .vas found to have one of the highest senior populations in Santa Clara County. With life expectancy extending each year, the senior population will generally grow. Additionally, Los Gatos is deemed to be an affluent community and one which takes pride in its Town and claims to be unique. Well we are unique all right, we alone lack a dedicated senior center. CURRENT SITUATION - What does Los Gatos have? A multi -purpose room - The Neighborhood Center, which has a cinder block interior walls, with folding tables and chairs, and completely devoid of an inviting character, (in terms of decoration) save two flags, an organ and a piano and it projects a cold and impersonal feeling to all who enter. Folding chairs and tables, which by the way are uncomfortable to utilize by many seniors. It is not a place for seniors to meet and to be social, it is a part-time facility for senior classes, competing with other civic groups, organizations and Town functions. The Center is so devoid of warmth and character, that the seniors in the Live Oak nutritional program, would rather eat their meals in the Methodist Church, than at the Center. There are come meeting rooms in the same building, which again, are multi -purpose and lacking an inviting character. Then we have the Senior Drop -In Center which is often erroneously described by Town officials as Los Gato's answer to a dedicated senior center. In truth, its main purpose is a referral service for various senior programs available in the Town, or the County, and private agencies. It is approximately a twelve by eighteen foot room and it is only open three hours a day, five days a week and manned by volunteers. There is a coffee pot, a scale, some magazines, a sofa and two upholstered chairs. If there were more than seven people in the room, you would have standing room only crowd. The one computer and printer in the room, is for official use only. WHY A DEDICATED SENIOR CENTER? Town Staff constantly overlooks the importance of a dedicated senior center. They maintain that it is not important that senior services be under one roof. In addition, they attempt to placate the Council and others by claiming that increasing the activities being offered in the Neighborhood Center is the answer to critics. But this is not the solution. What we must focus on is an approach that will reach out to all seniors, especially those who have emotional or physical needs that require fulfillment. The answer is not in holding a class for fly fishing , or a discussion of current events. What seniors generally need, is a place for them to call their own, like a niche - if they feel like coming, they can sit down and watch TV, or just share their stories and experiences without being humiliated. They can just have fellowship with others in a non -class or instructional setting. Contrary to the Town staffs thinking, the class room or instructional setting by itself does not constitute a senior center. Many seniors suffer from one form or another of mental depression. Some have lost their mates, close friends; some suffer dehabilitating physical conditions; and some are just plain depressed about approaching death with only their dim memories to keep them going. Many are withdrawn into themselves. These type of people and other seniors need fellowship. They need a social gathering. How does a class in painting, or a walking group address their needs? They need a place that they can call their own, where they can feel comfortable in warm surroundings, make social contact with others. There is much more to a senior center than classes and referral of available services. WHY DON'T SENIORS COMPLAIN? - This is a tough question to answer. I do know that a lack of complaints does not mean that there is not a need for a dedicated center. I solicited petitions for a short time, and everyone I came across, young and old alike, all agreed that a dedicated senior center in Los Gatos was a good idea. Several, were just shocked to find out that this Town does not have a senior center. They were under the impression that the Neighborhood Center is the senior center. As a possible answer to this question, I would pose several reasons. First, older seniors, those who are in the eighties or more, are generally reluctant to pound on doors, write letters petitioning for change or make telephone calls as advocates. They want their life to be without strife and upset and they want no ups or down. Possibly others within the senior classification, like myself in the past, felt that they could not buck Town Hall and that by themselves, it was a useless venture. 2 I am confident that if we threw aside this fiction that the Town already has a senior center, and polled the population of Los Gatos, seniors and non -seniors alike, as to whether or not a dedicated senior center would be an asset to this community, the response would be overwhelmingly positive. The fact that there are not phone calls and letters every week is not justification for refusing to appoint a citizens' commission to study the feasibility of establishing a dedicated senior center. WOULD A DEDICATED CENTER BE UTILIZED? - To answer this question one would need to establish a method of measurement. The answer might be to evaluate utilization by measurement of dollar outlay as against usage. The more dollars spent, the larger percentage of usage would be expected. But keep in mind, that we are not talking about a profit center for the Town, but for a service that the Town would provide for all of its citizens, not just the seniors. How realistic would be a measurement of computing the total cost and dividing it by the number of participants? It is my opinion, that the best indication to an answer to this question would be to poll the other cities and determine their utilization. I know for a fact that Saratoga claims that almost 2,000 seniors use their Senior Center and the Adult Day Care Center every month (quote from the Letter from Saratoga Senior Coordinating Council dated November 1, 1999 - enclosed in your packet). In my brief investigation, I determined that the greater the effort and the more the dollars invested by the cities of Cupertino, Palo Alto and San Jose pays off in more utilization. A half- hearted effort would get us a half-hearted response from the target segment. We must be cognizant that Los Gatos has one of the highest senior populations in the County. Then too, we have to be cognizant of the fact that the extent of the utilization of a dedicated senior center depends upon a large extent on the variety of programs, the type of programs, the content of these programs and the cost of these programs. These are factors which are currently wholly within the control of the Town, acting through the Department of Community Services. For instance, Saratoga is currently establishing their own senior computer lab, funded in part by the Village, and supported by fund-raising events, grants, and donations from neighbors. However, it is not my purpose in making this presentation to critique the programs currently being offered by the Department of Community Services. I do believe that Mr. Egon Jensen wants to address this issue, as it bears directly upon the issue of cost and utilization of the dedicated senior center. 3 We do know that every major city in this County, has looked at this problem and they all have come up with the establishment of a dedicated senior center. Why should Los Gatos have the sole contrary conclusion? The fact that the Terraces and the Meadows are located here, would only slightly affect the situation. Only a small segment of our Town senior population are residents in these retirement communities. Look at Saratoga, which is comparable to our Town. They have donated Village property for a dedicated senior center. Their senior center is thriving. I am enclosing a copy of their newsletter, so that all of you can see what can be accomplished without a major outlay of funds. They have set aside time each week for widowed support and socializing with coffee and treats. These types of activities are for the emotional support which cannot be provided by classes in current events, walking or painting. In business, when one develops a product, the successful ones go to the target market, and inquires as to what type of a product and features do they want. Based on this input, they develop the product that becomes successful. An unsuccessful business doesn't want to poll their target market but they would forge ahead and make the product conform to what they think the market wants. Again, I suggest that a commission be established to talk to the cities, evaluate their programs, and most importantly, talk to the Town citizens, young and old, determine what they want and then come to a meaningful conclusion. COST OF A DEDICATED CENTER - There are many ways to raise the money needed to fund a dedicated senior center, other than exclusively use Town funds. Some cities charge membership fees i.e., ten dollars a year, other centers have newspapers with advertisements to raise money, and other cities have fund raisers, and donations from the community. Discussions regarding the location and the various methods to fund a dedicated senior center are issues beyond my presentation on November 22nd and are best left to the Council, the proposed commission and the Town staff. CONCLUSION - I am aware of the tremendous opposition to the establishment of a dedicated senior center from the Town staff. I am at a loss to understand their opposition, as the establishment of dedicated senior center does not raise any question concerning their competency. The contents, quality and cost of the senior programs bears directly upon the question of utilization, but this is an issue which can be worked out with the Town staff. In my opinion, a dedicated senior center would be an asset in the delivery of senior services and programs and it would make the work of the Community Services Department much more effective and beneficial to the senior citizens of this Town. This is why I 4 would ask the Council to appoint a commission composed of Town citizens to evaluate the entire situation and not rely solely on the recommendations of the Town staff. The Town of Los Gatos, prides itself as a progressive community and as an unique place to live in Silicon Valley. Let us not be so unique that we have the distinction of being the only major city in Silicon Valley that does not have a dedicated senior center. Respectfully submitted, Jack I. Orlove 220 Dover St. Los Gatos, CA (408) 356-9016 PETITION TO THE LOS GATOS TOWN COUNCIL THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEDICATED SENIOR CENTER We the undersigned residents of the Town of Los Gatos, petition the Town Council to favorably consider the establishment of a dedicated Senior Center. To this end, we would encourage the Town Council to appoint a commission to study the feasibility of a dedicated Senior Center, composed of citizens and Town employees. Name 0ii Address Phone / f //3/ l%ia° y ram, LaaJo 3 s (v cab `tee / 9S6 - s-7 u 9stO 7s 3o Zo'1 Qa\rneZ DQ (��� ti5�.3z 2-°7 filiuot Dz. z 3188 dos c/1-"rzYS G11- 9so3 Z - 3 2g 3FLS 4(4 ,•,� G«. ,fir C /7 j) 37a ("--/ -s-t) ( p At`L-vZ (l0)? 404 G7 105 c°'� 461,,c9--%0a2 PETITION TO THE LOS GATOS TOWN COUNCIL THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEDICATED SENIOR CENTER We the undersigned residents of the Town of Los Gatos, petition the Town Council to favorably consider the establishment of a dedicated Senior Center. To this end, we would encourage the Town Council to appoint a commission to study the feasibility of a dedicated Senior Center, composed of citizens and Town employees. Name Address Phone / It G (V-(C 70i(ei, -f , 17 OTC Wo- f 0, /L,Lf gu6e a 5 cl2a3 c 0-'27-tE- c, vv4 " zaeiel, tic �b —/ D�/ ,c)e7z,k2.<„, , /3513-00-0 y z� 7 �Zse- 4 -c ? X-fr,-.f.,6,1-2--,,��- -_ , ? �' ��� �3 9��C-'�r - ',-"5/ l'' `� `S � `/ 7- mil � 7 . --�� N y �st - /' D� ..4 �,.3-23o 3s47/- 7 /iL, U 61 mays kJ, ysci3o 35K- 7.-i-- aZ, ce -.2, �'cp/ Address ca - G . aoy�o/�sc cifej 2_0 - L c; L . G-. Lt,I-E�_ — L. C, <63 A ('P1 c v5scat L» LC 9O5) jc,;yg5 t)i.CL, cd 1,4 }4 Lf S %tAc L ¥4& L U Lb 5y --`44 -a-- ( 77 SulA,t 44.ct lAdsJive, z. 1c �J%Lt.. Am Jo S;2P PETITION TO THE LOS GATOS TOWN COUNCIL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEDICATED SENIOR CENTER We the undersigned residents of the Town of Los Gatos, petition the Town Council to favorably consider the establishment of a dedicated Senior Center. To this end, we would encourage the Town Council to appoint a commission to study the feasibility of a dedicated Senior Center. Name ,1,7 u-, i (PAPA- -77 smcte tAL (2)k)(1104- )ca t- \Rowe' (-74ky tegpi/4 I` iK 6 ;) cn' o' ,g4a/c-it.e.et...et-, '&6-a-1/n4) Phone (Optional) - L�3 ( -a5 ieUC '2 A C • t 3a2- /Aa O ? moo 3 y5 j _e,6S PETITION TO THE LOS GATOS TOWN COUNCIL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEDICATED SENIOR CENTER We the undersigned residents of the Town of Los Gatos, petition the Town Council to favorably consider the establishment of a dedicated Senior Center. To this end, we would encourage the Town Council to appoint a commission to study the feasibility of a dedicated Senior Center. Name ((e2din 96AAsiuki m\t-cok.) c )Q4(-17 Address Phone (Optional) 20 ( I,,ueto,e 0 u5 CA' P/25 S �j,So3u la 3 C i14-i ANA ,/4 2 1 f r U r/ �r -rr v2os L &-gyro S q S c�3 2_ n y ��nc v, 4v� �. G is—o ff w,1 /L- iice< A) C?&Z _5-V 5 _ (6 3 YCri/3 C il-S $, s. rsd z ( (.1tLe C.„., Vs0"5"( 36 f-- sz) i-eo &aS,& Ps-o., 2-, PETITION TO THE LOS GATOS TOWN COUNCIL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEDICATED SENIOR CENTER We the undersigned residents of the Town of Los Gatos, petition the Town Council to favorably consider the establishment of a dedicated Senior Center. To this end, we would encourage the Town Council to appoint a commission to study the feasibility of a dedicated Senior Center. Name r�i�vt�1; kv t� lam/ Address Phone (Optional) 1 Ct, h+titt).%t1 'I4u L Cr. (o C 4--rt .s C4 cfsoilp L. f 3 '23o /S—/ 77 zJnJ use, 3/7S GI) raj /- Cl�� 6 cI to 5 9Sn 3 a- F-• k,-) PETITION TO THE LOS GATOS TOWN COUNCIL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEDICATED SENIOR CENTER We the undersigned residents of the Town of Los Gatos, petition the Town Council to favorably consider the establishment of a dedicated Senior Center. To this end, we would encourage the Town Council to appoint a commission to study the feasibility of a dedicated Senior Center. Name Address Phone (Optional) ,zth- LEx„,,,,3,1-_p A-L/12_ A-6/ 7-(cx, Vs7, 5; I Dt.s9i co ! pc, Top NC Lop C , ? 5 03 110 kokrt(cuv\ A-14 9 3�l Sb� PETITION TO THE LOS GATOS TOWN COUNCIL THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEDICATED SENIOR CENTER We the undersigned residents of the Town of Los Gatos, petition the Town Council to favorably consider the establishment of a dedicated Senior Center. To this end, we would encourage the Town Council to appoint a commission to study the feasibility of a dedicated Senior Center, composed of citizehsand Town employees. Name ,co7'714 ea(N 47. p OVY cry? 5 Apiciress Phone 22/ 044 0/� 400) 3S 4' 763/ OteWth tb)j)-(14 eo do z. g op"-?(i- nif /2 57 (9S PO ouvrvl )o3CQ-`dsC ef_os — d1�� THE SARATOGA AREA SENIOR COORDINATING COUNCIL P.O. BOX 3033 / 19655 ALLENDALE AVE. / SARA TOGA, CA. 95070 / 408-868-1257 Mary Jeanne Fenn Honorary Chairperson 1999 Citizen of the Year SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL Evan Baker, Elect Stan Bogosian-Vice Mayor John Mchaffey, Elect Ann Walton -Smith Nick Streit, Elect SASCC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dane Christensen, President Carol Schmidt VP Adult Cate Center Paul Bowlin VP Senior Center Ron Duffin VP Finance Lane Tronson VP at Large Harriet Tripp Recording Secretary Jo Trimble Development Francis Wasserman Fundraising Gladys Armstrong Director at Large Paul Clark Director at Large Roy Cook Director at Large Albert Fenn Director at Large Fran Krezek Director at Large Kent Leinberger Director at Large M..E.(Buck) Sample Director at Large 1999 FUND RAISING COMMITTEE Mary Richards-Goulart Exec Director, SASCC Jo Trimble Frances Wasserman Kent Leinberger November 1, 1999 Dear Neighbor, Did you know there are almost 2000 seniors who use our Saratoga Senior Center and the Adult Day Care Center every month? These are seniors who come to our facility weekly on Allendale Avenue across from the post office. They aren't banner carrying people; they are senior citizens who look to people like us for support. They come to participate in programs that help solve problems, enrich lives, and sustain involvement in the community. They receive physical and emo- tional support as well. As Saratoga's senior population grows, so does the need to continue and expand our activities. Establishing our own senior computer lab is just one idea we are working on. The City of Saratoga is very supportive of SASCC but is only able to provide very limited finanical assistance due to its low tax base. In order to close the financial gap, we depend on fund-raising events, grants, our dedicated volunteers, staff and generous donations from neighbors like you. Your contribution is tax deductible and we invite you to drop by the center to see your money at work. Plan to join us for a delicious lunch some Wednesday. We at SASCC recognize that without our community's commitment, our Saratoga Senior Center could not have survived for 20 years. The Adult Day Care Center is also almost 12 years old. Your financial help has a direct impact on both centers and allows us to continue providing and improving our services. Many of our se- nior participants who are longtime residents were movers and shak- ers that helped form our wonderful valley. Groucho Marx once com- mented "Growing old is something you do if you're lucky". These beneficiaries are our families, neighbors, friends, and maybe even you. We thank you in advance for your support. Mary Jeanne Fenn Honorary Chairperson 1999 Citizen of Year • (+fit..._. Dane Christensen President Saratoga Senior Coordinating Council YES I/WE WANT TO HELP THE SARATOGA SENIOR CENTER AND ADULT CARE CENTER ( ) ENCLOSED IS MY TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION OF: $25 $50 $100 $250 OTHER $ ( ( ) PLEASE CONTACT ME REGARDING LONG TERM GIVING, ESTATE PLANNING OPTIONS AND CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS. ) PLEASE CONTACT ME REGARDING A DONATION OF STOCK ) I/WE ARE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT THE CENTER. NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE( ) .0 NOVEMBER 1999 THE OUTLOOK VOLUMN 1999 ISSUE 11/ OFFICIAL NEWSLEI"1hR OF SASCC /PUBLISHED MONTHLY P.O. Box 3033 Saratoga, California 95070 (408) 868-1257 November Lunc&eon Entertainment Weaneseay NOVEMBER 3 Dr. Maw will speak about ear implants and other breakthroughs in hearing technologies. Weeneseay NOVEMBER Io The "Old Smoothies" entertain with their vocal and instrumental vitality. Bea Libby ably directs. Weeneseay NOVEMBER 17 Bob Battaglia returns with a narrative slide presentation of the Holy Land. Weenesaay NOVEMBER 24 No Program HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING Men's Lunc aeon Friaaj NOVEMBER 26 No Program in November or December HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHT Flu Shot Clinic: Additional Flu Shot Clinic Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16. Join us for a little Christmas Spirit & Cheer $23 per person. This is an annual event presented by Saratoga Senior Center. Dinner on your own at Pier 39 or Fisherman's Wharf. Tour of all the Lights at Embarcadero Center -Union Square -Grand Avenue in South San Francisco, Fairmont Hotel in San Jose — and Christmas in the park. For more information call at 868-1257or 868-1254. Make your reservation for this fun outing right away. RESPONSIBILITY: All activities arranged by SASCC or any of its Committees are solely for the pleasure, information and convenience of its members and their guests. SASCC, its officers, directors, employees, and members assume no responsibility for the safety or well being of participants or their personal property, nor for their actions in connection with any of the activities offered by SASCC. Caringfor and servint the needs of Saratoga Area Seniors. 2 I € NOVEMBER OOTLOOI-5 TH1✓ DIRECTORS MESSAGE T1�e Presi.devtt is %w Europe vacat%ow%wg Fall is most certainly in the air as the evenings grow chilly and the trees begin to turn beautiful shades of red, brown and gold. For SASCC, this is one of the busiest times of the year, filled with special events and fund raising activities. In September we had our High Tea on September 23rd, which was a wonderful success. Next, our Senior Center members participated in the Saratoga Parade on October 3rd. We showed off our float, which won first prize in its category, and 12 seniors from our fantastic fitness lass taught by Cindy Teerlink, marched proudly behind. Then we had our Super Saturday on October 16th, complete with a flu shot clinic, the Lion's A.J. Robinson Mobile Screening Unit, AARP's new mobile information center and our huge super sale filled to the brim with "can't live without" garage sale items. (I must admit, some of our items one could live without.) The very next week, on October 21st, the Adult Care Center had its annual Fashion Show Fundraiser at Manhattan's Restaurant and what a delightful time that was. After all was said and done, we raised over $8,000. This month, we mailed out our annual fundraising letter and decided to include it in the Outlook this year, in hopes that SASCC members such as you might contribute to the cause as well. Any donation is helpful and if you have not been by the Senior Center or the Adult Care Center recently, we welcome and encourage you to stop by anytime during the week to see how well contributions are being used. One might ask why we go through all this tremendous effort to raise money for our Centers. As much as the City of Saratoga appreciates the important services we provide to the members of our community, financial support from the City is minimal due to the limited funds available. As a result, much of our focus is on raising enough money to help our programs not only survive but thrive. As we enter into the new millennium, our board members, our staff and our dedicated volunteers will be working as hard as ever to meet the needs of our maturing population. You never know when you might need us, however you can count on us being here for you if you ever do! //-7 Mary Rithards-Goulart,Director 3 'D€ NOVEM BER OOTLOOF CLASSES ❖ Fitness: Mon, Wed, and Fri, 9:00 to 9:55 a.m. with Instructor Cindy Teerlink from West Valley College. ❖ Acrylic Painting: Tues. 10:00 - 12:00 noon. Instructor Mary Wyatt from West Valley College. ❖ Art History: Jan Schmidek West Valley College. Classes are on Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. NO CLASS ON NOVEMBER 25. ❖ Money Matters: Wednesdays 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. ❖ Writing Your Memoirs: Nov. 5 and 12. At 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. ❖ Book Review: Nov. 19 - 11:00 - 12:00 noon. Betty Lovelace will review the book. "The Mother Tongue" English and how it got that way. Author Bill Bryson. ❖ Substitute Bridge Players Needed: If you can occasionally play bridge at the Senior Center Mondays from 10:10 - 11:30 a.m., please leave your name and phone number at the reception desk, 868-1257. ❖ Advanced and Post Advanced Lip Reading: Tues. Nov. 2 at 1:00 p.m. Post/Adv. class 2:00 p.m. ❖ Intermediate Bridge Class: Tuesdays 1:30-3:00 P.M. New cuss begins Tues, Nov, 2. Instructor Al Becker. This is a 6-week class, cost is $30. Please phone the desk at 868-1257 to enroll. ACTIVITIES The Saratoga Senior Center serves as the Club House for bridge, cards, and games on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ❖ Beginning Bridge: Mon. mornings from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. ❖ Saratoga Traders Investment Club: 1st and 3'i Mondays 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. ❖ Mah-jongg: Tuesdays 1:00 p.m. ❖ Wednesday Luncheon: Wed. noon, $4.00. Birthday Luncheon Nov. 17, celebrate your November, Birthday with a free lunch. ❖ Men's Luncheon: No luncheon in November or December. ❖ Billards: Thursdays dC Fridays 9:00 - 12 noon, at the Warner Hutton House. Phone Roy Denman for information 257-8660. ❖ Needlework Network: Fridays 10:00a.m. ❖ Golf: Blackberry Farm Fridays 11:00 a.m. For info. call Doug Rose at 867- 3663. Support Groups: Widowed Support Group: Wed. 10:30 a.m. Caregivers Support Group: 2'd and 4th Wed 3:30 p.m. in Adult Care Center. Tmica81-01]9 4 Zh€ 11OVEMEER OOTL00I SERVICES OFFERED AT THE SARATOGA SENIOR CENTER There are a variety of services offered at the Saratoga Senior Center on 19655 Allendale Ave., Saratoga. The office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and provides occasional special events on weekends. In its goal to be a multi- service center the Board of Directors of the Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council has authorized the following additional services: Podiatry Services: By appointment. Twice monthly on Wednesdays, November 3 & 17 from 10-2 p.m. Fee is $25. If you have a personal problem with this charge, please consult the Executive Director. FREE SERVICES Health Insurance Counseling. 2nd & 4th Monday p.m. by appointment. Blood Pressure Checks: Nilda Mendelson, R.N., 10 a.m. - 12 noon on Wednesday, November 3. No appt. needed. Financial & Vocational Services: Tuesdays. Call reception desk 868-1257 to make appointment. Project Match: Offers relocation or shared housing services. Call 287-7121. SALA: Will no longer be coming to the Saratoga Senior Center. Phone other Senior Centers for this service. Cupertino (408) 777-3150, -15t Wed & 4th Mondays. Sunnyvale (408) 730-7360. Available on Thurs. Please call for appointments. GF-EAT GeTAWAYS The Recreation Dept. sponsors a variety of trips for all ages throughout the year. Trip fliers are sent quarterly before the Activities Guide or the Outlook. You may add your name to the mailing list by calling 868-1248 or 868-1249. (Some trips may already be full. Call now to check space availability.) SAN JOSE MUSEUM OF ART & THE CANTOR CENTER FOR VISUAL ARTS AT STANFORD Join us for an extraordinary tour today with guide Magda Madriz. We will discover our own San Jose Museum of Art and see the last installation of the Whitney Exhibit, "Surrounding Responses to the American Landscape". A delightful hosted lunch will follow. We then travel to the newly refurbished Cantor Center at Stanford University. We will see the world class Rodin collection, the archive of photographer E. Muybridge and much more. THURSDAY, NOV. 18 — 9:30 a, m, - approx. 4:45p.m. NUMMI PLANT & ARDENWOOD FARM NUMMI, is the only auto plant if California. This tour includes a short walk and a tram ride around the plant. This is followed by a hosted lunch. In interesting contrast, we'll head to Ardenwood, a historic farm that invites you to see what life was like near the turn -of -century. Staff and volunteers attired in Victorian clothing will guide us through the Patterson family home and carry us by wagon around the 205-acre farm. THURSDAY, NOV. 4 8:15 a.m. — approm 4:15 p.m. RUSSELL G. PERRY, Attorney at Law Wills Living Trusts Estates/Probate 14340 Saratoga Ave. Saratoga, Ca. 95070 A local Saratoga Attorney for over 20 years (408) 741-1401 L •t 5 fib€ NOVEM EER' O OT L00 }-5 Lecture/Discussion Series Join us on Wednesdays from 1:30-3:30 p.m. BRING A FRIEND No Fee Wednesday Nov. 3 Your CD Investments: Some comparisons Nicholas G. Streit, CPA Delucchi, Hawn & Co., LLLP Wednesday Nov. 10 Your Record Keeping: Is it up to date? Senior Adult Legal Assistance (SALA) Wednesday Nov. 17 Seniors Insurance Options: Long Term Carr Dept. Insurance Consumer Services 300 South Spring St., 9th floor Los Angeles, Ca. 90013 Saratoga Retirement Community Odd Fellows Home of California, Inc. Health Care Center . The Health Center provides 24-hour skilled nursing care by friendly helpful staff in a serene park like setting_ Open to the public. 14500 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, CA 95070 408-867-1310 The Senior Center was well represented at the annual Saratoga Community Parade last October 3, 1999. We were awarded FIRST PLACE in our category, thanks to the efforts of Kenny Harrington, who made the signs for the truck, which we all help decorate that morning. Nancy Tronson generously provided an added incentive by giving $5.00 to the Center for each person who walked in the parade for a total of $60.The Director of the Center, Mary Richards-Goulart and her daughter Rachel assisted the ladies including Rafiha Muhawi, Marie Reilly, Virginia Schroeder, Kathy and Mary McGoldrick, Sophia Soriano, Marie Taylor, Dina Maldonado, Margaret Ford, Ruth Milutin and Emily Hendrickson through the parade and the aerobic exercises given by the their instructor Cindy Teerlink, Everyone had a grand time.. We hope to have even more participants for next year's parade. We already have two antique cars reserved for the celebration. Come and join us next year. "HOW TO FIND A GOOD CONTRACTOR" The voice of Midlife and Older Women's League invites you to a presentation:"How - to find a Good Contractor." Speaker: Glenn Lenker will discuss what one should know before hiring a contractor Time: Saturday, November 13, at 9:45a.m. Place:Cypress Gardens Housing Complex (community center) 3555 Judro Way, San Jose, Ca. (behind the Cypress Senior Center) Refreshments served. No charge for program. • MY DRIVER 7ersonafG'imouste <Seruice Exclusively for Seniors (408)379-5200 Throughout the history of the Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council, volunteers have been the lifeblood of our organization. Without their dedication, their hard work, creative ideas and endless hours of commitment, we would not be able to provide the invaluable services to our community that we do. Every so often, we feel it particularly important to say thank you, although we could never say thank you enough. During the last couple of months, we have tapped into our volunteers heavily and the results have been incredible. Before mentioning the names of those who helped during our most recent special events, a huge thank you must go out to our luncheon volunteers. These individuals show up every Wednesday morning to set up for our luncheon. They unfold tables, place chairs, set tables, decorate, make coffee, prep food, assist in cooking food, serve food, clear the tables, wash the dishes, put away tables and chairs and adjust to the many unknown circumstances that arise during a given afternoon. Without their dedicated work, we would not be able to put on our luncheons, which are one of the most important programs that we offer at the senior center. On Thursday, September 23rd we hosted our annual High Tea, which is the kick off event for 6 I € NOIEMBER O OT LOO 1 rto Our Mang medicated 9lolunteers- (thank you, (Thank 'you, 'thank 'you, 'thank ) ou! Celebrate Saratoga. The Tea was splendid, complete with live harpists, delicious teas, sandwiches and sweets. Our guest enjoyed the treats and the tunes and dressed in their finest fashions. Once again, in the background, a group of dedicated volunteers hustled about, coordinating every aspect of this special occasion, food, flowers, decorations, place settings, linens and so on. The volunteer worked so hard to make the Fun Raiser a smashing success. On Saturday, October 16, the Senior Center offered a flu shot clinic to the public. In addition, we also had the Lion's Club donate the A.J. Robinson Mobile Screening Unit to check for problems with vision, hearing, glaucoma, high blood pressure and diabetes. The AARP Mobile Information van was also in attendance and provided important information to the public. We also had a huge Super Sale, where we sold items of all kinds that were generously donated by supportive members of our community. In order to successfully coordinate this huge combined Fund Raiser, it literally took hundreds of volunteer hours. Besides our annual fundraising letter, which goes out every November, this is the biggest fundraiser we have. To all those listed below and to any whose names that were mistakenly left out please accept our most sincere and heartfelt thank you. Without you there would be no Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council. ,; Francisco Jeanne Fiorella Jo phil Jeanne Pat Paul Betty Oy Nancy Marie Janet Lois Paul Peggy Ethlyn Jeanne Rosemarie Bonnie Dorothy Idalene Desi Mary A. Kenny Emily Eric Jessica Sean 7 he NOVEMBER Alvarez Augustine Band Beach Blumenthal, M.D. Boettcher Bortle, R.N. Bowfin Brandow Brown Burbank. R.N. Calkins Cazel Chamberlain Clark Corr Countryman, M.D. Cryan Dipple, R.N. Fambrini Friel Fryer Gallmeister Goulart Harrington Henderickson Henderickson Henderickson Henderickson OVTLOOF Joanne Theresa Betty Ginny Gladys Fay Yvonne Edna Lou Dyna Joan Betty Floyd Olga Ken Dina Phyllis Nilda Barbara Ruth Bertha Lem Rafia Clare Holzmer Hornig Hunter Johnson Jones Knight Lampshire Lee Leto Levin Lewis, R.N. Lovelace Luckenbihl MacFarlane Madhvani Maldonado Marangoni Mendelson, R.N. Mendenhall Milutin Robinson Mueller Muhawi Ostrowski, R.N. MaryBeth Parfitt Walt Parker Elizabeth Touran Benny Anne Ken Lillian Barbara Amanda Kay Dorothy Louise Jo Harriet Lane Fran Suszana Sandra Doris Hannah Replogle Rohani Sanchez Schuman Seaton Segal Sherrard Squires Stave, R.N. Stephan Tighe Trimble Tripp Tronson Wasserman Wong Zari Ziegel Quain 8 J€ NOVEMBER 0OTL,00I Sol• SARATOGA ADULT CARE CENTER Monday thru Friday Hours 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. Program Hours 10 a.m. — 3 p.m. (408) 868-1262 ITALIAN DAY On September 23rd, the Adult Care Center celebrated its first Italian Day. 4� There was delicious Italian food prepared by staff, and wonderful entertainment provided by the foot -tapping sounds of the Bee's Knees. Participants and staff enjoyed the Italian music throughout the day. Italian food and fun - another special day for all. xALLOWEEN ?ARTY Our annual Halloween party held on October 29 was a laughter -filled day. Staff and participants had some amusing costumes, to say the least. Young visitors from Mariann's preschool classes came several times during the day for trick-or- Freating. What a fun day. ANNUAL FASf110N S11CW year's Fashion Show Luncheon Fundraiser was held for the first time at Manhattan's. it 138 people greatly enjoyed the lunch, the fabulous fashions from Exclusively Yours 'que, and the delightful door and raffle prizes. We sold $1,000.00 worth of raffle •s! Thanks to our Board Members who gathered up various prizes and an enormous you to Pat Bartle and Eileen Slater for assembling the eye -striking gift baskets and 'r hard work to ensure the success of this event. THE SARATOGA ADULT CARE CENTER WILL BE CLOSED: VETERANS DAY THURSDAY - NOVEMBER 11 THANKSGIVING THURSDAY & FRIDAY - NOVEMBER 25 & 26 LI' I' W W h€ NO V E 1 ER WELCOME OUR NEW TEACHER IN THE MEMOIR CLASS Louise Webb will be the new teacher for the Memoir class. Since 1980 she had written numerous articles for the Saratoga News and wa: a regular columnist for that publication for many years. She is a free lance writer and has had articles published in the San Jose Mercury News and other publications. Louise is a member of the California Writer's Association. For the past three years she has been publicity chairman of the National League of American Pen Women Santa Clara Branch and was honored with an achievement award for her writing. Currently she is writing a book on twins called "Womb Mates" about twins. Louise's identical twin sister is a columnist in Southern California. ThK You A big thank you to the Door to Door Storage Company for donating the use of their storage bins. They provided us three bins, where we were able to store items for our Super Sale. All we had to do was pay for the drop off and pick up fee. Hopefully they will help out again next year, and we will be able to get an earlier start on storing our goodies. When you have a storage need please keep them in mind. 1-800-door-222. 2nn & "The Results Team" Cook Office 408-996-1100 \TM 408-345-3141 Home 408-252-5032 E-mail: royanncook@coldwellbanker.com Visit our Web Page on the Internet www.royanncook.com Coldwell Banker Cornish & Carey Residential Real Estate 12029 Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road Saratoga, CA 95707 Specializing in "Home -to -Home" transition • Free market analysis of your home • Consultation for your special needs: senior housing options, healthcare choices, community resources • Step-by-step assistance throughout your sale & purchase • Moving, cleaning, & estate sale arrangements Amy Parsons, M.S. Geriatric Care Manager Real Estate Agent (Century 21 Hallmark) 1 v THE OUTLOOK is published monthly by the Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council, located at.the Saratoga Senior Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga, CA., 95070 (408) 868-1257,Web Site:http://www.best-com/—gaxmda President... ... Dane Christensen Vice President -Adult Care Center.... Carol Schmidt Vice President -Senior Center Paul Bowlin Vice President -Finance.......... ...... Ron Duffin Vice President at Large...... Lane Tronson Recording Secretary Harriet Tripp Development Director Mary Jo Trimble Director at Large Adult Center Paul Clark Director at Large Senior Center.......... Roy Cook Directors at Large............ Gladys Armstrong Charles Dippel Albert Fenn Erna Jackman Fran Krezek M.E. Sample Fund Raising...... ... Frances Wasserman Treasurer Vy Brown Executive Director ... Mary Richards Administrative Assistant ... Barbara Sherrard OUTLOOK Editor ... Fran Krezek Saratoga Adult Care Center Administrator.......... Karen Lorenz Items for publication should be addressed to Editor, OUTLOOK at the address above, or should be placed in Editor's pigeonhole at the Senior Center (the volunteer at the desk will help you find it). DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE IS THE TENTH OF THE CURRENT MONTH NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION Bulls Rate U.S. Postage PAID Permit #75 Saratoga CA '1 $_1 g 8 O Oal, P P _ 4 LL N 30gMOM 80 8 t O THURSDAY WEDNESDAY e 0 w s$$e ggag I^ s:: o7.r_ $erg, Sss 8 0 0 z 8 R 0 op a�t<ai � OW 8 n88 goI$AIM 8 8 8 a M as o„ o d 4 O O NCi q an Cr aVZ wo— 9 80, 406. 8 b N 0 GERIATRIC HOME CARE SPECIALISTS w z°� z z co 0M dog 5Aa z r o �' Oz � V tit Town Council Minutes November 22, 1999 Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California DOWNTOWN PARKING IMPROVEMENTS/GORDON H. CHONG (19.40) Mayor Blanton stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider report and presentation from Gordon H. Chong and Associates on conceptual design for potential Parking Lots 2 and 6. Presentation by Gordon H. Chong & Assoc. on design options for two structures at Parking Lot 2 and Parking Lot 6. The following people from the audience spoke to this issue: Phil Micciche, 220 Alexander Ave, asked that Lot 6 not overlook St. Mary's School. No one else from the audience addressed this issue. Council Consensus to place this item on the January 3, 2000 agenda for another presentation, discuss funding mechanisims and financial participation of the business community and to hold another study session and hour before hand. Council requested being kept abreast of incoming reports concerning construction as staff is made aware of any new information; also if the borings on both lots present some questionable information, Council requests a second opinion in order to weigh the options and expence of remediation. LINDA LUBECK/LEFT MEETING/9:15 P.M. Councilmember Lubeck, having addressed her need to leave the meeting at 9:15 p.m., excused herself. SENIOR CENTER/FORMATION OF CITIZENS' EVALUATION COMMITTEE (20.20) Mayor Blanton stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider Jack Orlove's request that Town Council appoint a commission composed of Town citizens to evaluate the possibility of a dedicated senior center. The following people from the audience spoke to this issue: Jack Orlove, 220 Dover Street, presented a discussion on the needs of seniors and the need of Los Gatos to develop a new Senior Center. Jean Gamble, 198 Broadway, has lived there for fifty years. She spoke of her time in Los Gatos and the improvements that have been made in town by the seniors who have lived and worked in Los Gatos over the years. She asked for Council's consideration and appreciation for these long term residents by planning a new senior recreation center. Rita Baum, 135 El Pinar, spoke of senior needs in our town and offered her expertise and time to help with a Senior Center and a new Library. Allistair Dallas, 17681 Foster Road, representing the Community Services Commission, noted that the Neighborhood Center could be made more inviting with some renovations. The new library could also incorporate a senior center within its plans. Egon Jensen, 182 Lester Lane, noted that the town needed a catalyst for building a new neighborhood center and asked that Council commit itself to this concept. No one else from the audience addressed this issue. TC: D 11: MM l 12299 6