HomeMy WebLinkAboutSSBM 9.9.21 2021Page 1 of 2
West University Place
SENIORS BOARD MEETING
September 9, 2021
Presiding: Selby Clark
The meeting called to order at 2:01 p.m.
Roll call: Present Stan McCandless, George Hilderbrandt, Joan Johnson, Carlos De La Torre, Karen
Kenny, Selby Clark (Chair), Candace TenBrink, Candyce Beneke, Susan Davis, Ann Crowley, Toby Brooks
and Susan White, John Barnes (Council Liaison) )late arrival George Baker. Absent Judy Faulkner, Carol
O’Neill, Tom Brombacher, Elizabeth Wilder, Mardi Turner (GNT). Guests None
Minutes: June minutes approved with changes (which actually after review were included in the May
2021 meeting minutes) by Joan Johnson, Seconded by Candyce Beneke. *See May minutes not June.
Council Meeting Report: John Barnes
1. Thanked those for interviewing for Board positions and feedback, which included a desire to
make Board more active and project driven. Setting and implementing policy. Appointments
chosen.
2. Senior Needs Assessment: Improving communications and Park usage. Strategic Workshop:
Seniors need to set priorities. Expand Senior Services over time. Favorable ratings for Senior
Services. Operating at capacity. As population grows, goal on maintaining level of services.
Community Center included in Facilities Master Plan. Council expressed feelings that less
focus should be on age ranges of 50-65 and more focused on 65 plus and those who could
benefit from the services. Recruiting younger volunteers to help with Good Neighbor Team
and Handyman Team as well as staffing needs to coordinate.
Parks and Recreation: Susan White
1. Working with The City Manager preparing budgets. Meeting with Council Saturday in
regards to the budget. Point of clarification about the Senior Services part time position, it is
not a new position just titling it as “Coordinator” for an extension of hours of the current
position.
2. Huffington Park Update: Ribbon cutting held last month. Increased open greenspace by one-
half. Lots of positive feedback.
3. Colonial park pool is allowing nonresident guests. Including Grandparents and
accompanying grandchildren.
4. Judson Park Update: Minimal changes discussed.
5. Rec Center Update: Deck replacement. Added pool deck feature.
APAC Report: Karen Kenny APAC Minutes sent via email.
1. Harris County Area on Aging is providing in home Covid testing/vaccines and paying those who
get vaccinated. University of Houston is looking for active adults to pair with students to
promote intergenerational programs. Goal to engage with dialog. Understanding different
generations. John Barnes asked if Rice was doing a similar program.
Good Neighbor Team: Toby Brooks
Page 2 of 2
1. Added a delivery, facilitating the National Charity League, Heart of Texas girls who assembled
the gift bags for the special delivery. Good Neighbor team members delivered. NCL will also do
another special delivery to half of the GNT list.
2. Looked at updating the GNT list to include 80 year olds. Decision to keep the GNT list to
include those who are 85 and older. Will include those with special needs, and those referred
by neighbors, family, and friends who are under age 85. Case by case basis.
Senior Services report: Toby Brooks
1 Held the Theme Meal “Luau”. Forty seniors attended. Many new faces due to the
entertainment from former Bellaire employee/ukulele player.
2 Holistic lecture featuring a new Dr. that was well attended.
3 Covid Delta Variant has had an effect on the size of groups attending.
4 Both watercolor classes began this week.
5 New Hi Neighbor newsletter format has had negative and some positive feedback. We will
keep the format for another season.
Old Business
1) John Neighbors will have a Proclamation, to be shared with the Senior Board. Toby Brooks has
been in touch with the niece and there will be something at the Hallmark, but they are not in
any rush for the Memorial due to Covid.
2) Candace TenBrink asked about positions on the Board. Someone will need to become the new
minute taker. Positions: APAC, Secretary, Chair. In effect pre Covid. Candyce Beneke also
mentioned a Vice Chair. Hopes that Karen Kenny will continue as APAC. Karen Kenny agreed to
continue.
3) Candace TenBrink thanked Selby Clark for his service and others concurred.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Joan Johnson made the motion to adjourn the
meeting and Karen Kenny seconded it.
Submitted: Patricia Noren