HomeMy WebLinkAboutSSBM 12.9.2021West University Place
SENIORS BOARD MEETING
December 9, 2021
Presiding: Ann Crowley (Chair)
The meeting is called to order at 2:05 PM
Roll Call:
• Present: George Baker, Candyce Beneke, Ann Crowley, George Hilderbrandt, Teresa
George-Hung, Gloria Nino Monacelli, Shannon Carroll (Council Liaison), Toby
Brooks, Diana Ayers, Karen Kenny, Mardi Turner, Susan White
• Absent: Tom Brombacher, Selby Clark, Allan Elkowitz, Joan Johnson, Candace TenBrink,
Susan Davis
• Guests: Carlos De La Torre, John Barnes
Actions Items:
1. Approved previous minutes – 1) Karen Kenny 2) George Hilderbrandt
2. Citizen comments — John Barnes thanked the Good Neighbors and Seniors Board for the
poinsettias and wanted to wish everyone happy holidays.
3. First Order of Business — Karen Kenny Shares information on Mission Statement
planning
a. Team has been formed to work on this outside of meeting time.
b. Members include George Hilderbrandt, Candyce TenBrink, Candace Beneke, and
Karen Kenny
c. Also working on a vision statement which will be compact
d. Working on a mission statement for 2 year plan.
4. Discussed the article “ 100 Years To Thrive” sent by Ann Crowley.
a. 5 year olds today are expected to live to a hundred.
b. How do we focus on positive aging?
c. Build an environment that is multigenerational and positive
i. George Baker — inquired about a multigenerational family census for
WestU. He mentioned a possibility of multigenerational meeting spaces
and events.
ii. Teresa added about getting the Houston Board Game society to come and
teach some games.
5. How to communicate:
a. Gloria NM brought up concerns about knowing what services are available to
residence.
i. Mardi brought up that this information is available in the Hi Neighbor and
In the Parks & Rec newsletters.
b. Diana Ayers brought up that it would be good to provide transportation to events
for senior residents.
c. Maybe reaching out using Facebook or NextDoor to share more information with
members.
d. Gloria NM brought up concerns about not having enough classes for technology
and training.
i. Waitlist – could more classes be added?
ii. Toby –classes can only have 10 participants a piece because of instructors
requirement.
iii. Perhaps more classes to be offered on alternating days?
APAC: Karen Kenny
1. There was no APAC meeting, but Karen Kenny was able to get updates on in-home
booster shots for seniors, and Harris County Area Agency is working on this.
a. Please see attached notes sent by Toby for full details.
Good Neighbors Team: Mardi Turner
1. Sent out Thanksgiving cards.
2. Poinsettias arrived today and if you are a volunteer please take yours as you leave the
meeting.
Parks & Rec: Susan White
1. Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony went well.
2. Santa will be driving through the parks
3. The 17th is the first holiday light show and festival.
4. The Edloe pathway project is on the WestU page. Please check out.
a. Mardi asked if the park is going to be dedicated?
5. Please check out the postcard that is being sent out and please send suggestions
6. Pickle ball updates.
City Council: Shannon (Added from her notes)
Of Note Since Last Meeting:
1. Nov. 25 - Thanksgiving lunch was held at Community Building
2. Mon., Dec. 6 – Tree Lighting Ceremony was held at Friends Park
3. Two City Council meetings have been held; both were brief; We are looking into an
employee satisfaction survey for city employees.
Upcoming Events:
1. Sat., Dec. 11 – Santa Through West U at 9:00 a.m.
2. Fri., Dec. 17 – Laser Light Show at Rec Center Fields
3. Jan. 2 from 1-3 p.m. – Polar Bear Plunge at Colonial Park Pool; hot cocoa served poolside
Of Note:
1. Over 100 25 mph signs have been installed throughout the city – Pay attention to speed
limits!
Things to Think About:
1. Revamped ways to communicate with seniors (postcards v. City Currents, etc.)
2. Computer / screen sharing for Senior Board meetings
3. Potential Re-opening of Recycling Center on Dincans Road
Answers to Questions from Last Board Meeting:
1. No estimated completion date on 5G boxes; it is an ongoing process – Initially, there
were 12, then 20;the number is constantly evolving; We currently have 30 from Verizon; ;
AT&T boxes can stand alone and co-locate
2. Virtual gate: Goal was end of December, Phase II got red-flagged by Centerpoint,
hopefully end of Jan.
3. Feb; All 40 locations have been installed; City is working with Centerpoint to get power
to them; There is no Phase III. If, once power is initiated, we find there are gaps, there
may be additional cameras installed
Senior Services Staff: Toby
1. Monthly luncheon
2. Caregiver support group coming up every Thursday each month
a. Next one is January 27th, 2022
b. We need to help share this information.
3. Thanksgiving only 25 showed up of the 50 who were supposed to come.
4. Shannon – why aren’t big events posted on website or special events bulletin?
a. Toby – events can be cancelled and that poses a problem when it comes to
getting the info out to seniors.
b. Methods to effectively communicate cancellations, and to promote senior
services will be considered in future meetings.
Adjournment: (3:10 pm)
1. Karen Kenny
2. George Baker
Submitted by Teresa George-Hung
*Special thanks to Candyce Beneke for assisting me with the minutes.