Many of the seniors were affected by the recent wild fires at the beginning of September. Staff made over 300 phone calls throughout the week to check on community members. Priorities included being sure all Level 3 seniors were evacuated and in a safe location with family, friends or shelter. Staff also confirmed all Level 2 seniors had evacuation plans and were ready to go if their residence moved to Level 3. In some instances, seniors were encourage to begin the evacuation process if they had mobility issues or livestock. Calls were made to Level 1 seniors to be sure they had evacuation plans in place. Staff was able to deliver over 200 frozen meals to clients in advance prior to the weekend to assist with stocking up their freezers.
As the evacuation zones lowered, staff then worked with the seniors to be sure they had hot meals and received food boxes to assist with loss of food during the power outages and evacuation. Many community services staff had also evacuated their families and livestock during this event but worked throughout the event to help with whatever was needed.
The community center suffered some smoke issues due to the fires. Air filters were set up throughout the center for four days, air filters were changed, deep cleaning including washing all interior windows, window sills, and door frames. There was a tremendous improvement to the air quality to the center after.
Senior Services
During the month of September, over 1500 meals were delivered to meals on wheels clients. On Friday, Sept 11th Meals on wheels clients were surprised with a box lunch from Bumpers Grill & Bar. After a week of smoke it was a wonderful welcome to them all.
In September, the seniors continue to participate in virtual exercise classes, Bingo, and coffee chats. Several seniors met up for socially distanced hikes including one on Tickle Creek Trail. For more than half of the participants, it was their first time on the local trail. and staff was able to take several on a mystery drive. They were so excited to know where the trail is and will now venture on their own to walk locally. The other hike was the Bridle Trail just east of Rhododendron. They so appreciate any opportunities to socialize.
Since the ice cream drive thru was a success we decided to reach out to some of the restaurants to see if they were willing to donate some boxed lunches. Tollgate was willing to donate over 40 boxed lunches so the plan was to have another drive thru in October.
Recreation
The Recreation Manager and Event Coordinator continue to help support the essential services provided by the Community Services Department, and to help with coverage at the center. Staff continue to research ideas and assist with planning for ways in which we can safely modify fall events and meet COVID19 guidelines. As well as an opportunity to collaborate with The Ant Farm and other community organizations to address drug and alcohol use among teens. The first Pop-Up Recreation event was planned to provide a safe opportunity for children to play together outside, and to give parents and other caregivers a little time off.
Parks & Trails Advisory
The Parks and Trails Advisory Board met in September and discussed among other items The Views development proposal, a draft Pesticide in Parks policy, and the updated Outdoor Recreation guidance from the state. The next meeting is scheduled for October 14th.
Michael Weinberg, current board member, reported that he will not be reapplying when his seat expires in December. The board thanked him for his service and noted his participation will be greatly missed.
There are currently 5 active applications for board seats and all of those interested applicants have been invited to audit the October 14th meeting to learn more about the board. The next step will be interviews.
Parks & Trails Master Plan
The virtual open house went live in September!. Staff went door to door to hand deliver flyers in the neighborhoods of Deer Pointe, Champion Way, and Nicholas Glen. A Spanish mail in version of the survey was hand delivered to every home in Vista Point. The online open house will be open until Oct. 25th. Spread the word.
