I’m so excited to do something kind of different for this edition and get several perspectives for our Spotlight Interview.I know not everyone could join us for the interview portion, but thank you five for talking to us a bit about the advisory board adn what you love about Longmont’s Senior Services. 

I guess the first question I have is why did you join an advisory board?

Sue: Drafted by Michele…really! Plus it met once a month in the daytime which made it easy to fit into my schedule.

Art: I and several of my friends are seniors.  I want to know and want to share with others of resources available for seniors.  I also want to hear from others about services or programs that should be considered.  I would them make those recommendations to the advisory and determine if we should recommend to the city council.

Jeanine: After retiring from the medical profession, I wanted to explore ways to serve people in the community.

Wilma: I have always been involved with my family, my work as a registered x-ray technician/medical office manager as well as other outside activities.  After retirement and my move from California to Longmont there was a need to become involved in something meaningful.

Jack: To be an advocate for the seniors within our community.

 

What does an advisory board do? What is your role on the board?

Sue: After 3 months of being an official board member, we are given many opportunities for input with topics of interest vital to connecting seniors to the community (transportation, which is my pet peeve, access to health services, housing, etc.)

Art: Hear from other seniors.  Provide input to advisory board on needs that should be considered or to expand needs that may be needed.

Jeanine: This year I am President of the Senior Advisory Board and assist Michele with coordination of monthly meeting agendas and moderation of the meetings.  Our role is to advise the City Counsel about Senior Issues.  By participating in boards like Sustainability,  Affordable and Senior Housing, and Boulder County Agency on Aging, we are able to have direct input about issues related to Older Adults.

Wilma: The advisory board is dedicated to addressing the issues and needs of Longmont’s senior citizens. Affordable senior housing, transportation, sustainability and health issues to name just a few.

Jack: Advises and tries to address the needs and concerns of senior citizens within Longmont and share ideas and suggestions through a city council liaison on the board.

 

What has surprised you about being on the Senior Services board?

Sue: The unity & passion of each board member for our seniors.

Art: I was aware that the city council was supportive of senior citizen.  However, I was not aware of the number of programs and services available in our community.

Jeanine: I am amazed at the vast number of services provided by the Longmont Senior Center.  It has an outstanding reputation, not only in our state, but also the country.

Wilma: Although it has not been a surprise, I am impressed with the work the advisory board does to acknowledge and try to meet the needs of the senior population of Longmont.

Jack: The interest and sincerity of all board members under the leadership of Michele Waite and past and present board presidents.

 

What do you get out of being on the board? How does it fill your cup?

Sue: I have learned even more about the Sr. Ctr. (attending my first Friends Mtg, Coffee with the Council and first ever lunch at the Parkview Café-delicious pot roast).  I have seen how more of the dots are connected in order to help people (financially, socially, etc.) And, I always get to meet new people in new situations.

Art: Be aware and sharing the information with others in our community.  Networking is important.

Jeanine: I feel a personal satisfaction in being able to contribute to my community in a variety of different ways.  It’s an honor to participate in the services offered to our Senior population and promote their health and well being.

Wilma: I have played many roles in my life.  First and foremost was wife, mother to my son and daughter and grandmother to their children.  Next was my role as a registered x-ray technician.  My role now is that of senior advisory board member and other volunteer positions I fill at the Senior Center.

Jack: The feeling we are making efforts to help the senior citizen within Longmont. To the brim!!!

What is your area of expertise or interest? I know many of you are on other boards and committees–how does this board intersect with your other interests?

Sue: I have driven for Cultivate (now VetsGo program) so I see a lot of holes (due to the ending of the Medical Mobility program) in the transportation network.  And, I like to talk with people and point them towards resources and also learn from experiences they share with me.

Art: I love meeting and visiting with other in our community.  I visit senior through my church and share information that I am becoming aware of.  Helping others is important to me.

Jeanine: I recently retired from the Health Care Profession, but did not retire from my love of caring about people.  My interests include preservation of the environment, ensuring food and shelter for all in need, and improving the health and well being of our community.

Wilma: I have several areas of interest.  But , I believe being a part of addressing the need of Longmont’s senior population would be of special interest. From my other volunteer positions I do hear some complaints about issues that need attention.

Jack: Have been a health care professional for a good deal of my life and elderly patients have always been “special”. Taking care of my mom (an alzheimer’s patient) for eight years taught me how important it is for the elderly to have an advocate(s).

How do you, personally, feel about aging? Anything you’d like to share about your experience of getting older and being involved with the Longmont  Senior Center and Senior Services?

Sue: Many of my friends & acquaintances are older and are dealing with physical & emotional issues that I foresee coming my way.  I have determined that for me, I needed to join a drop in exercise class.  Silver Sneakers Balance & Stability has been working great since I began in January and maybe come September, I may even add another class or step up to a more advanced class.

Art: It is something that we need to be addressed.  People are living longer They need to know of resources available to help them.  We also need to help in anyway we can personally.

Jeanine: Aging is a part of life and brings with it a new set of challenges.  Having a center that supports health, wellness, and engagement in life and community, keeps our bodies strong and our minds engaged.  The Longmont Senior Center is the avenue for support services for Older Adults in our community.  It promotes engagement and independence for all regardless of age or circumstance.

Wilma: Being healthy with a positive attitude and a sense of humor has an impact not only on myself but others that I interact with.  I good laugh is definitely good for the soul.

Jack: Aging is progression in years that seems to speed up as we get older. Some of us age with good health, positive family experiences, life’s good fortune, good vocations, little stress, good friends, exceptional spouses and places like the Senior Center where people socialize and make new friends, and participate in many, many activities.

What do you think is the greatest myth about the Longmont Senior Center and Senior Services?

Sue: MYTH:  It’s for old people incapable of doing anything else. 

I didn’t feel like I belonged until I “lost” my job 5 years ago and, at times, still feel out of place on the Sr. van.  I’m like the majority of people-trying to stay active, connected and volunteering when/where possible to serve my community.

Art: That it is there to meet the needs of low income only.  Seniors need to know that there is a wealth of information which they can receive by calling the Longmont senior center.

Jeanine: It’s for OLD people with nothing else to do!

Wilma: There are a few people that believe the Senior Center is full of “old people” that sit in wheel chairs and drool.  There may be some drooling but it is over some “hot” distinguished  looking gentleman.

Jack: The Senior Center is for “old folks” only.

What do you want people to know about the Senior Center and Senior Services?

Sue: The Longmont Senior Center is perhaps the BEST place to connect with resources of all types in our community.  IF they can’t help you, in all probability they have a phone number or contact of someone who can assist you.

Art: Not to hesitate to call the Longmont senior center for any questions they may have.  The staff provides services available and how seniors can be assisted.

Jeanine: It’s a wonderful place to meet new people, from all walks of life; to engage in healthy activities, to explore new places, to learn new things, to share with others and be supported in an active life for as long as possible, to help those in need, and be a resource for special needs when required.  It is a place to become a life long learner.

Wilma: I would like for them to know it is a warm and welcoming place.  I would like to extend an invitation to come and check it out. There are lots of friendly people to greet and welcome them.

Jack: The Senior Center is a great place to socialize, exercise, learn through many lectures, travel, obtain all sorts of help for oneself from a very caring group of Sr Ctr staff, have lunch in the dining area, and participate in many other activities which are available daily and printed in the GO magazine provided by the Senior Center.