Park Commission

MEMO TO: Park Commission FROM: Pam Buck Recreation Superintendent ‐ Senior Services & Community Outreach. SUBJECT: February 2014 Park Commission Report DATE: Feb 28, 2014 Vesper Hall Congregate and Home‐Delivered Meals: During the month of February, 970 congregate meals were served at Vesper Hall for an average of 51 per day. This compares to 967 last month and a year ago we did not serve congregate meals during the kitchen renovation. 766 home delivered meals were delivered during the month of February. This compares to 813 last month. MARC decided to not serve meals on Feb 4, 5 & 6 because of inclement weather conditions. Winter‐packs (3 non‐perishable meals) were delivered to home‐ bound clients on February 18 for their use when needed. Special Event Luncheons was held on Feb 3 – Buddy Holly Day, Feb 14 – Valentines Day and Feb 28 – Monthly Birthdays. Vesper Hall Rentals: Vesper Hall was rented by outside groups just three times this month. For a wedding on Feb 22, a church group on Feb 23 and a birthday party on Feb 28. The facility was blocked out January 31 – February 2 for floor cleaning and buffing. 50 Plus Programming Event Highlights: ‐Buddy Holly Day Luncheon – Held on Feb 3 and included music, telling of the Buddy Holly story and door prizes. ‐Valentines Day Luncheon ‐ Feb 14 ‐ Terry Bell, accordion player entertained. He is sponsored by the Vesper Hall Site Council. Photo booth was very popular. ‐Health Fair ‐ Feb 27 celebrating Heart Health month. Vendors included St Mary’s, Central Jackson County Fire, hospice and assisted services and more. ‐The Singles Supper Club meets at local restaurants twice monthly. This program is geared to persons ages 65 and older. The group met on Feb 12 at Burgers American Grill and Feb 26 at Clancy’s. ‐ Bud Peterson and Pat Cooper entertained during the lunch hour on one Wednesday monthly. Bud (violin) and Pat (accordion) sang fun songs for the first ½ hour of lunch. ‐ Lunar Bowl hosted a free bowling lesson for older adults on Feb 28. Ten people are registered. The first week they watched an instructional video and received tips and critique from a former pro‐bowler turned instructor. ‐ AARP Tax Assistance – Adults ages 60 and older can have taxes done by AARP volunteers. Monday day and Thursday evening appointment are schedule at Vesper Hall. Very popular program. ‐A group of Vesper Hall patrons enjoyed traveling to the Garment District Museum on Wednesday, February 26th. They enjoyed walking through the historic buildings and museum between 8th and Broadway where the manufacture of coats, dresses, hats and children's wear began. Lunch was at a Kansas City classic, The Phoenix. OATS provided the transportation. Vesper Hall Building: ‐City staff is making preparations for the City Council and Planning Commission meeting that will be held at Vesper Hall beginning in April. The PA system will be upgraded and two wall screens added to the banquet room. Staff is working on arrangement for set‐up and tear‐ down. Vesper Hall Staff: ‐ A new staff person has been hired to fill a part‐time afternoon position. Linda Laird has started training on January 29. She works the 12:30 to 5 pm shift. Transportation: The contract with OATS for Tuesday and Thursday Transportation is in the process of being updated and renewed. The city provides transportation on Tuesday and Thursday for shopping. MARC provides transportation to and from Vesper Hall weekdays. Blue Springs City Theatre: The cast of 25 children are rehearsing weeknights at the Blue Springs High school Auditorium. Performances dates are March 6‐9 & 14‐16. Parks & Recreation provides assistance with scheduling, storage, transportation, advertising and ticket set‐up for BSCT. Dog Park Committee: The annual Chili Dog Dinner & Silent Auction was held on January 25 raised $2500 for the Blue Springs Dog Park Fund. Improvements being looked at for the near future are boot scrapers, dredging the pond, a slalom course and improving the washing station. Upcoming Events/Activities: March 16 ‐ The Site Council Potato Bar April 5 – Indoor Garage Sale April 19 – Easter Eggstravaganza