A senior center could be in the works

Last updated Mar 13, 2007 12:0pm0

Bend, Redmond, Madras, Prineville and La Pine all have up-to-the-minute, active senior centers. Sisters has no facility, no regularly planned activities and no long-term plan for a future center.

This is about to change. A group of Sisters residents is gathering informally on a regular basis to brainstorm and plot a course of action. This group, which is facilitated by Howard Den Hartog, last met on Friday morning, March 9, at the Sisters Library. Hartog is also president of the Senior Council of Sisters.

The Senior Council of Sisters is a private, non-profit organization with 503c3 status. The organization is not affiliated with the city of Sisters. Any Sisters area resident age 55 or older may join the council.

"This little group was formed to start giving some thoughts on a senior center," said senior council secretary Marian Kilpack.

The organization meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Sisters Community Church.

Friday morning's discussion touched on numerous activities that are available to Sisters seniors (see related story, page 5). Aspects about developing a senior center for Sisters were also discussed. SOAR's (Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation) Executive Director Carrie Ward brought focus to these ideas.

Through Ward's suggestion, the decision was informally made to investigate the possibility of conducting a feasibility study about a future senior center in Sisters. According to Ward a feasibility study would likely cost between $15,000 and $20,000, and grant money could likely be secured to fund such a study.

Alternatively, the senior council could conduct a feasibility study in-house. "We could do it. It would just take us so long," Ward said. "Part of a feasibility study process is talking to lots of different people in the community and gathering a lot of input on a project like this."

The study would point out specifics about what types of rooms are needed for a senior center. As a picture is formulated about the facility's specific requirements, rough building cost estimates could be made.

A feasibility study would also look at how a senior center would be operated.

"Is it best operated independently - building and programing by a senior group? Is it best operated under SOAR's umbrella? It's a formal process of going through that consideration and gathering that kind of information," Ward explained.

Feasibility studies also normally evaluate available sites.

"There's a lot to think about in terms of sites. Certainly, first and foremost is what's available. Cost, parking and traffic access are huge issues, as well," Ward said.

One possible site that quickly comes to mind is a portion of the property at the west end of town that the Forest Service has slated to sell. No decisions have been made as to how that property will be developed.

"Right now when you look at the city, we have a surplus of commercial zoning. We also have a surplus of residential," said city councilwoman and Sisters Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Sharlene Weed.

Referring to the Forest Service property, Weed added: "If we did go through the 'R & D' process and hire a master developer, they would be expecting to put commercial and residential in because that's where the money is. They're not going to come in and develop a park and a swimming pool. I believe that if the community's will is that we preserve the property for the future, then we can make it happen."

According to Ward when a formal feasibility study has been completed, it is possible to begin looking for grants to fund the facility.

For more information about the group contact Den Hartog at 549-8083.

Sisters offers a variety of programs to seniors

Although Sisters does not have a formal center that offers activities and services to area seniors, some programs are available throughout the community to especially meet senior needs. It just takes a little digging to find them.

The hope of Howard Den Hartog, president of the Senior Council of Sisters, is that Sisters will in the not-too-distant future have a senior center (see related story, page 4).

"If we ever had a center, there would already be some programs in place, so we wouldn't have to start from scratch," said Hartog.

The Central Oregon Council on Aging (COCOA) serves a meal for seniors every Tuesday at Sisters Community Church, 15220 McKenzie Hwy. Social hour is at 11:00 a.m., and lunch is served at noon. Reservation are required and may be made by calling 549-4112.

According to Den Hartog over 70 seniors regularly attend the Tuesday meal. They come for good conversation, eat and then go their separate ways until the next week, as little else is offered in the area for them to do. From time to time the organization does, however, plan trips including transportation for Sisters seniors to the theater and cultural events in Bend.

COCOA provides dining sites throughout Central Oregon to individuals 60 years of age and older "who desire a nutritional meal, fellowship and social activities." On Tuesdays COCOA also delivers a meal (Meals on Wheels) to Sisters area shut-ins. To learn more about Meals on Wheels services call 548-8817.

Additionally, COCOA offers a few ancillary activities.

"These are programs that happen only on Tuesdays. We get foot clinics a couple of times a month, and a blood pressure clinic is provided once a month," said Mary Ellen Kollodge, a member of the board of directors of the Senior Council of Sisters. Exercise activities and bingo are also offered.

SOAR (Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation), which is Sisters Park and Recreation District, is presently organizing activities for seniors. According to SOAR volunteer Mary Lee Dilly between April 16 and July 2, SOAR will offer walks on Monday mornings. SOAR is coordinating the walks in conjunction with AARP (American Association of Retired People).

SOAR is also networking with community businesses and professionals to offer free vitamins and the like and clinics about nutrition and fitness to seniors. Specific information about these services and activities can be found in the near future at SOAR's Web site http://www.sistersrecreation.com.

SOAR offers yoga on both Monday and Wednesday mornings and evenings. According to Carrie Ward, SOAR's Executive Director, the organization hopes to offer additional fitness classes for seniors.

SOAR is also planning to open its computer lab to seniors in the mornings when the lab is not otherwise being used. SOAR seeks a volunteer to man the computer lab and/or offer classes in basic computer skills, the use of the Internet and e-mailing. SOAR also has a couple of pool tables that seniors are welcome to use.

There are numerous fitness programs for seniors offered in Sisters. (See "Fitness improves life for Sisters seniors," The Nugget, December 6, 2006, page 3.)

Among the many offerings are classes geared toward seniors at Curves for Women. "It's gentle stretches, but they also do weight lifting, which is very important for seniors with lighter weights, and they do spinning classes on the bike," said Jan Morgan, an active resident who is offering her volunteer services to help a senior center become a reality in Sisters.

For more information about Curves programs for seniors call 549-6330. Sisters Athletic Club offers a water fitness class, the Q Club which stands for quality of life and other activities for seniors; Sisters Athletic Club may be contacted at 549-6878. Cascade Fitness has a history of offering effective fitness programs for seniors. For specific information call 549-1729.

The Sisters Bridge Club meets every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. at the undercroft of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration at 68825 Brooks Camp Rd. Although the club is not limited to seniors, seniors are encouraged to participate. The club will help any individual needing a partner to find one. For more information about this activity call 595-6677 or 549-7005.