A Quality of Life For Seniors in Garden City

Garden City village trustee John Watras (West) and Kevin Ocker, chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs, addressed seniors at the St. Paul's Senior Center last week to discuss how the village can improve programs and quality of life for seniors.

Watras introduced himself and expressed his desire to explore new initiatives and make improvements where necessary. He advised that he would like feedback and was interested in exploring foundations and endowments.  

"We want to help," said Watras. "We offer an extensive program for seniors but there are other possibilities. There is a dislocation due to the current economy but at times like this opportunities exist as well."

The Rockville Centre Recreation Center was discussed as a model where more expansive options are offered.

As the senior population grows in Garden City, Ocker questioned how the village should address their needs. He stated that the village's budget would be reviewed and that now was the time to explore new initiatives.

Ocker commended Agnes Mathers, recreation attendant for senior activities, for the work she has done.

To find out what the needs of seniors are, the meeting was opened up to the group. Watras emphasized that seniors are taxpayers and valuable residents of the community.

The following issues were addressed:

Transportation:

Ocker is exploring this matter. The Village of Rockville Centre employs drivers and operates their own bus for seniors. The village is working on obtaining a list of seniors to determine the need and number of seniors who would be interested.  Liability will need to be explored.

Sen. Kemp Hannon's office developed a survey, in the past, and some seniors said they did not receive one. One senior noted that many organizations use different ages to distinguish senior citizens and that one age should be determined prior to additional surveys.

The Garden City Pool offered transportation to seniors in the past, but the service was not utilized.

Senior Centers:

Options are limited due to its size. Ocker said that he was investigating costs to expand the Garden City Senior Center at Golf Club Lane and that he would get back to the group regarding this initiative.  

"It would be great to have more groups and individuals use the center at one time," said Ocker. "It's the best thing in the world not having enough space, it means that seniors are responding to current offerings."

Ocker advised that the Garden City Senior Center at Golf Club Lane is an option when the St. Paul's Senior Center is full. Many women, however, expressed discontent that Golf Club Lane is used primarily for the Garden City Men's Club. Ocker noted that other groups use the facility as well and that some Men's Club offerings are open to women.

A member of the group asked if seniors could use Cluett Hall for exercise classes as the classes are crowded. Ocker agreed to this request immediately.

Facilities: 

Garden City Pool: Ocker explained that the pool runs as an enterprise and is self-sustaining. Fees, not tax dollars, cover all expenses; if you reside in the village and do not join the pool, you're not paying for it.

Other comments included why the pool doesn't open on Memorial Day and stay open past Labor Day; Watras advised that staffing is a problem once school starts.

Senior Wish List:

Watras and Ocker closed the meeting by thanking all those in attendance, noting future meetings will be held.