SAC MIN 2016-09-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Chris informed the commission that A ‘Magical Bridge’ accessible playground is coming to Redwood City. It’s an innovative, all inclusive playground for people of all abilities. It will be located at the Valota side of the park once funds are raised to build it. ITEM 2 – Wider Circle – Darin Buxbaum Darin recapped that the Wider Circle organization was established based on their research at Stanford that showed that the social interaction is one of the main keys to health and longevity. Isolation and loneliness have the opposite affect and can lead to illness and death. The program consists of 12 weekly sessions with about 12 community members getting together to socialize, mobilize, have a good time and enjoy life. There are now monthly alumni get-togethers to various events and activities mainly in downtown Redwood City. Another way the program has grown is in the socio-economic diversity within the groups. They found that there was a great need for more social connection in low income groups. Those participants showed the greatest improvement in their health and wellness having gone through the program. Some alumni are now leading programs and coaching new participants. Commissioners Cooperman and James are meeting with the community association at Redwood Shores regarding seniors there and will put Wider Circle in touch with them. In partnership with the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, transportation to Wider Circle downtown events is provided for those who need it, by the VMSC van with funds allocated for transporting seniors to local events. Sharing rides is also being promoted which also brings people together and encourages more socialization. Currently, about 62% of participants having gone through the program are getting together on their own. Wider Circle introduces people to other people and activities and encourages them to more of that on their own. ITEM 3 – Commissioners’ Reports Vice Chair Cooperman reported that she and Commissioner James are meeting with Sue Nicks of the Redwood Shores community association to learn what concerns seniors there have and to provide information and perhaps recommendations. Bruce reported that the VMSC guide has been mailed to 300 households with seniors in Redwood Shores approximately every 6 months or so for the last 5 years. Vice Chair Cooperman also reported that are 2 affordable housing openings one in East Palo Alto and one in Redwood City if people want to get on the lists. The Commission on Aging is studying pedestrian traffic safety in cities within the county to see if action is being taken to improve it. Bruce thanked and commended Vice Chair Cooperman for her hard work on the Friends of the VMSC fundraiser for the nutrition program. Commissioner Turk reported that she works for UCSF. She does a lot of evaluations and surveys for work and may be able to assist with the senior survey. She is also very active with the Alzheimer’s Association. Their big fundraiser for the year is the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. It will be in San Francisco on September 17th and in San Jose on October 8th. The purpose is to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s research.