This is my follow-up post to Finally, PRPD Board Offers Its Own - Senior Centered Proposal. Unlike prior postings, I have chosen to refrain from providing extensive comments of my own at this time. Instead, I thought I would just display the Board’s Resolution, a document referred to in the proposal, a copy of the original Cooperative Guidelines as presented to the Seniors for their signing, followed by a more easily read point-by-point Cooperative Guidelines Report by Line, for your consideration.
I would appreciate you’re reading this post in its entirety before commenting, should you so choose.
Background
The Park Ridge Recreation and Park District and Senior Services, Inc. (the Senior Center membership’s representative) have been partnering to support Senior Citizen activities at the Park Ridge Senior Center for thirty (30) years. These partnership arrangements have been codified in the form of multi-year contracts. The last iteration of that contract having expired on December 31, 2010.
The intent of this post is to publically present in context, the Board’s new cooperative agreement; a unilateral list of working rules presented to Senior Services, Inc. (SSI), an independent 501 c3 organization, without public notice or fanfare, a couple weeks ago.
The document included a demand for SSI’s acceptance by 07/21/2011.
Bear in mind that this manifesto was delivered to SSI prior to its public presentation, vote and approval by the Park Ridge Park District Board, which by the way, is scheduled to happen tonight.
Apparently, the implementation of the new “Guidelines”, in conjunction with the District’s previously published “Resolution”, is the Boards attempt to restructure by fiat , the prior working PRPD/SSI/Senior Center relationship.
I’ve written extensively about this tragedy at various times over the last several months. I call it a tragedy because this 200+ day-old political, strategic and angst-creating debacle did not have to happen. I gave the Board a working solution as early as 09/25/2010.
Now, the observations presented at Butterly on Senior Issues are just my opinion. My “Photoshopped” version of events, so-to-speak. At the same time, the Board has presented to the public it's “Photoshopped” version of events. Apparently, the public, including many seniors, are still feeling contextually deprived when it comes to this story. So I thought I would add a bit more background material to help bring the entire picture info fuller focus.
Thirty Years of Close and Mutually Beneficial Cooperation
The Rat-Hole
The Board would like the public to believe that the building currently being used as the Park Ridge Senior Center, was always the way we see it now; it’s current size; a facility that is clean, organized, equipped, well led, fully functioning, and of course, completely paid for by our taxed dollars.
Of course, PRPD Commissioners would also like the public to believe that the Seniors currently rely on and have always relied on, the largess of PRPD. As you will see, nothing could be further from the truth.
When the Seniors first took over the then “Storage Facility” it was described by one volunteer, as a “rat-hole”; dirty, cluttered, unkempt. As I understand it, there actually were rat droppings. The Seniors, (many of them having since passed away), spent hundreds of elder-hours cleaning and prepping the building prior to opening day.
A lot of Senior investment in time and money has happened since then.
Major Additions
| Initial addition to the building (1980’s) | $350,000 |
| Stage addition (1999) | $300,000 |
On-going Remodeling and Equipment
| Library (furniture, shelves, carpet) |
| Lobby furniture and display cases |
| Lobby and hallway wallpapering |
| Valances in the card room |
| Painting and redecorating washroom |
| Updating of sound system |
| Purchased pool tables |
| Purchased ceramic kiln |
| Purchased kitchen supplies and small appliances |
| Purchased pianos (baby grand and 2 digital pianos) |
| Storeroom addition |
| Purchased air conditioning of building |
| Converted doors into emergency doors |
| Made washrooms handicap accessible |
| Purchased all tables and chairs in the drop in area |
| Purchased game tables |
| Purchased computer club projector |
| Purchased banquet tables |
| Purchased two big screen televisions |
| Paid for original remodeling of the kitchen (1990) |
Added Cash Payments made by SSI to Park Ridge Park District
| 2006 | $112,000 |
| 2007 | $103,000 |
| 2008 | $120,000 |
| 2009 | $125,000 |
| 2010 | $104,000 |
More than Money
The Park Ridge Senior Center is not money or a building. It’s people. There would be no Park Ridge Senior Center, or at least the vibrant one we still have today, without its core; its long-time active members. Those people are the driving force behind the Center; not the employees and certainly not the Board. They are unhappy! They are feeling abused and disrespected by these Board Members.
Putting a face to these documents
As you read the text of the next three documents, I want you to put faces to their authors.
Click on a name to send email to your elected representative. Yellow = Officers
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| Ms. Wynn- Ryan | Mr. Biagi | Mr. Thillens | Mr. Vile |
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| Mr. Brandt | Mr. O’Brien | Mr. Hunst |
February 17, 2011 Resolution
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Cooperative Guidelines
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![image_thumb[20]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6brBTNpc9WGwJoc4YpSF7PwD2TP0Hbs1TeL3HbsDmjMc0ym7KZiUzDYvg1VO0KaIRsnJPi0wS6EEpQghqrOGnKpUXR0Rsik6xJP6SJRXrru-ZP2cEhadvpV_YhAF0fNz35mhvZ9GGMcOw/?imgmax=800 "image_thumb[20]")
![image_thumb[18]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe0MBQKBfFJRA-5Mcb-auy_OIPYT5fIT_mDuwleDyYCSi44NqIx5PC3olObIfUlcQYKFjCBdvZ_F4UJdoXkfvPv7GeXyH0s7F0V4DfMiO9I15U6ULb2cZuOdJqGYAGO4xhmwKE8Zfmxwi/?imgmax=800 "image_thumb[18]")
Cooperative Guidelines Report by Line
Note: AR = (A)uthority and/or (R)esponsibility.
| Item | Page | Expectations | Who | Obligation | AR |
| 1 | WHEREAS, the Board of Park Commissioners of the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District ("District") adopted Resolution No. 11-1 on February 17, 2011 (the "Resolution"), and | ||||
| 1 | WHEREAS, the District's Executive Director, Gayle Mountcastle, has reviewed the matters pertaining to the operation of the Park Ridge Senior Center and the relationship between the District and Park Ridge Senior Services, Inc. and recommended to the Park Board that such relationship going forward (if it is to continue) should continue on the basis of the following Cooperative Guidelines, with which the Park Board has concurred, with the mutual expectation that SSI and the District will proceed to work together, if at all, in good faith, with the expectation of mutual reliance on the points hereinafter set forth: | ||||
| 1 | SSI is a 501-C3 corporation that provided the Park Ridge Senior Center with financial and advisory support. SSI has an eleven member Board of Directors that meets six times per year at the Senior Center. | ||||
| 1 | The mutual expectations of the parties are set forth below: | ||||
| 1 | 1 | Serve as advocates for Park Ridge Seniors for the purpose of further providing healthy living opportunities during the aging process. | SSI | Advocate | R |
| 2 | 1 | Conduct fundraising, accept donations, and encourage bequests to the District's use in supporting the operation of senior programs. | SSI | Marketing | R |
| 3 | 1 | Invest donations, fundraising dollars and bequests in a manner to obtain the best income yield consistent with due regard for the conservation of principal. | SSI | Finance | R |
| 4 | 1 | Provide input into applications for financial support submitted to obtain additional funding. | SSI | Finance | R |
| 5 | 1 | Accept financial support from donors, both individual and/or organizational. | SSI | Fundraise | R |
| 6 | 1 | Approve expenditures of SSI funds when indicated to be used for the purchase of equipment and supplies for senior center programs. | SSI | Pay Bills | R |
| 7 | 1 | Turn over to the District all monies received by SSI during each calendar quarter from all sources (including but not limited to proceeds of donations, fundraising, and grants) not later than 30 days after the end of each quarter, but not in excess of $15,000 per quarter; provided, however, that in addition to the forgoing required payments any monies received by SSI in a calendar quarter shall be paid by SSI to the District at the end of the next succeeding quarter, if any, during which monies received by SSI were less than $15,000, to the extent necessary to result in the District being paid $15,000 or as much there of as possible for each succeeding quarter, and further provided that any monies received by SSI in a calendar year in excess of the sum of $60,000 shall be paid by SSI to the District within 30 days after the end of such year. All monies thus paid to the District shall be used solely to defray the expense of programs and operations for seniors. | SSI | Fundraise | R |
| 8 | 1 | Notify the District within 30 days of receipt of any bequests received. | SSI | Fundraise | R |
| 9 | 2 | Plan and implement at least one annual fundraising event. | SSI | Fundraise | R |
| 10 | 2 | Offer fundraising events which will produce worthwhile net revenue, review proposed events with District staff prior to committing to the event for the purpose of determining if it is likely such event(s) will achieve such goal, or otherwise to not offer such event(s). | SSI | Fundraise | R |
| 11 | 2 | Insure against loss, theft, and other perils to its own personal property which as of June 2011, consists of the items listed below and any other additional personal property which SSI acquires or owns in the future, to be added to this list on an annual basis: Baby Grand Piano, Ceramic Kiln, Four (4) Pool Tables, Two (2) Big Screen TV Sets, All Lobby Furniture and Display Cases, All Tables (7 card tables, 12 banquet tables) and chairs (50) in the "Drop-In" Area at the center, Game (4) Tables, All Equipment in the Kitchen other than the Major Appliances, Projector used for the Computer Club, Two (2) Digital Pianos, Banquet Tables. | SSI | Insure | R |
| 12 | 2 | Prepare periodic financial reports showing only its own district revenues and expenses [not those provided by or expended by the District] such that same are timely available for SSI Board meetings and usable for the annual audit. | SSI | Book-Keeping | R |
| 13 | 2 | Prepare and provide a year-end income and expense statement to the District within 30 days after the end of each calendar year of its operation. | SSI | Book-Keeping | R |
| 14 | 2 | Prepare, timely file and provide to the District copies of all required State and Federal governmental reports and timely pay all amounts due in connection therewith. | SSI | Book-Keeping | R |
| 15 | 2 | Promptly inform the District of any revocation of its tax-exempt status and of any involuntary dissolution of its corporate existence. | SSI | Humble-Themselves | R |
| 16 | 2 | Make no claim at any time against the District, its officials, commissioners, agents, employees, successors and/or assigns for reimbursement or repayment to SSI of any unamortized capital improvements cost such as might arguably otherwise be required had any previous Agreement between SSI and the District been canceled by the District prior to its expiration. | SSI | Give Up Rights | R |
| 17 | 2 | Provide District with a certified copy of a resolution, in form reasonably acceptable to the District, duly adopted by the SSI Board of Directors not later than July 21, 2011, indicating its approval and acceptance of these Cooperative Guidelines. | SSI | Ultimatum-Deadline | R |
| 18 | 3 | Provide leisure, recreational and social opportunities for seniors at 100 S. Western Avenue, Park Ridge, Illinois or at any other location(s) which the District deems appropriate to offer and/or facilitate such senior opportunities. | PD | Facilities | RA |
| 19 | 3 | Provide District employees to carry out senior programming at the above location or at any other location(s) which the District deems appropriate to offer and/or facilitate such senior programming. | PD | Employee-Services | RA |
| 20 | 3 | Have sole responsibility for the hiring, evaluation, and discipline of such employees in accordance with the District's Personnel Policy Manual and to the extent applicable, the District's Collective Bargaining Agreement. | PD | Employee-Services | RA |
| 21 | 3 | Offer a wide variety of senior programs and evaluate continuously to assure the success of such programs. | PD | Programs | RA |
| 22 | 3 | Allow all seniors in Park Ridge the opportunity to register and participate in programs. | PD | Programs | RA |
| 23 | 3 | Have the sole responsibility for setting and collecting membership dues and fees and charges for all activities. | PD | Book-Keeping | RA |
| 24 | 3 | Permit others use of the building at such times and on such days as the District determines will not frustrate the purpose of these Guidelines. | PD | Programs | RA |
| 25 | 3 | Permit SSI to remove its personal property from the building, but not fixtures or capital improvements, upon request. | PD | Perceived Generosity | A |
| 26 | 3 | Make any improvements or alterations in, to or upon the building which District may deem necessary or desirable, from time to time. | PD | Facility-Mgmt. | RA |
| 27 | 3 | Periodically require those District employees who serve as staff at the building, with approval from the Superintendent of Recreation, to submit a list of requested equipment and supplies for consideration for funding from SSI. | PD | Facility-Mgmt. | RA |
| 28 | 3 | Provide a Park Commissioner to serve as a liaison to SSI, to be appointed by the President of the Park Board from time to time. | PD | Board-Ambassador | A |
| 29 | 3 | Provide SSI with a certified copy of a resolution duly adopted by the Park Board not later than 2011, indicating its approval and acceptance of these Cooperative Guidelines. | PD | Deadline | RA |
36 comments:
During the day most adults are at work and most children are in school, leaving the building at 100S. Tougy perfectly suited for senior activities.
The written agreement that was allowed to expire December, 2010 was a fairly good instrument which allowed the seniors, and the Park Ridge Park District facility activities to coexist in harmony and financial balance. Why does the Park District now want a completely different agreement whereby they get all the money, and all the control? Why is the salary line item for the Senior Center staff being passed on to the Senior Center, when I understand that is not the case in the other Park District facilities? If this item was handled like all the other Park District facilities, the Senior Center would look pretty good financially. Whose idea was this side-end play to take all the money and control? Does anyone in Park Ridge and the area know what the Park District is doing? Perhaps if the Park District showed the public their budget, by line item per facility location, we could understand where the existing dollars are going and see if their drive to take control of the Senior Center money is appropriate.
Signed: Baffled by the double dealing behind the scenes.
It is hard to understand why the Park Board has acted the way it has. The relationship was a good one, which already allowed other uses of the building and brought money into the Park District from outside sources. Is there some profitable use of the senior center building that requires the Park Board to so drastically try to take complete control of the building? I doubt it-- I don't even think that the spaces available for rent in other Park District buildings are being used to capacity. What gives? Unfortunately, the way the Park District has approached all of this seems to have really damaged the Park Board's reputation in the eyes of seniors and many others who care about them. And I hear that the Park District is in good financial shape, so it really makes you wonder what their motivation is behind the hard line stance they are taking. Personally, as a taxpayer, I think they are doing a terrible job by spending time and money on something that is wrecking a perfectly good longstanding cooperative relationship THAT BROUGHT MONEY IN TO THE PARK DISTRICT!
As I was growing up my parents and all of our friends and relatives were humble, hard working people, who saved their money. All of the bequests to the Senior Center were made by these types of people. They had the foresignt and left their hard earned money to a group of people who would appreciate it and spend it wisely. No frivolaties. Therefore, it should be kept in the hands of Senior Services, as in the past. The Park Board has no right to this money. How can they suddenly decide that they should have all the control over everything and want our funds? Now it will be our job at the Senior Center to do everything we can to oust the present members on the park board.
Signed: Mary Ann Ozzie, Senior Center Member
Pure and simply put in one word GREED ! They want it all plus control. In Dec 2010 a contract had been drawn up by Tom Hoffman , the board's attorney, and Ray Ochromowicz then director ok'd it.At the Jan 2011 board meeting 2 memebrs said they had a few questions on the contract and then one membersaid since there was no director in place the vote should wait until the new director is seated. Swell ! I felt they were lying as they quickly came up with something else.And in February out comes the Resolution which holds as much water as a sieve ! Still no director.
Now the new director is in place, we have these new Guidelines which will be voted on tonight at the Board meeting. These are all totally one sided in the Board's favor. Not one board member came to seek the senior's opinion nor the Senior Senate's.One board member (MWR) was invited as a guest to attend the Just Lunch at the Center but never had the courtesy to reply one way or another.
As to the funds held by Senior Services (SSI) these were bequests by Senior Center members for the use by the Senior Center. From these bequests the stage was built, a new baby grand piano, 2 new pool tables , large screen TV, etc were purchased. The monies were left to the Center for their use not to the Park District.
Why this sudden urge to totally take over the Senior Center , which has worked quite well for 30 years is mind boggling.If it works don't fix it. Instead of working with us ( this includs Senior Services) they are allianating all the senior members. And be assured there will be no more monies bequested if this occurs.
One of these days this will come back and bite the board as what goes around comes around.
I just spent a good part of the afternoon trying to digest what has transpired and really wonder why the Park District would want to change a good thing and make more work for itself. The contract proposed by SSI makes perfect sense, and shows a level of mutual trust and purpose that is certainly lacking in the Park District documents.
However,I think the SSI document needs to be modified to account for the unilateral lack of trust and purpose on the Park District's part. It should have safeguards against unilateral decisions by the P.D., especially in the areas of finance and personnel and be resubmitted as SSI's answer to their guidelines. And then let real negotations begin.
Good for the Park Board. They should have control. They are elected by ALL of the residents and are responsible to ALL of the residents, not just a few loudmouths who want to continue their private club.
I know that when I talk to most people they are shocked at the sweetheart deal that the Seniors have been enjoying for so many years.
Ms. Ingolia,
Your rumor mongering is a large part of the problem, that and your sense of entitlement.
What goes around comes around...indeed.
I am in favor of an attorney who deals with municipalities to represent the Senior Center (we need some good advice). We need an answer from the Park Board, why is the Senior Center salaries being counted in our expenses and other programs do not count payroll. We must be in control of our funds. We have made a promise to the seniors who have left the Senior Center their money that it would stay at the Senior Center. I don't think we can legally change our agreement. The Senior Center building has been open to other programs. How will the building bring in more revenue if it is taken over by the Park District? I think we are being used as a scape goat since the Park District is in need of funds. They should look at the other programs. We are just a small portion of their budget.
Do the Park District commissioners know how we spend bequest money? I was the executor for the Edward J. Fleck bequest of $386,000, in 1997. This money was used to build the $300,000 stage and obtain new furniture and cabinets for the library. In other words, we enhanced 100 S. Western Avenue.
Part 1 of 3
My first comment with respect to the Cooperative Guidelines is that in all my years of working in the legal field, this is the first document that I have ever seen that was drafted as a threat. The statements “that such relationship going forward “(if it is to continue)” and that SSI and the District will proceed to work together, “if at all” are highly inflammatory and meant to convey that the attitude of the Park Board is, that it’s our way or the highway. You may as well have taken out the words “work together”, because the entire document tells the Senior Center what the Park Board wants and how everything will be transacted, with them in firm control of absolutely everything.
Gone forever are the days of mutual trust and a cooperative relationship between the Park Board and the Senior Center. This “Threat” speaks volumes. Give me all of your money and relinquish control over everything involving your center. We are the masters and you are our serfs. You will dance to our tune and if you don’t like it, we’ll take our ball and go home. You’ll no longer have a building in which to meet. It’s our building. The Park Board never mentions that the Senior Center, working in good faith (which was their first mistake) took a building that was in deplorable condition and spent, I’ve been told, close to one million dollars, over the years, making it what it is today.
What I simply don’t understand is why the Park Board has this vendetta against the Park Ridge Senior Center. Just what has this group of people done to deserve the treatment they are presently receiving from the Park Board? They refuse to renew a contract that has been in place for 30 years. They want to take all of our money away from us, including but not limited to membership fees, program fees, and the Guidelines state our legacy funds but there seems to be something afoot that would change that. They want complete and utter control over every single thing that happens at the Senior Center, up to and including approval of programs of long and popular standing. They even want to approve our fund raising to ensure that it meets what they term “worthwhile net revenue. If we are willing to invest our time and energy into anything that generates revenue, why do they care how much money it raises?
It is felt that as soon as the Park Board is in charge of setting membership and program fees, they will be raised just as they have done at the Community Center. They have driven many young families away from Community Center memberships with their actions. Many of the members of the Senior Center are living on fixed incomes and simply can’t afford a raise. Where will this leave them but out in the cold.
Part 2 of 3
They are viciously attacking the Center, it members and its attorneys verbally in meetings as though they are a group of pariah. Certainly not like a group of older folks, who just want a place to visit during the long days that they find they have on their hands. Again we hear falsehoods stating that no one can use the bath rooms or use the building. In fact, for the second year in a row, the summer camp children are using two rooms, five days a week. We frequently have parents with children or adults asking to use the bathroom and are immediately directed to the bathroom. I don’t understand where these negative comments are coming from, because they are completely untrue. We frankly are completely baffled by this behavior. Have we done something illegal, disgraceful, not cared for the building properly, not paid our bills in a timely manner? Just what has changed recently, that wasn’t present in the past 30 years of a wonderful, mutually beneficial relationship with the Park Board?
The only thing that I can see has changed is the members of the Park Board, and Mary Wynn Ryan becoming the President of that board. All the members of the Senior Center were aware before the election that she, for some unknown reason, began vilifying the center. Calling it a country club, stating that it was a drain on the park district, etc. which she repeated at the library forum. She denied that she disliked the senior center, stating that we all know that the third rail in Park Ridge is the senior population. That was all smoke and mirrors. Now that she is the president of the board, it is clear what her intentions were.
Even the accounting for the Senior Center has also been slanted to make it appear that the Senior Center is costing the Park District big bucks. But if you look carefully, you will note that the Senior Center is being charged for the salaries of the employees who work there. This in complete contrast to any other facility within the Park District. We are the only facility that is being charged for their employees. The bias is blatantly clear. Why is the Senior Center being singled out and being put on this unlevel playing field? The $171,000 deficit that is constantly bantered about consists of salaries, utilities and other operational things, not programming. All programs at the Center make money. The Senior Center is a teeming group of seniors with many, many programs and social activities. You almost can’t possibly participate in everything offered but it’s very nice to know that it’s there if you want or have the time to participate.
Part 3 of 3
Some other astounding accounting issues follow: The amount allocated for Recreation, in the Park District’s 2010 budget was $7,604,649. Senior citizens make up approximately 35.9% of the population of Park Ridge. Therefore, senior citizens actually contribute $2,730,069 of that $7,604.649. The Park District spent $171,525 on the Senior Center, which translates to 2.26% of the budget, which is astounding when you consider the amount that senior citizens contribute to the Park District budget. As the saying goes, “What’s wrong with this picture”. Why aren’t the senior citizens of Park Ridge getting their fair share of the pie? The Park District doesn’t have a single other program for seniors. Why is that? Mary Wynn Ryan stated at the library forum that they have water aerobics. I’m in the water aerobics classes and there are many younger women and even expectant mothers, therefore this certainly isn’t a program for seniors only. So just what else has the Park District put in place for the 35.9% of the senior population. You’re absolutely right. NOTHING!!!! And the one thing that is offered is being openly attacked with nonbinding resolutions and guidelines drafted with one purpose in mind. Alienate the Senior Center membership and take every single bit of autonomy that they have enjoyed over the years away from them, leaving a completely demoralized membership. Doesn’t that just sound like what all park districts should do? Demoralize, not lift up, their populous.
I strongly believe that the only avenue left to the Senior Center membership is to take this information out into the public forum. We should write Letters to the Editor, print pamphlets and put them in every mail box within the city of Park Ridge, and if necessary combine our funds and take out a full page ad in the newspaper exposing the Park Board for what it is. A cabal of people, who should hang there heads in shame, set on destroying the only activity that is offered for its senior citizens. These are residents who have contributed to the park district budget for many, many years of their lives and now that they are in the December of their years are being begrudging given a measly 2.26% of that budget, being attacked for successfully running the Senior Center for 30 years, being asked to turn over all their money and control. And for what reason? That has never been explained. I don’t understand how they can hold their heads up in public; much less vilify our pro bona attorney at the Park Board meeting, who is volunteering to represent us before Goliath. SENIORS: WE NEED TO MARSHALL OUR FORCES AND ACT.
Helen Roppel:
Go ahead. You will find your "message" will fall on deaf ears. You are asking for too much, you are taking advantage of this town and this Park District, and you will quickly find that out.
Take action, take those steps.
I dare you.
Evan Lacrosse
You state that I am asking for too much. I'm only asking for the same set of rules that governed the Senior Center for the last 30 years. The former Park District Board was perfectly happy with the way things were being handled snd saw no reason to chage anything. Why then do you feel that we are asking for too much.
You state we are taking advantage of this town. I believe that the Senior Center is being taken advantage of. Why are we the only facility that is expected to pay for the salaries, utilities and operational costs? Also, the taxes that are being paid by the senior community offsets by such a large margin it's ludicrous, the tiny $171,0000. And that $171,000 again is salaries, utilities, etc. that no other facility is expected to pay. Therefore can you explain to me why you feel we are taking advantage of this town? And in contrast to your comment, the former Park Board didn't think we were taking advantage of anything.
Furthermore , after doing extensive internet searches, I have failed to find anyone by the name Evan Lacross in Park Ridge. Is that your real name and are you actually a member of the Park Ridge community?
Yes it's my real name and yes I have lived in Park Ridge for the last 12 years.
You speak about how much "Seniors" in Park Ridge pay in taxes vs. how much they receive. Are 100% of Park Ridge Seniors members of the Senior Center? 50%? 40%? 30%? 5%? Can you tell me?
And if something has been allowed for 30 years, does that automatically mean it's right, and should be allowed to continue? Longevity does not equate to something being fundamentally or best for the Community as a whole, in my humble opinion.
You don't understand what being a senior citizen is until you come to that point in your life. You have to experiece it to thoroughly understand it. Please don't change anything at the center. The center is our life blood. I wouldn't have any social life if I was not part of the Senior Center. Please don't take our control away from us and change the many programs that we have and love today.
Rita Johnson - if the Center is that important and integral to your life, isn't it worth one dollar a day to keep it open?
Isn't your "life blood" worth one dollar a day?
Evan Lacrosse,
Sorry to barge in like this but can you tell us Evan, are you thinking 5 days or 7 days per week here? Does make a difference you know. I mean, you are discussing Rita's "life blood".
Does it really make a difference?
$365 a year vs $260 a year for something that is SO important?
The term "life blood" was her choice of words not mine.
I'm just thinking that if it truly means that much to her and others, than paying $365 a year (or more) to be a member would not be a tough decision.
My guess is that it's not so much money, as everyone claims, but rather the "control" that is referenced.
The Park District needs to control that building, on behalf of all of the taxpayers.
Evan Lacrosse,
Is that in lieu of the taxes she already pays to the Park District for general access to "the building"?
And just so you’re brought up to speed, neither she nor any of her fellow Senior Center members have, as we speak, exclusive access rights to the Senior Center, including the lavatory!
Those contractual rights which never included exclusive use of the loo, were voluntarily given up during the most recent publically paid for (squandered) contract negotiations last December.
I’m sure you haven’t already forgotten the contract proposal the Board placed on the “agenda” in January and February 2011 yet would neither publically review or vote upon it, because as many other people in this small town already seem to know, they were afraid of negative repercussions of a “NO VOTE” during the election cycle.
Couldn't have those nasty union-backed candidates on the Board you know. This is Park Ridge!
Now where were we?
Where were we? Where were you?
On the way to sharpening the pitchforks and lighting the torches to go after the Board and Mary Wynn.
See how far that gets you.
Anon: July 28, 2011 5:50 PM,
Oh spare me! Ms. Wynn Ryan and her posse created this mess, and these same men also voted her in as THEIR “leader”. How cool was that?
Pitchforks and lighting the torches you say?
The only thing missing from this Young Frankensteinian farce is Igor’s prompting to “Walk this way”!
Our seniors have paid income taxes, property taxes (whether they have children attending school, or not), sales tax all their life, some have given life or limb in wars...and we can't afford them a senior center?
But....Hurray...They just passed the Deam Act in California, where ILLEGAL aliens will not qualify for grants...WOW...these people sneaked into our country (more like broke in) and are now enjoying our roads, our public school system and now our universities at a discount...
What an upside down world we live in...all the while Federal, State, and local governments are trying to squeeze more money from the citizens that have already contributed so much...
Evan Lacrosse
Evan Lacrosse
In response to your comments, many of the members of the Senior Center are on fixed incomes, which is needed for survival. Did you ever try to live on the amount of money that you would receive from Social Security? They have great need for their income and can't afford to pay that amount of money for membership in the center.
Evan Lacrosse,
I’ve heard the comment before that not all the senior citizens of Park Ridge use the Senior Center, especially from members of the Park Board. As the membership of the center is presently in flux, as we are in the midst of receiving membership dues, let’s say there are approximately 1,000 members. Well let’s do the math.
The Park District 2010 budget was $7,604,649 and the Senior Center had a $171,000 shortfall. According to the last published data, the population of Park Ridge, as of 7/2009, is 36,806 and seniors represent 35.9% of that figure. We, therefore, have 13,213 senior citizens in Park Ridge. Seniors have contributed $2,730,069 to that budget, therefore, each senior citizen in Park Ridge has already contributed $206.61. 1,000 members of the senior center, times $206.61 each, totals $206,610, which completely covers the $171,000 shortfall. This would indicate to me that the members of the Senior Center are most definitely paying their own way.
A relationship that has lasted 30 years and worked extremely well for both sides would indicate to me that something must have been working properly or the relationship would have ended long ago. I think most communities would be very happy to have a group of people who provide wonderful and abundant programming for their seniors, invest approximately $1,000,000 in a Park District building from their own funds, provide fund raising of their own volition and generally save the Park District a great deal of work and money.
Part 1 of 2
"Public dollars are wisely spent ensuring that senior centers thrive, allowing New Yorkers to grow old in their community with dignity........The need for friendship and a peer community is basic to our humanity throughout life, at 5, 65 or 95." This quote is taken from a Letter to the Editor of The New York Times, dated 3/28/11
Reportedly, roughly 35.9% of the citizens in Park Ridge are seniors. Seniors spending time at the Park Ridge Senior Center ("Senior Center") find that it provides them with a central meaning in life other than going to the doctor and grocery store. The Senior Center is often their lifeline to the world, often their primary interaction with other human beings. The vast, vast majority spend several hours a day, often on multiple days a week, at the Senior Center. It is what they look forward to in life.
If the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District ("District") cancelled your child's skating class, or your exercise class, you could find other activities. If the District cancelled activities at the Senior Center, it would be difficult, quite possibly impossible, for seniors to find a replacement activity to do with their life. Seniors, unlike children and younger adults, have far fewer choices for meaningful activities in Park Ridge. Indeed they have far fewer ways to even be with other human beings to make life more joyful and worthwhile.
For the past 30 years, seniors using the Senior Center have felt secure that they could spend time at the Center because there was a guaranteed contract between the Senior Center and the District that this would be the case.
For the past 30 years, volunteer seniors and their advocates have been very successfully planning and implementing a vast variety of wonderful activities and opportunities for seniors in Park Ridge.
Resolution NO. 11-1 ("Resolution") which was proposed by the Park Board implies that cooperation and activities WILL continue at the Senior Center, and it also says this is a "high priority". Unfortunately, this does not appear to be the case after reading the document which followed the Resolution called "Cooperative Guidelines for Park Ridge Recreation and Park District & Park Ridge Senior Services, Inc.".
The end of paragraph 4 of the Resolution states: "The District is committed to continue to serve seniors as it has done in the past to the extent feasible and practicable given the limited financial resources of the District and the given the (exact wording) obligation of the District to simultaneously serve the interests of all residents and taxpayers of the District."
The Resolution also states: "keep the Senior Center in operation for the benefit of the seniors consistent with past practice."
WHY oh WHY is the District no longer willing to enter into any kind of contract whatsoever to provide seniors with the guaranteed safety net of a contract??? The Resolution states: "serve seniors as it has done in the past". The "past" has been a contract. The terms and conditions of a new contract might have to change given current economic conditions. HOWEVER, THERE COULD INDEED STILL BE A CONTRACT between SSI and the District!!! Where is the logic and/or reasoning in totally throwing out the idea of a new, revised contract???
Part 2 of 2
Not only is the District NOT proposing a new, revised contract, the District is INSTEAD proposing "Cooperative Guidelines" to run the Senior Center. Cooperative Guidelines are NOT "past practice" for the past 30 years for these reasons:
(1) A contract was "past practice", NOT Cooperative Guidelines
(2) "Past practice" over the past 30 years, as I understand it, has been that the seniors, their senior senate and their advocates have been the ones to plan, program and implement virtually everything with regard to the Senior Center. The Cooperative Guidelines do NOT seek or use the knowledge and wisdom of the seniors and their advocates to plan what's going on at the Senior Center. On the contrary, the Cooperative Guidelines state: "It shall be the sole responsibility of the District to provide leisure, recreational and social opportunities for seniors at 100 S. Western Avenue, Park Ridge or at any other location(s)." The Cooperative guidelines appear to be a list of mandates unilaterally dictated and controlled by the District without any input from seniors.
The so called "Cooperative Guidelines" are an oxymoron!!! WHERE oh WHERE is the true meaning of "cooperation" to be found in said Cooperative guidelines......NOWHERE!! Under the said Cooperative Guidelines, the District solely would tell the seniors what will happen at their Senior Center, whether or not they like it,as in a dictatorship. More importantly, there does not appear to be any appeal process for decisions made by the District which seniors feel are not appropriate. There's no "cooperation" between the two parties in these said Cooperative Guidelines. Who's kidding whom.
How can you live with yourself calling the proposed plan "Cooperative" Guidelines?
Don't you find this to be very disrespectful of your seniors?
Why would you do this to seniors....your parents, your aunts and uncles, your senior friends?
What is the REAL intent on the part of the District to switch from a contractm which would be revised, to a controlling list of mandatory rules dictated solely by the District?
In your absolute wildest imagination, how can you believe the SSI representing seniors in Park Ridge would sign an agreement that is (1) not a guaranteed contract and (2) proposes absolutely NO input from seniors, and, no appeal process for the SSI?
One last point, the District has apparently chosen to provide the Senior Center with approximately 2.25% of their funds; yet roughly 35.9% of the citizens in Park Ridge are seniors. Seniors continue to pay taxes that fund countless programs for children. Those with children should realize this and support the use of taxes to fund the Senior Center. Seniors pay taxes. Why aren't they being given their fair share? Where is the equity and fairness in this? Again, this is being disrespectful to seniors....your parents, your aunts and uncles, your senior friends.
Going forward, I would like to encourage an amicable and truly cooperative relationship between the SSI and the District and to strongly urge the District to consider these possibilities:
(1) Utilize the "past practice" for 30 years of using volunteer seniors and their advocates to plan and implement what goes on at the Senior Center. This has been successful for 30 years. This is what other cities do successfully.
(2) Utilize the "past practice" of a contract for 30 years and enter into a new, mutually agreed upon contract with revisions reflecting the current times and state of the economy.
(3) Write a new "Cooperative Guidelines" that is TRULY a cooperation between the District and SSI with MUTUALLY agreed points.
I have chosen not to comment at this time on details in the Cooperative Guidelines since my blog is already so long.
Mr. Trizna speaks!
See at:
http://www.publicwatchdog.org/
I know I found this post quite instructive.
After reading these so called Cooperative Guidelines is it any wonder that the seniors of our community are upset. The wording is just terrible. I'm sure they felt like they'd been spanked after getting these from the Park District. What a shameful way to talk to anyone, much less our seniors.
Hey Bobbi,
Do you believe that things that have been in place for 30 years or more should always be left alone? You seem to cling to the fact that there was an agreement for 30 years, so that's how it should always be.
Evan Lacrosse
I just read your comments to Rita Johnson and can't believe you are so callous. It must be nice to have everything you need covered and be able to go anywhere you want for your entertainment and not worry about how much it's going to cost you. This is exactly what the members of the center are afraid of. If they lose all the control over things, the board is going to raise everything and a lot of seniors won't be able to attend the center anymore. Many of us are just making it and this is our only social life.
Anoymous @ 517
I'm sorry but $1 a day? If that's too much for some, perhaps Senior Services can start a scholarship program based on need.
Also, from you comment
"If they lose all the control over things"
That's the exact point, they don't have any control, the Park Board does or at least should.
The Park Board is elected to represent all of the residents of Park Ridge. If you are not happy with how they are representing you, then run against them and vote them out.
Once you are seated on the Park Board , you can choose to let a small group dictate terms and control a building and a subsidy that amounts to over $1M over the last 10 years.
I am just wondering if anyone can find any senior center anywhere that charges in the $1 a day range. I have heard that the current membership cost at the PR senior center is one of the most expensive in the area.
I also want to mention that the Park Ridge Park District had no part in starting the Senior Center. Had it not been for a dedicated group of citizens, the Senior Center would not exist. The Park District is committed to providing programming (classes, etc) for seniors, but that is a very different thing than committing to maintain a senior center.
It seems like the contributions of SSI have been made to ensure a senior center in Park Ridge, not just senior programming.
Anonymous
All you talk about is the $1.00 per day. It's all about the money with you. They pay their taxes, big time. Leave them alone. With the Seniors, you're talking about a home to them.
Also, you're wrong. They do have control. They have control to set fees charged and their own programs that they've had for years and enjoy. They're afraid the Park District will raise their fees and change their programs or make them go some place else for their programs and they won't know anyone there. Meeting new people when you're old is a challenge. Change is very difficult. Wait until you get there and start losing your selfconfidence.
You say, run for the Park Board. At our age, who has the energy for such an undertaking.
Since Mr. Trinzi is responding to Rita Johnson's post from this blog, I've chosen to respond on this blog.
Regarding your analysis of Rita Johnson's comments, you forgot to mention that Rita said that the fixed income was needed for "survival". Therefore, she wasn't talking about pension fund payments, annuities payments and bond coupon payments. She was obviously talking about trying to make ends meet on social security. She asked, "have you ever tried to live on social security?" And you talk about others twisting the facts.
And now after seniors have scraped and saved to pay off their mortgages, you want them to what? Take out a reverse mortgage to pay for their memberships. I won't comment on that one. I'll just let it lay there on its own merit.
You and Evan Lacosse are constantly complaining about the $45.00 dues that are being paid in Park Ridge. Are you aware that the membership dues of the Park Ridge Senior Center are among the highest in our neighboring communities? The Niles Senior Center is $20.00, Maine Township Mainestreamers is free and the Frisbie Center is $60.00 per year but that facility is a privately owned organization, not associated with the City of Des Plaines. You think membership dues should be $1.00 per day - $365.00 per year. PLEASE, Mr. Trinzi or Mr. Lacrosse - come back and tell us about all the senior centers that are charging $365 membership fees. I'm sure you'll be hard pressed to find one.
Do you even realize that you are picking on a segment of our community that have lived their lives, paid their taxes for years, and now just want some peace. They aren't up to date with all the new media, computers, etc. Some of them don't even have call waiting or caller ID on their phones.
They're easy targets for those who want to pick on them. They're tired and don't have the energy to play word games and defend themselves against younger people who are quick with the come back and on top of everything. All they want are some friendly faces to meet with and a place to spend some of the many hours that they have on their hands. Give them a break.
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