Performance Measures

1. Performance Measures Darien Senior Center Susan M. Swiatek, CPRP Elizabeth M. Paris January 23, 2010

2. The Curtain Opens on a New Beginning • In July 2009 the Darien Senior Center became part of the Parks and Recreation community service team. • In August 2009 Elizabeth Paris was selected as Senior Center Coordinator to lead the center into the future. **Data contained within this report includes July – December 2009 only**

3. Issues taken on • Current roles were re-defined and areas of task assignments identified. • The Center building was reviewed and areas of concern for health and safety were identified. • Operations went into review in order to develop policies and procedures in keeping with Town practices. • Areas of service were identified and reviewed in order to develop new programs and services. • Facility membership was reviewed and plans for update and recruitment drive began. Students taking part in Spanish lessons

4. The Site ADA entrance before Parks & Rec. • Parks and Recreation Maintenance took over the exterior grounds at the Center. • Planted areas, access ways, parking lot lines, site trees & shrubs were addressed. • Original school site playground equipment was removed. • Eagle Scout project to plant bulbs and mulch planting beds took place. • general site clean up continues. ADA entrance after overgrown shrubs removed & fence installed

5. Programs and Activities Oil Painting • Assessment of programs began – both subsidy and volunteer based. • Daily facility use data collections began. • Instructor data base development began. • Collaborative relationships with other agencies were nurtured and/or begun. • Center membership update and recruitment drive began. • Collaborative programs with the Board of Education were continued and/or developed.

6. Programs and Activities • Trips with AARP New Canaan and Darien Seniors took place. • Volunteer core program development began. • An oral history program in conjunction with Norwalk Community College took place. • Eagle Scout project working with seniors on energy efficient lighting took place. • Coordination with the Aging in Place Agency, Social Services, and the Health Dept. continued. Ballet for Seniors Painting

7. Membership and Meals Current data available from July 2010 to December 2009 only

8. The Building Rotted door frame in gym, before repair by DPW • Computer and phone lines were installed linking the center to the Town Hall email, web site, and communications systems. • Exterior doors were repaired. • Locks for interior offices and building entry doors were repaired. • Parks Maintenance painted rooms, made small repairs, installed equipment. • New carpet was installed in the café. • Repairs to kitchen appliances took place. Original school play equip prior to P&R removal

9. Going Forward • Parks and Recreation and the Senior Center Staff look forward to continued collaborative efforts to deliver needed services to the community of Darien. • 2010 will include efforts to market services and perform out-reach to those in need and those providing care for our citizens. Efforts will take place to improve services as cost effectively as possible. • It is important to remember that one in eight citizens in Darien are over the age of 65 according to a Town profile published by the Connecticut Economic Resource Center in 2008. We must be ready to respond and work toward creating a healthy lifestyle in a livable community.