Culture & Parks-Recreation - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City of Elk River 2004 Annual Report · The second Zamboni spent most of the summer at the city garage to receive a major overhaul this past summer. The mechanics spent a lot of time rebuilding several components that were in need of repairs. SENIOR CENTER · Intergenerational Programs-Throughout the year there are many opportunities for youth to participate and interact at the Center. Headstart, Girl Scouts, church youth groups and choirs, and the Boys & Girls Club were all involved in 2004. This was the first time we did an eight-week summer program with the Boys & Girls Club. The highlight was the participation in "Fear Factor" type games. · Music-Music can play an important part in the lives of older adults. A variety of entertainers and music programs perform throughout the year. The Foxy Trotters (senior tap dancers) will begin their 14th year. The Silvertones (senior vocal group) will be in their 19th year. This past year the Silvertones added entertaining duets by "Sven and Ole," our favorite Minnesotans, and have added rhythm instruments. · Senior Center Week-Every May brings one of the highlights of the year. During this week, every day there is a speaker or special program. Two of the favorite events were Steve Dittbenner giving a demonstration on portable defibrillators and a visit from "Wildlife Conneaion of Sandstone." Everyone got a chance to get "up close" with a timber wolf, cougar, red fox, and a lively baby black bear. · During 2004, we established an ongoing partnership with ERPD with the common goal of educating older adults in personal safety and being watchful of our community. The police chief contributes monthly articles to the Center's newsletter and the crime prevention specialist visits the Center once a month with an educational program. · Monthly Senior Dance/Elk River Legion-We were asked to take over the coordination of the monthly Senior Dances in January 2004. Dances are held on the second Thursday of every month. This activity includes live music, a light lunch, and door prizes. Volunteers prepare the lunch and help with the admission. Two hundred and twenty- one individuals attended the dances with 788 people attending throughout the year. This program is paying for itself and we have positive comments on the music groups that we are booking. In 2004 we received numerous written testimonies, including the following excerpts: "As a volunteer helping other seniors, I have met people who I would not have otherwise had the opportunity to meet" <Thanks for all the helpful, entertaining, and just plain great things you provide and do for us." "Every program I attended, the participants were so friendly!" "I am 82 years old and the Senior Center supplies new life and acquaintances to me, my wife, and all others in my category." PARKS AND FACILITIES MAINTENANCE The structural changes in staffing created an opportunity to focus on park maintenance and development. Development highlights of 2004 include: · Volunteers played a substantial role in maintaining our parks. Adopt-A-Park volunteers picked up litter and notified staff about needed repairs. The Elk River Nordic Ski Club