Seniors In Motion
Member Handbook
Welcome! Welcome to the Town of Flower Mound’s SENIORS IN MOTION Program held at the Flower Mound Social Senior Center. The Senior Center address is 2701 West Windsor Dr., Flower Mound, 75028. It is located off F.M. 2499 and West Windsor Drive. Our facility features a commercial kitchen, activity room, computer room, library, billiards room, craft room, fitness room, conference room, patio and gardens, and a grand ballroom that will accommodate large groups and functions. Mission Statement The Town of Flower Mound Seniors In Motion (SIM) Program is an organization of citizens, age 50 and up, which recognizes the value senior residents contribute to the Town and strives to provide resources that enable the continuation of full, active, healthy, and happy lives. We foster a sense of community where seniors connect with others who share similar interests; plan and implement meaningful contributions to the community; participate in opportunities for personal growth; and experience genuine caring, support, and friendship. Employee Contacts Jaime Jaco-Cooper - Senior Center Manager jaime.jacocooper@flower-mound.com
972-874-6101
Jon Almeida - Programs Coordinator jon.almeida@flower-mound.com
972-874-6109
Nicole Brasher - Programs Coordinator nicole.brasher@flower-mound.com
972-874-6108
Mark Long – Recreation Superintendent mark.long@flower-mound.com
972-874-6341
Hours of Operation Monday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday ‐ Closed (There likely may be at least 2 Saturday special events per year.)
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I.
GENERAL RULES
Memberships The Seniors In Motion (SIM) Program is open to all senior adults, 50 years of age and over. All participants involved in the Town’s Seniors In Motion Program shall pay an annual membership fee to attend and/or participate in the events, activities and programming. Memberships are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase. Membership fees must be paid as a condition of participation in Senior Center activities. Membership fees are non-transferrable and cannot be refunded. Membership fees for persons living within the territorial jurisdiction of the Town (residents) shall be the greater of $10.00 per person per year. Membership fees for persons living outside the territorial jurisdiction of the Town (non-residents) shall be the greater of $20.00 per person per year. Spouses of SIM members who are under the age of 50 may also purchase a membership. Members will receive a membership ID card which must be scanned upon entering the facility. Holiday Closing New Year’s Day Martin Luther King Day Good Friday Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Additional days could be added and will be posted at the Center. Inclement Weather The Senior Center may close or delay opening when weather conditions make it dangerous for the operation of motor vehicles. Radio/TV media will be informed if the Town facilities are closed. Closings will be posted on the Town website (www.flower-mound.com) and the Senior Center phone line will be updated if possible. Day Passes Non-members, age 50 and older, may purchase a day pass to the Flower Mound Senior Center. The day pass allows access to the building as well as any Seniors In Motion programs held that day; however, this person must sign a waiver of liability at the Senior Center Courtesy Desk. The day pass is valid from the time of purchase until the end of the same business day. Residents of Flower Mound may purchase a day pass for $1 per person. Non-residents may purchase a day pass for $2 per person. Non-members who are under the age of 50 and would like to purchase a day pass, must get permission from the Senior Center Manager or Program Coordinators. Assistance Patrons of the SIM Program must be able to function on their own and be responsible for their personal care, hygiene, etc. The Center does not provide day care, individual assistance, or supervision of patrons. If deemed appropriate, a caregiver and/or guardian may be asked to accompany a member. Caregivers and guardians are permitted to participate in any and all classes, lunches, programs, events, and trips with the person they are providing assistance to. Caregivers are not required to purchase a membership; however, they are required to fill out a membership application and liability waiver. If a fee is involved for a program or class, the caregiver 3
must pay the fee for themselves as well as the person they are assisting. SPAN Special Programs for Again Needs (SPAN) Denton County provides transportation for seniors age 65 and over or individuals with verifiable disabilities within the area of Flower Mound, Highland Village, or Lewisville area for medical, employment, and/or shopping for necessities. Please contact SPAN for fees and to make reservations. SPAN can be contacted at 940-382-2224 or visit their website at www.span-transit.org. Newsletters The Seniors In Motion newsletter is published on a bi-monthly basis and details special events, activities, classes, and trips. The newsletter is available on-line at www.flower-mound.com/seniors. Seniors may also pick-up a copy of the newsletter at the Courtesy Desk. Newsletters are mailed to all current members. It is the best source of information on SIM upcoming events, classes, and trips. Volunteers Volunteers are the life force of the Seniors In Motion program. SIM members are invited to check the Volunteer Log book located at the Senior Center Courtesy Desk to find out about different volunteer opportunities. The volunteer shifts are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Applications to be a Volunteer for the Flower Mound Senior Center are located at the Senior Center Courtesy Desk. Volunteers are encouraged to join the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Denton County. These applications are located at the Senior Center Courtesy Desk. Volunteers are asked to keep an accurate log of their hours in the Volunteer Hours log book located at the Senior Center Courtesy Desk. Each year, the program will recognize those who have volunteered at least 10 hours at the Senior Center and/or during Seniors In Motion Program related activities with an appreciation breakfast or luncheon. SIM members are responsible for logging their volunteer hours. Volunteer activities include but are not limited to the following: • Helping at various special events and fundraisers • Being a member of the SIM Advisory Board • Assisting with the weekly lunch program • Serving on a committee (such as the Dance, Library, or Travel committees) • Instructing or teaching various classes • Assisting with games and tournaments • Helping with day-to-day duties (such as answering phones, preparing coffee, refilling snack items, cleaning dishes) Advisory Board The Seniors In Motion Advisory Board is comprised of nine members who promote the interests and well-being of Flower Mound seniors. The Advisory Board meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. The meeting is open to all members of the Seniors In Motion program. The Board helps make the SIM Program a place of interest, friendship, and entertainment for all the participants. Seniors In Motion Auxiliary (SIMA) Seniors In Motion Auxiliary is a non-profit (501 c3) organization that raises money to support the Town of Flower Mound Seniors In Motion program. For more information on SIMA, visit their website at www.flowermoundseniors.org or contact Mary Kay Walker at 972-355-4037. 4
Committees Members of the Seniors In Motion Program serve on various committees that assist staff. Currently, SIM has the following committees: Travel, Library, and Dance. If you are interested in serving on any of these committees, please see the Senior Center Manager. Charitable Donations Seniors In Motion may accept donations. The Town of Flower Mound does not provide a tax receipt for donations. If donations are deemed unacceptable, they may be discarded or given to other non-profit organizations. Illness/Sick Persons with severe colds or contagious illnesses should refrain from visiting the Senior Center until they are well enough and no longer contagious. Solicitation In the interest of maintaining an enjoyable, positive and stress‐free recreational environment in and about the Flower Mound Senior Center, it is the policy of the Town that no person, group or organization of any kind (save and except Town officials, employees or licensed contractors) will be allowed or permitted in, on, and/or about the Senior Center and its common areas to (1) charge fees or solicit donations, contributions, sponsorships and/or participants for any event or activity; (2) sell or offer for sale any food, drinks, confections, merchandise or services or to conduct any commercial business activities of any kind; and/or (3) post, place, display, distribute, or erect any advertising, notice, billboard, paper or other advertising device, information or materials. No solicitation or private sales may take place at the Senior Center. No organization or individual may solicit, sell fund raising items or raffle items, without the permission of the Senior Center Manager.
I.
FACILITY RULES
Bulletin Boards All bulletin boards and display areas are maintained by the Center staff or designated volunteers. If you would like to place something on one of the bulletin boards, you must first get approval from the Senior Center Manager. Equipment Checkout Policies All equipment for outdoor recreation areas, the billiard room, and table tennis, can be requested from the Senior Center Courtesy Desk. Please to care with any equipment and report any problems of it to the Senior Center Courtesy Desk. All equipment will need to be returned to the Courtesy Desk when finished so the next member can use it. Fitness Room Rules The Fitness room is open during normal business hours and open to all Senior In Motion members. All users must be members of the Seniors In Motion program. Shoes with closed toes and a non-midriff bearing shirt are required of guests. Please allow other guests to work out on a machine between sets. Please limit cardio workouts to 20 minutes if other guests are waiting. Be mindful of others by considering hygiene, use of fragrant lotions, and use of cell phones. Only Town sanctioned personal trainers are permitted to train in this facility. 5
Please help Town staff maintain all equipment in the Fitness room. All guests must clean equipment after each use. Town staff will provide cleansing wipes for the equipment. Food and beverage are not permitted inside the Fitness room with the exception of bottled water. Please re-rack all barbells and dumbbells. Please do not drop, slam or bang weights. Please notify staff immediately of any malfunctioning equipment. Computer Room The computer room is open during normal business hours and is open to all Senior In Motion members. The Flower Mound Senior Center offers access to the Internet as part of its mission to provide service for lifelong learning, culture and recreation with equal access to information for all citizens. All Internet resources accessible from the Flower Mound Senior Center are offered equally to all users. Due to the limited resources available for provision of public access to computers and the Internet, such as bandwidth issues, the Flower Mound Senior Center may set limits on the use of these services. This may include time limits, number of sessions per day and use of large files, among other limitations. Access is provided only to Flower Mound Senior Center members. Anyone using the Flower Mound Senior Center’s Internet access must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, including laws governing the transmission and dissemination of information while accessing the Internet. The quality of information on the Internet varies greatly and must be evaluated critically by the user. The Flower Mound Senior Center disclaims warranty as to any information’s accuracy, authoritativeness, timeliness or usefulness. Information downloaded from the Internet may contain computer viruses. Flower Mound Senior Center is not responsible for any virus inadvertently downloaded and transferred to a personal computer. The Senior Center’s computers are configured to prevent saving any material to the computer in any format. The Senior Center staff will provide basic Internet assistance. Users are responsible for learning how to use specific programs. Computing resources may not be used for illegal purposes. Examples of unacceptable uses include: 1. Accessing or distributing material that is harmful to minors (TX Penal Code 43.21); 2. Harassment or libeling; 3. Destruction of, or damage to equipment, software or data belonging to the Library or others; 4. Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications; 5. Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials; 6. Attempting to modify or gain unauthorized access to files, password or data belonging to others; 7. Violation of software licensing agreements. Any violation of Flower Mound Senior Center policy may result in loss of access to the Internet. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved. Members must use earphones or headphones when playing music or videos with sound. Members must provide their own headphones. Please make sure to close all programs and log off of any websites when finished. Please select the windows start menu from the bottom left-hand corner and select “Log off”. All members must log off computers 30 minutes before a scheduled computer class. 6
Library Rules The Library at the Flower Mound Senior Center is a quiet, peaceful place to read, study, and relax. Please keep voices low and be respectful of other members. Please do not bring food into the Library. SIM members are permitted to borrow a book and do not need to check the book out. Members are asked to return the books by placing them on the return cart inside the library. Donations of gently used books for the library are accepted. All donations can be given to staff at the Courtesy Desk. Library volunteers will review donations and decide which books will be added to the Library. Books that are not accepted will be donated to CCA or the Flower Mound Library.
II.
PROGRAM GUIDELINES
Weekly Lunch Programs: Tuesdays & Thursdays The Town of Flower Mound offers a weekly lunch program at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors 50 and older. The cost is $4.00 per person, per meal. Metroport Meals on Wheels provides and serves the food which comes from local restaurants. Members are asked to purchase the lunches in advance at the Senior Center Courtesy Desk. Members must purchase Tuesday lunch tickets by 4pm on the Friday prior to lunch. Friday will also be the last day for a refund for Tuesday lunch tickets. Members must purchase Thursday lunch tickets by 4pm on the Tuesday prior to lunch. Tuesday will also be the last day for a refund for Thursday lunch tickets. There will also be a limited number of lunches available for purchase on the day of each lunch. Members must pick up there lunch tickets between 10:30am and 11:45am on the day of each meal. Any remaining tickets will be sold to people on the waitlist. If any lunches remain after all persons who purchased a lunch have been served, Flower Mound Senior Center staff will offer to sell to-go lunches for $4 per person. To-go lunches will not be sold prior to lunch service. Fridays A Flower Mound Senior Center staff members and a limited number of SIM Volunteers will prepare lunches on Fridays when there is not a scheduled special event. The lunches will cost $2.00 per person and must be purchased by the end of the business day on the Wednesday prior to the lunch. On the day of the meal, please pick up tickets for lunch by 11:45 a.m. At 11:50, all unclaimed tickets will be sold to people on the waitlist. Guest Lunches Members may purchase a lunch for a guest in advance of the scheduled lunch at the Senior Center Courtesy Desk. Guest lunches will include the lunch fee plus a day pass fee. Guests can pick up their lunch tickets on the day of the meal at the Courtesy Desk and must sign the waiver of liability. Program Registration Registration for classes, events, and trips can be completed in person at the Senior Center Courtesy Desk or online at https://activenet.active.com/flowermoundparksandrec. When a fee is involved, payment is due at the time of registration. Members may pay with cash, check, debit/credit card at the Courtesy Desk. (Please make check payable to the Town of Flower Mound). Flower Mound residents can register 2 days prior to nonresidents. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis and is only available to current Senior Center members. Registration start dates are posted in the newsletter (see the colored box in the top Left corner of the Newsletter under each month’s Special Events. 7
Members are asked to register for all events and programs by the RSVP date listed in the SIM newsletter. If a member fails to do so, they may still attend the event, but they may not be able to partake in a meal or use supplies until everyone who registered on time is allowed to do so. Day Trip Policy All day trips organized by the Senior Center include transportation to and from the event free of charge for SIM members. The price of the trip will include a ticket to the event or venue. Members may need to bring money for a meal before or after the event. People who are not members of the Seniors In Motion program may neither purchase tickets to a trip nor ride on the Seniors In Motion bus. All cancellations go to the next member on the waitlist. A walking key for each trip will be provided on the Seniors In Motion Newsletter. Please consider the amount of walking required before registering for a trip. Participants must be ambulatory and able to get on and off the Seniors In Motion bus without assistance. Participants are welcome to bring wheelchairs and walkers; however, electric scooters cannot be accommodated. The Senior Center can also provide a wheelchair or walker. Space to store wheelchairs and walkers is limited; therefore, please tell Senior Center staff that you plan to bring your wheelchair or walker at the time of registration. Staff has the right to refuse a wheelchair or walker if it cannot collapse to a small size for transport. In these instances, the Senior Center can provide a wheelchair or walker. The Town is not responsible for any damage that may occur during the transportation of these items. Participants are also invited to bring a caretaker. This caretaker must purchase a ticket as well. Participants may provide their own transportation if they wish. Please let the Senior Center staff know in advance if you will provide your own transportation. Participants must pick up their tickets at least 24 hours in advance and sign an acknowledgement of receipt. Fitness Programs All fitness and exercise programs are run by staff, volunteers, or independent contractors. Classes taught by staff and volunteers are free of charge. Members can register and pay classes at the Senior Center Courtesy Desk. Fitness classes taught by independent contractors will cost a nominal fee. Participants must pay the fee prior to participating in the class. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for the class to check in at the Senior Center Courtesy Desk and pay the fee for the class. All materials needed for the classes must be provided by the participants. Creative Art Classes All creative art classes are run by staff, volunteers, or independent contractors. Some classes may have a nominal fee to cover cost of supplies. Participants must pay the fee prior to participating in the class. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for the class to check in at the Senior Center Courtesy Desk and pay the fee for the class. All materials needed for the classes will be provided unless otherwise noted in the SIM Newsletter. Refunds Full refunds, credits or transfers to another class will be granted when requested at least five business days prior to the start date of the class. Refunds requested less than five business days prior to the start of the class will not be granted. Failure to attend a registered class, program or activity will be considered a forfeiture of materials supplied and all fees paid. 8
The Parks and Recreation Division reserves the right to cancel, combine or divide classes, to change times, dates or class locations, to change the instructor assignments, and to make other revisions in these offerings to best provide service. In the event the Parks and Recreation Division cancel any class, program or activity, a full refund or credit will be issued. In the event a patron or their dependent falls ill, becomes injured, or does not possess necessary skills, inhibiting their ability to participate in or continue participation in a program, a pro-rated refund may be given based upon the date of the refund request. Written verification (i.e. doctor’s note) is required for illnesses or injury claims. In the case of unforeseen events, refunds will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Parks and Recreation staff. Refunds for cash or check registrations will be refunded by the Town of Flower Mound via check in 3 to 4 weeks. Refunds for credit card transactions will be credited back to the card used. Trip Refunds • No refunds will be given after tickets to events or entrance fees have been purchased. • If minimums are not met by the dates listed, the trips will be cancelled and refunds will be given. • If a trip is cancelled due to an unforeseen occurrence (i.e. bad weather), the Senior Center Staff will do its best to reschedule the trip. Participants will be given the opportunity to attend the rescheduled trip or get a refund. • The person on the waitlist must pay for their trip prior to leaving on the trip.
III. CODE OF CONDUCT The Code of Conduct policy is to assure the experience of a lifetime for all of our volunteers, members, and guests. It is designed to: • Maintain the respect of every individual involved in Center activities • Create a pleasant atmosphere for everyone • Provide an environment for good fellowship To achieve this, all members, volunteers, and guests should: • Behave and speak in a manner which is respectful of others • Wear appropriate clothing and shoes suitable for the activity • Be responsible for their personal property • Refrain from using foul language • Smoke only in designated areas outside the building and use disposal containers • Adhere to the Rules and General Guidelines of the Center • Leave the premises in the same condition in which it was found • Report any unusual occurrences immediately to the staff Disruptive Participants Disruptive participants are those whose behaviors, personal conduct, or physical condition interferes with the daily operation of the SIM program or the well-being of its members. Disruptive participants should be immediately reported to Town Staff. All incidents of disruptive behavior will be thoroughly documented by the staff person(s) involved. Disruptive participants could be denied admittance and/or asked to leave when identified. Disruptive behavior refers to verbal or physical aggression, sexual harassment, stalking, profanity, 9
drinking or obvious intoxication, possessing alcoholic beverages, or unauthorized substances in the center. Security risks Security risks refer to persons who steal from other participants or present a clear and present danger to center participants, staff, or volunteers. This may also include seniors with deteriorated personal hygiene. This is noticeable where the body or clothing is dirty and/or has an offensive odor; or other prevailing conditions, resulting from personal sanitation problems (e.g., body lice, untreated open wounds, contagious diseases, incontinence, etc.). Violators of these security issues will be asked to leave the premise immediately. These individuals will not be allowed to return to the SIM program until their issue has been corrected. Smoking Ordinance The Flower Mound Senior Center is a smoke free environment pursuant to Town Ordinance 71-08. A designated smoking area is located on the southwest corner of the parking lot. Pursuant to Town Ordinance 05-14, guests are not permitted to use electronic vaping devices on premises. Disciplinary Procedures Should staff become aware of or observe inappropriate behavior in the Senior Center or sponsored event, the following steps will be followed: • Verbal Warning: Staff will privately address the individual about the specific behavior that is unacceptable and tell them the behavior will not be tolerated. This step is considered a verbal warning. If the person's unacceptable behavior continues, staff has the authority to direct the person to leave the building immediately. If the person chooses not to leave the building voluntarily, the staff may call law enforcement for assistance. • Written Warning: Staff will privately address the individual about the specific behavior is that is unacceptable and tell them the behavior will not be tolerated. The conversation will be put in writing, and a copy given to the individual. If the person's behavior continues, staff has the authority to direct the person to leave the building immediately. If the person chooses not to leave the building voluntarily, the staff may call law enforcement for assistance. • Membership Revocation or Suspension: This may be issued if the behavior persists. • Appeals Process: In the event of a member's membership is revoked; he or she may appeal this decision to the SIM Advisory Board. The member must submit a written request to be placed on the agenda for a closed session. The Board will review the case and hear from both the member and staff. If the Board should agree with the staff's decision, the member's revocation will stand as issued. If the Board should disagree with the staff's decision, staff will have the opportunity to change the decision or refer the issue to the Director of Parks and Recreation for further review. • The member's revocation will stand as issued. If the Board should disagree with the staff's decision, staff will have the opportunity to change the decision or refer the issue to the Director of Parks and Recreation for further review.
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