SHOULD A MULTI-GENERATIONAL/CULTURAL COMMUNITY CENTER BE IN POTSDAM'S FUTURE? AARP National has studied the viability of age friendly communities and offers "Communities need to both naturally and intentionally have ways for residents and visitors to be involved to socialize, to learn and to share experiences. Through AARP Livable Communities Initiative (one of the Committees in the local AARP 2831 Chapter) and a network of 53 State Offices, AARP engages, educates and inspires elected officials, local leaders, planners, citizen activists and skilled volunteers to identify community needs and the types of programs, policies ad projects that can meet those needs and improve the lives of older adults and people of all ages. AARP National and our St. Lawrence County Chapter #2831 of AARP, Inc. support the recommended 8 Domains of Livability (or age-friendly) which include: 1. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings – availability of safe and accessible recreational facilities. 2. Transportation: safe and affordable modes of private and public transportation helps older adults remain independent, mobile, and engaged in their surrounding community. 3. Housing: Availability of home modification programs for aging in place as well as a range of age-friendly housing options. 4. Social Participation: Access to leisure and cultural activities including opportunities for older residents to socialize and engage with their peers as well as with younger people. Seniors can experience isolation (due to limited social support, deteriorating health, major life changes and the refusal to ask for help) that leads to depression and even suicide. Identifying resources can provide assistance to seniors. 5. Respect and Social Inclusion: Programs that promote ethnic and cultural diversity, as well as multigenerational interaction and dialogue. 6. Civic Participation and Employment: Paid work and volunteer activities for older residents and opportunities to engage in the formulation of policies relevant to their lives. 7. Communication and Information: Access to communications technology and other resources so older residents can connect with their community, friends and family.
8. Community Support and Health Services: Access to home-based care services, health clinics and programs that promote wellness and active aging. Many of these domains can be solved through a single structure open to the community, I.E., a Multi-Generational/Cultural Community Center. The purpose Is to address the 8 Domains of Livability by empowering individuals, families and youth academically and socially inspiring able bodies to take on leadership roles in the community. There is talent and competency available in the community as well as at the universities. How is it being best utilized? People living in towns with community centers feel a stronger sense of community than those living in areas without such facilities. The benefits of community centers provide the opportunity to offer programs for all age groups and interests who wish to be involved in a wide range of learning, social and physical activities that promote individual and community involvement and wellbeing. In addition, it is a place for social inclusion for people with difficulties (seniors, those with disabilities, etc.) which prevent or limit them becoming involved in the community. The Center would be open to all who live in the area and all can encounter others with common interests. Additionally, information can be discussed and distributed about common concerns. Juvenile crime is a common problem for small towns. With busy parents or few entertainment options, adolescents may be challenged to not get involved in drugs and alcohol. Community centers provide a safe place for young people to spend time, make new friends, and stay out of trouble. With a focus on academics, socialization and fitness, community centers can also reduce childhood obesity and promote health and wellness. Outside of town halls and churches, many small towns do not have a meeting place. Whether it be for a corporate event, a club meeting, a fundraiser, a presentation -- community centers provide a convenient place to gather. Community centers are a great addition to any neighborhood. It may be surprising to some, but community centers can boost a small town’s economy. People are drawn to convenient and affordable access to exercise equipment, meeting spaces, and other amenities. Overall, this can boost property values and the resale values of homes. A community center should be a place • for any community celebration at various occasions and traditions; • for public meetings of citizens on various issues; • where politicians or other official leaders come to meet the citizens and ask for their opinions, support or votes ("election campaigning" in democracies, other kinds of requests in non-democracies); • where community members meet each other socially; • that houses local clubs and volunteer activities; • that community members (and sometimes others), can rent inexpensively when a private family function or party is too big for their own home; • that passes on and retells local history; • where local non-government activities are organized; • of relief in instances of community tragedies. Some features that can be considered in a designated Community Center • Large open reception area where events can be held • Space for the Farmer’s Market year-round • A professional kitchen • Smaller break out rooms for meetings or activities (tutoring by college or high school students or classes offered by professionals) • Swimming Pool • Walking Track • Climbing Wall • Bathrooms • Fitness Center • Information Desk and Electronic display for communication purposes about events occurring throughout the Village • Parking and Accessibility • Community Garden • Promotion of diversity events • Outdoor Grill/Picnic Options • Black box theater that can also be used to show movies/films, etc. Interested in sharing more ideas? Let’s get a community group together for discussion and feasibility. Send a response to [email protected] and place Community Center in the subject line. -- Vicki Clark Vice President St. Lawrence County Chapter #2831 of AARP, Inc. aarpchapter2831.org 315-265-6964
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The St. Lawrence County Chapter (SLCC) #2831 is a community of advocacy and volunteers whose purpose is to 1) promote at the local level the priorities, programs and policies specific for the benefit of our seniors, 2) maximize member engagement in a broad menu of services, information and educational activities, 3) demonstrate the contributions and potential of people who are 50+ to encourage their full participation in contemporary life, 4) create fundraising opportunities to achieve self-sufficiency, and 5) stimulate public interest in a variety of issues.
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November 2019
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