LUCERNE— The Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, the only non-governmental senior center in Lake County, has been given new life due to new management according to Administrative Services Coordinator Betsy Cawn.
Cawn goes on to state that the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center is now a partner with the Lakeport Senior Activity Center in the delivery of elder nutrition services. Due to new requirements necessary to fulfill this partnership, a new business plan was recently created. Previous to this, there was no real business plan which resulted in a lack of direction, said Cawn. In addition, donations necessary to keep the doors open were dwindling, according to an article published by the Record Bee in 2016. Because of the more rigid requirements detailed in the new business plan, the center’s board of directors felt there should be a change in management.
The board hired management in key positions and this new management began to rebuild the center’s reputation and infrastructure. Cawn states that there are now more than two dozen volunteers and they see themselves as one big happy family.
Lynn Schlapkohl, Chairperson for the board of directors, is proud of the fact that the center is instrumental in feeding seniors. The center provides hamburger, milk, cereal and many other foods every first Wednesday and third Thursday of the month. She calls it a “food giveaway” sponsored by the Gleaners Food Bank. The center also provides daily lunches for seniors and a free food pantry. In addition, they have a partnership with Lakeport’s Meals on Wheels. The center follows up with Meals on Wheels clients and provides in-home services for those who are served.
Schlapkohl is also excited about the activities hosted on site, which include Tai Chi; line dancing and pilates. Richard Radovic, Treasurer for the board and event and outreach coordinator, states that an arts and crafts activity room will be coming soon. A grant has been provided to replace the flooring in this room. Radovic, who has an extensive background in senior care, said he is very optimistic about the center’s future as the momentum is positive and the family atmosphere is evident.
Cawn states that grants, donations and proceeds from the Senior Center’s thrift store have been used to create a safe environment, which was first priority. These funding sources also pay for utilities, insurance, property taxes, communication systems and other fundamental building needs. The center has proven capacity in times of disasters and assisted families during the recent fires. Cawn also points out that every county has an information and assistance program designed to assist seniors and point them in the right direction to access resources. The phone number is 1-800-510-2020.
There are challenges, however. Cawn, Schlapkohl and Radovic all state that the bathrooms are in a state of disrepair and need to be remodeled. There currently is no funding for this and they are hoping the community will get involved and help. The center is located at 3985 Country Club Drive in Lucerne.
