The Board of Senior Services has a visionfor the future - to expand services to help seniors remain independent.

The primary focus of the remodeling projectis three-fold: building a new kitchen for Mealson Wheels; expanding space and increasingvisibility for the Senior Employment Program;enlarging the space and meeting capabilitiesfor the Downtown Senior Center.

Meals on Wheels will provide menuchoice and serve more people

• More space to prepare fresh and wholefoods and to accommodate menu choice for future clients.

• A walk-in freezer and dry goods area withthe ability to store a larger variety of food andsupplies.

• A volunteer area with its own private entrance and exit for improved traffic flow.

Downtown Senior Centercan hold more events to promote healthy aging

• The Downtown Senior Center will almostdouble in size.

• Add a cafe where members can enjoy coffee and other beverages, visit betweenevents and/or grab a quick lunch.

• The computer lab will double in size, allowing for more center members and jobseekers to take classes.

• Remodel of current bathrooms and newbathrooms will be added, all handicapped accessible.

• Addition of two lecture rooms for healthscreenings, health checks, classes and lectureseries.

• All event rooms of the Downtown SeniorCenter will be located on the first floor, providing easy access.

Senior Employment will be more accessible

• Front door presence makes it more accessible for job seekers.

• Job seekers will no longer have to standin line to visit with a program specialist.

• Larger computer room in Downtown Senior Center will also benefit job seekers whoneed computer training.

• A private meeting room for interviewcoaching and resume preparation will beadded.

• More space to expand semi-annual jobfairs.

Senior Services Launches Campaign For Campus Renovation

Winter, 2017

Charlie and Gwen Moyer have been volunteering for the Meals on Wheels programfor 25 years, and they are excited about theprospects for a new kitchen and volunteerarea.

The current pickup area for meals is narrowand congested, and becomes almost impassable when most volunteers are arrivingin the mornings.

The volunteer pickup area for Meals on Wheels isnarrow and quickly becomes congested in themornings.

“We are anxious for a new center to bebuilt, so we can get in and out quicker andeasier and serve more people,” Charlie says.

“After so many years we have becomefriends with a lot of the other volunteers,”Gwen adds. “It will be great to have space tosit down and visit.”

A larger, more efficient kitchen will allowMeals on Wheels to provide menu choice andincrease the number of persons served, withmore space to prepare fresh and whole foods

and a walk-in freezer and dry goods area withthe ability to store a larger variety of food andsupplies.

The Moyers are excited about the kitchenexpansion.

“It will give people two choices instead ofjust one,” Gwen says.

Both say they feel they gain as much fromtheir volunteer service as the people theyserve are.

“We learned right away we were helpinghundreds of people get a meal,” Charlie says.“They look forward to not only getting themeal, but in seeing someone every day.”

“We are helping people stay in their ownhomes where they want to be,” Gwen says.

Both noted Meals on Wheels volunteershave helped to prevent tragedies when they

discover a client with a health issue orwho has fallen. Gwen smiles when she recalls one client who wanted her to rideto the hospital in the ambulance with himwhile his son-in-law followed. “We are doing something to help, but

they are a blessing to us,” the Moyersstress. “This is a tremendous service andwe thoroughly enjoy our ministry.”

Plans for the expanded kitchen and Meals onWheels area.

25-Year Meals on Wheels Volunteers Look Forward to Expansion

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Charlie and Gwen Moyer deliver meals two days aweek.

Karen Dornbush is any senior center director’s dream member, volunteering in anumber of capacities and serving as a memberof the Downtown Senior Center’s advisorycommittee.

She had been coming to the DSC for almostfive years before she became a member.

“A nonprofit group that I was a long-timemember of had rented an upstairs room fortheir information center,” she explains. “I volunteered there on the first and thirdWednesday of every month for years. Duringthat time, I became familiar with the SeniorServices staff, the center activities, and usuallyread the monthly newsletter. Most days, thebuilding seemed very busy with lots of activities happening, and people looked to melike they were enjoying themselves.”

When Senior Services announced their remodeling plans, the group moved out andfound a new location.

“Before that happened, I had already decided that since my home responsibilitieshad eased, and I was definitely ‘age appropriate,’ I was going to join and attendsome of the activities,” Karen says. “I'm reallyhappy that I did. I think what I enjoy the mostare the members and staff I've met. I've foundthem to be friendly, energetic, and always willing to help and encourage each other. I became one of Carolyn's (the director's) volunteers right away, so I feel that I'm usuallyin the thick of things that are going on at thecenter, and I like that. I usually attend at least

one activity every week.”Karen and her sister-in-law, Jackie Besser,

were two of those responsible for the newhealth and wellness support group whichmeets monthly to discuss nutrition, exercise,and other health topics.

“Karen is a retired RN and brings that experience to the table along with a professional insight to discussions,” says Carolyn Earnest, center director. “She also,along with Jackie, enjoy being active, workingout and eating well, so they look for those opportunities and encourage others.”

“I can't wait for the new expanded Downtown Center to be completed,” Karensays. “From what I hear it's going to be a

wonderful place for all members to cometo, enjoy, and to feel very special everytime they walk through the doors. It willbe a place to come and meet your friends,and to make new friends. Among themany things you will find there: If you liketo learn, there will be lifelong learningclasses, also a place to exercise or find anew job. Actually, I think it's going to be avery special place for each and everymember.”

Floor plans for the remodeled Downtown Senior Center. All activities will be on firstfloor.

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Expanded Senior Center To Offer Something For Everyone

Karen Dao, director of programs, with Karen Dornbush (right) at the Downtown Senior Centeradvisory committee meeting.

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Pickleball enthusiast Jim Schock says hehad no idea what pickleball was until he joinedthe Downtown Senior Center 10 years ago.

“I was a racquetball player,” he explains.“But as I started getting older I needed something a little less stressful on my joints.”

Not only did he discover a new passion inkeeping physically fit, he uncovered a wealthof new friends and activities.

“I have a lot of good things to say about theDowntown Senior Center,” Jim says. “We needto get it expanded. We play competitively several days a week and we need more courts.”

Russ Warnky was teaching computerclasses at the Northeast Senior Center whenone of his fellow teachers told him about thegame. He has now been playing four times aweek for three years, and took home twomedals from the Kansas Senior Olympics. “Ofcourse, I was the only 81-year-old playing,” hechuckles. “It’s a great way to keep my strengthup.”

Jim, a retired airline employee, also speaksabout the congestion in the mornings whenMeals on Wheels volunteers are arriving topick up their deliveries during the same timespan as the pickleball players and members attending educational events. At the currenttime, there is only one entrance into the Downtown Senior Center from the main parking lot. He says that congestion will be

eased when the Meals on Wheels program hasits own entrance.

Jim also warns about the coming tsunamiof Baby Boomers and knows they will overrunthe system before long. The current centerdoesn't have the room to handle them andtheir needs, so the expansion of the center iscritical to meet the anticipated growth inmembers.

“We need to get the center open again andbring in people and show them around,” hesays.

Pickleball enthusiasts from the Downtown SeniorCenter set up some demonstrations on Douglasduring the Open Streets ICT event.

Russ Warnky enjoys a game of pickleball.

Jim Schockwarms up priorto playing pickleball. Thegame is thefastest-growingsport in thecountry.

Renovated Senior Center To Provide Pickleball Expansion

Senior Services expressesits heartfelt gratitude to thoseindividuals and organizationswho have supported the capital campaign through October 31, 2017:

David AlexanderLaurel AlkireBradley AndersonAlan and Lisa BausJohnnie Bell PropertiesDr. Stephen BensonRhonda and James BevilacquaHank and Jeanne BlaseRyan BlasdelStephen and Cindy BlasdelBomhoff Foundation/

Eric V. CalvertKelly BowlinMary BoyceMr. and Mrs. Marc BrandAnn BrillhartMichael and Dale BukatyMarilyn and Robert BundyL.O. ButnerEric and Michelle CalvertCargill, Inc.Noreen M. Carrocci and

Robert BensonAaron CarswellTerry CassadyCavPac Pompeo’s PACMrs. Georgia ChandlerMargie CollinsCarrie and Joseph CoutureElizabeth CummingsJanet DebbrechtJack and Marilyn DeBoerJanet and David DennisClint and Danielle Cornejo Bill DeVoreGerald DooleyC.R. and Debbie DunneMark Douglas EatonTed and Sabra EilertSusan Oliver Estes

Mike FarhaJudy FinnellTanis FlinkmanEvan FunkBill GardnerRebecca and Richard GatesKaren GilchristDalton GlasscockClifford and Carol GloverLori GrahamDiane Greenleaf Patty and Dawson GrimsleyD. K. HartmanDaniel HawkinsLila HalabiClinton and Nancy HinmanHome Instead Senior CareBob and Janeen HughesIMA of Kansas, Inc.Ink Construction, LLCAli IssaChris JohnsonJanet JohnsonArnetta JonesDavid Kelso, Kelso Farm FundNancy KnappJoe and Sissy KouryDerry and Kay LarsonNancy LawrenceMark and Melanie LipseyLori MarceauJade MartinKeith MartinWayne and Marilyn MasonPhil and Maureen MayRoger McClellanLou and Mallory MedveneBetty MendozaStan MessnerRobert MillerMichael and Teri

MonteferranteNancy MooreDewey and Louise NealBernard and Alberta NicholsKelli NussKyle Orndorff

Jerome ParsonsWayne and Vera RauTerri RupeRon and Renee RyanRebecca and George

SaghbeneKyle and Christine SchafferSteven SchoenecherBarry and Cindy SchwanCarla Shepherd and

Randy VickersDerrick and Jodi SlatonRichard SmithDoug and Kathi Stark and

Grumpy Old MenKim Snook Triple E. PropertiesSpirit AerosystemsMichael Steinberg Dale and Rebecca StevenThe Sunderland FoundationBryan TaberThe Garage, LLCTrish ThelenTodd and Vicki TiahrtUnion State BankDave and Karen UnruhRay and Vicki VernonGreg VictorsWallace Charitable FoundationCheryl WellsPaul and RoyceWolffRic and Nancy WolfordDr. and Mrs. Stephen ZackerJ. D. Zluticky Paige Zolotor

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“Building For The Boomers...And Beyond” Donor List

Your supportis needed

Senior Services is lookingto our supporters and thecommunity at large to help usraise the funds needed.

To help, contact ChrisHeiman at 316-267-0302, ext.216. Please see page 7 for waysyou can support the campaign.

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Cargill presented a check for $100,000 to Senior Services of Wichita on October 11th, securing the naming rights for the formalevents center planned as part of the newbuilding construction. Brian Sikes, president ofCargill Protein, made the presentation.

“Senior Services does outstanding work toensure that Wichita area seniors have nutritional meals when they otherwise wouldnot,” Sikes said. “Assuring that people haveaccess to nutritious food is a focus for Cargill,and the new Senior Center kitchenette willmake that a reality for many seniors. Wedeeply care about the contribution seniorsmake to the community and are pleased to bepart of this terrific project.”

The 1,338-square-foot auditorium, whichwill be located north of the main entrance tothe Downtown Senior Center, will hold up to 75people and will be equipped with a small kitchenette. The kitchenette will allow for foodpreparation for parties, cooking demonstrations and other gatherings. Centermembers will be able to rent the room to hostreunions, receptions and other group events.

“We are grateful to Cargill for their generosity,” says Laurel Alkire, executive director. “The additional event space will enable us to offer more diversity in programming when the Downtown SeniorCenter renovation is completed, ensuring weare ready to serve the next generation of seniors.”

The 1,338squarefooteventspacewill belocatedclose tothe frontentranceof thenew seniorcenter.

Capital Campaign Moving Ahead

Recent donations have elevated the totalraised to date to over $3.3 million. An additional $2.7 million must be secured inorder to complete all three phases of the project.

To make your donation, contact ChrisHeiman at 316-267-0302, ext. 216, or email Chrish@seniorservicesofwichita.org. Gifts suchas stock transfers or estates are also accepted.All donations are tax deductible.

Currently construction is underway onPhase 1 of the three-stage project. Phase 1 includes the new Meals on Wheels kitchen, offices, the Senior Employment Program andinitial remodeling of existing Downtown SeniorCenter facilities.

Charley Stark Life Enrichment Center

Funds are currently being raised to namethe Downtown Senior Center the Charley StarkLife Enrichment Center. Lead gifts have beenprovided by the Stark family, Dawson Grimsleyand other Grumpy Old Men. An additional$800,000 needs to be raised to secure thenaming rights. Charley, a leading businessmanand philanthropist, founded ComfortCareHomes and Grumpy Old Men, in addition to hisnumerous other endeavors.

Cargill Gift Supports Capital Campaign

Brian Sikes, president of Cargill Protein, presentsLaurel Alkire, executive director, with a check.

With your support, a fruitful capital campaign will set Senior Services, Inc. of Wichita on a path of even greater success.

Our existing programs will be enhanced.Our community will be better served.Build for the Boomers and Beyond with us.

This campaign’s success will enable us to expand and grow our programs to better serveour community’s seniors.

Gifts That Will Impact Today

Cash and other outright giftsA direct gift of cash (or other appreciated

securities) will directly benefit the campaignand provide an immediate income-tax deduction to you. Consider your year-end required minimum tax deductions.

A pledgeYour gift may be given over 3 to 5 years’

time. For example, a generous pledge of$25,000 over five years could be paid at$5,000 per year.

Gifts That Will Impact Tomorrow

We will be happy to discuss how you cansupport the campaign and Senior Servicesthrough:•Personal Property•Estate Bequests•Life Insurance•IRA and Other Qualified Retirement Plans•Charitable Lead Trusts•Charitable Remainder Trust•Retained Life Estates

Please join Senior Services in this transformational campaign - for Senior Services and for the entire community of Wichita.

We look forward to visiting with you. If youhave any questions about the campaign, orwould like to discuss how you can give us support:•call 316-267-0302, ext. 216•visit www.seniorservicesofwichita.org

Building For The Future

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Leave A Legacy

A gift given in memory of a loved one isa lasting tribute to the special relationshipyou shared. Making a contribution to Senior Services is a fitting way of honoringthis person and, at the same time, making adifference in the lives of those we serve.Memorial gifts give thanks for the past andhelp establish a vision for the future.

Gifts to Senior Services are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

55 Forward is published quarterly bySenior Services, Inc. of Wichita, for ourfriends and supporters.

Editor: Debbi Elmore

Thanks to a generous donation from WestarEnergy, Roving Pantry has an additional van.

Lila Halabi, a member of the Senior Servicesboard, is the business center representative forWestar. She introduced Senior Services staffto Don Sherman, who is in charge of community relations at Westar. They wantedto do something to assist some of the programs operated by Senior Services, so theydonated one of their vans for the RovingPantry program. They also purchased softshell carriers for Meals on Wheels earlier thisyear.

“We are very grateful to Westar Energy fortheir support of Senior Services,” says LaurelAlkire, executive director. “This will give us asecond van for our heavy shopping and delivery days. Meals on Wheels certainly benefitted from the new meal carriers as well.”

Westar Donates Additional Van To Roving Pantry

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200 S. WalnutWichita, KS 67213-4777

Return Service Requested

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Organization

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Permit #542

Wichita, KS

Don Sherman and Lila Halabi from Westar Energypresent Laurel Alkire, executive director, and OpalSmith, Roving Pantry coordinator, with a van forthe mobile grocery shopping and delivery service.