Elections set for Fallbrook Senior Service Club

FALLBROOK - Fallbrook Senior Citizens’ Center members will vote twice over the next two months. The two elections, which will be held in September and October, are intended to enact important bylaw changes and to fill three openings on the club’s governing board.

The proposed bylaw changes, which were unanimously endorsed by the board on Aug. 16, are aimed at providing greater transparency and oversight in operations and spending by the nonprofit service club.

The club’s nearly 600 members, who each pay $15 a year to belong, will receive a copy of the proposed new bylaws in their September 2011 edition of the Senior Chronicle. Voting will occur during the club’s next general membership meeting, which begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 13 at the center. Copies of the proposed bylaw changes are also available at the center, which is located at 399 Heald Lane in Fallbrook.

Some of the key bylaw changes include the expansion and strengthening of club committees as well as improving or clarifying election procedures and bylaw modifications. The proposed bylaw changes are part of a leadership restructuring that is resulting in a re-examination of club operations, administration, programs, communications and member recruitment efforts.

“The By-Laws Committee has been busy with revisions to give you, the stakeholders, a greater voice in the operation of the Senior Center,” Manuel Ortega, the club’s board president, wrote in a recent newsletter.

He also detailed steps by other committees and board members to streamline operations and boost fund-raising efforts.

“I am always encouraged when dedicated individuals undertake a task because the results usually exceed the expectations,” Ortega wrote.

Ballots for the board election will be mailed to each individual member in late September edition of the Senior Chronicle. Completed ballots must be received at the center by 4 p.m. on Oct. 10 which is Columbus Day, but the center will be open. Completed ballots can be mailed or dropped off at the center.

Club membership is open to residents of Fallbrook, Bonsall and Rainbow who are age 55 or above. The nonprofit club operates a popular center where activities, classes, games and food distribution programs are offered. A thrift shop at the center provides some of the club’s operating funds.

The club is also the designated agency that provides low-cost senior meals in the area. About 10,050 lunches are served each year on a five-day a week basis at Fallbrook community center. Another 14,720 lunches are delivered each year to homebound seniors.

More information about the center is available by calling (760) 728-4498.