A series of initiatives intended to strengthen partnerships and finances and to expand programs have been prepared by Douglas County Senior Services.

“It’s laying the groundwork for the next 10 to 20 years,” services director John Glassman said.

Senior services needs a foundation to help raise money, said Glassman, who became director in June.

“We’ve never had one, and it’s an important thing for us to do,” he said.

Discussions are just getting under way about how a foundation should operate, Glassman said.

Improving education programs for seniors is planned, including partnerships with Kansas University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department and others.

“We want to keep people active and involved as much as possible,” Glassman said.

Talks also are under way with KU’s School of Pharmacy about having fifth-year students work with seniors about the kinds of medicines seniors are taking and safety-related matters, he said.

Last year, Senior Services put on its first “Jazz It Up” fundraising event. It will continue annually on May 1, which is the start of Older Americans Month. Each year Senior Services will honor a senior citizen who continues to contribute to the community and who exemplifies what growing older means, Glassman said.

Last year Jim and Virginia Seaver were honored, he said. Jim Seaver was a longtime KU history professor. This year’s honoree will be Dr. Paul Getto, longtime Lawrence dentist.

The event will be at Maceli’s, 1031 N.H. Last year’s event drew 250 people, Glassman said.

Another event that took place last year also will return. A formal English-style tea for women was “hugely successful,” Glassman said. This year, a tea will be in the spring and fall and will feature a fashion show.