A major focus of the meeting was the ongoing issues with event registration, particularly for popular activities like Bingo and holiday events. The committee acknowledged the confusion caused by the current registration system, especially concerning the 14-day deadline for signing up. There was an incident mentioned where a community member expressed frustration over the registration process, prompting the chair to emphasize the importance of accurate information dissemination. The chair assured attendees that the committee is working on improving transparency and communication, stating, “We do not get paid… we are here during our personal time,” to counter any misconceptions about financial gain from event planning.

Suggestions included informing callers if they attempt to register too early, which could minimize unnecessary panic and ensure smooth operations. The committee also deliberated on attendance limits for events like Bingo, where the current cap of 100 participants has led to frustration among Miami Lakes seniors. There was a proposal to maintain this limit to prioritize local seniors and prevent the events from being overwhelmed by non-residents.

In addition to event registration, the meeting covered several exciting programs and initiatives for the senior community. Jennifer Shipley from the library presented on two federally subsidized programs, Connections and Talking Books, that provide older adults with access to an extensive collection of audiobooks and library materials. These programs are designed to combat cognitive decline and offer a personalized “concierge service” for book selections. The library also plans to host a series of art classes for seniors in May, coinciding with Older Americans Month, with efforts to reach those without internet access through phone applications and community events.

The committee addressed the successful but challenging Christmas party, which saw attendance from approximately 150 people, exceeding expectations and straining resources like food distribution. This highlighted the need for clearer communication about event registration and the importance of pre-registration while allowing walk-ins due to demand. The same issues were evident during other community events, with the committee recommending that each registrant be listed separately to streamline the ticket distribution process and reduce stress for receptionists handling the calls.

The meeting also explored additional community event ideas, including a planned trip to see “South Pacific” on April 16, and a movie event scheduled for late January or early February. The committee discussed collaborating with AARP for a potential field trip in March, focusing on non-violent, non-scary films for the seniors’ enjoyment. Furthermore, Barry University’s nursing students expressed interest in conducting informational sessions on nutrition and mental health, seeking to enhance the well-being of the senior community.

Elections for committee positions were conducted, with nominations for chair and secretary roles. The committee briefly discussed the health and wellness fair and a sponsorship package aimed at engaging local companies to support senior programs. Additionally, a pharmacy program was mentioned that could provide medications at reduced costs.