17:55A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to planning field trips for seniors, with the committee confirming a visit to the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center to see “South Pacific” on April 16th. Additional trips were scheduled for May 21st to see “The Girl on the Train” and July 23rd for “Step by Step.” These outings are sponsored by Senator Rene Garcia, who will cover transportation costs, while attendees are responsible for their own tickets. The committee decided to skip additional trips in April to focus resources on the planned outings. To ensure community engagement, they will contact the senator’s office to confirm that 40 to 50 participants can be accommodated, without restricting registration to Miami Lakes residents. The committee also discussed the importance of providing confirmations to the senator with attendee numbers at least 30 days in advance.

The committee navigated the complexities of organizing a healthcare fair scheduled for March 29th. Discussions included the selection of sponsors, such as RTO, a funeral home, which caused some discomfort due to its incongruence with a health and wellness theme. Despite initial hesitation, RTO was approved as a sponsor. The committee also deliberated on acquiring raffle prizes for the fair, shifting focus from traditional items to gift cards from local businesses to support community engagement. A motion was passed to allocate $600 for gift cards, balancing essential grocery store cards with those from local restaurants and spas.

35:45In the realm of event logistics, the committee faced challenges with movie scheduling due to unresponsiveness from theater management. They considered organizing independent movie screenings, though some members felt this would not replicate the theater experience. Additionally, a spring social event was proposed, with themes being explored to encourage community participation. The committee also planned a visit to the Senior Planet Center on March 26, emphasizing interactive technology resources for seniors. They approved a budget for lunches to ensure attendees had adequate meals during the outing.

54:54The meeting also addressed logistical concerns for an upcoming bingo event, emphasizing the importance of clear prize structures and adherence to the event timeline. The committee highlighted past issues with food service delays and the need to vacate the venue by a specified time to accommodate other programs. Additionally, there was a need for a volunteer to assume the secretary role following a departure, which impacted meeting operations.

1:29:49During discussions on the Women of Distinction Awards, the committee deliberated on nominees across categories such as arts, business, and government. Challenges arose with multiple nominations for individuals in various categories, leading to consideration of simplifying the voting process using entry numbers instead of names. The committee acknowledged the need for improved organization and preparation for next year’s nominations, noting an increase in submissions compared to previous years.

2:05:19A contentious topic emerged around the scheduling of an event involving a performance by Dr. Johnson at a church venue. After much debate, the committee agreed on a 7:30 PM start time, despite concerns about the lack of written confirmation from involved parties.

The committee also deliberated on the proposal to revive the Main Street Live event, focusing on logistics and funding. They discussed collaborating with the Economic Development Committee, with concerns raised about the financial commitments required to host the event series. The committee emphasized the need for sponsorships and “seed money” to ensure the events’ success, while also considering the potential need for additional funds during budget discussions.

2:42:04The meeting concluded with discussions on grant proposals for future events, including a potential art festival aimed at promoting tourism and supporting local vendors. The committee voted to proceed with a grant proposal, emphasizing the importance of securing funding and aligning with deadlines.