A significant portion of the meeting centered on a proposed collaboration with students from Florida International University (FIU) to improve technology literacy among seniors. This initiative targets aiding seniors in understanding and using health-related technologies, such as telehealth portals and online health records. The committee acknowledged that many seniors anticipate lessons in social media platforms like Facebook, but the emphasis here is on more relevant health technologies. The proposed format includes instructional sessions followed by hands-on engagement.

Discussions highlighted the importance of precise planning for these sessions, as broad plans could encounter obstacles requiring town hall approval. Suggestions included scheduling events at town hall to facilitate the use of technology and manage group sizes effectively. The committee recognized the need for a comprehensive approach, catering to users of different operating systems like iPhones and Androids, to address varying technological challenges faced by seniors. Detailed session plans with at least a month’s notice were deemed essential for effective learning outcomes.

Parallel discussions covered the logistics of managing increasing participation at community events. The committee addressed the challenges faced during a recent health fair, which was perceived as more family-oriented than senior-focused. The lack of food and drink availability was a concern, prompting suggestions for better vendor communication and scheduling to improve future events.

The need to manage attendance effectively was underscored, particularly for popular events like bingo. The committee discussed introducing a nominal fee for attendance to help manage crowd sizes and alleviate the workload on organizers. Current venues are nearing capacity, and meal order challenges have emerged due to higher-than-expected attendance. A system to check in participants and enforce meal distribution guidelines was suggested to maintain order and satisfaction.

The committee also considered stricter rules for event registration and attendance, proposing a ticketing system to prioritize registered participants. If a registered individual fails to arrive on time, their spot could be reassigned to someone on a waiting list. This measure aims to prevent situations where registered attendees are turned away.

The conversation on event management extended to dealing with disruptive behavior. Instances of confrontations during check-in were shared, with a call for more decisive action against inappropriate conduct, including potential blacklisting. The committee emphasized maintaining a respectful environment and acknowledged previous shortcomings in addressing such behaviors.

Budget discussions for an upcoming senior social event were detailed, considering costs for hiring a DJ and providing food. The committee agreed to limit registration to 100 people but prepare meals for 140 to account for higher attendance. This careful planning aims to balance accommodating attendees while managing resources efficiently.