Senior Citizens Advisory Board
Adult Activity Center
Agenda — 17 items
- 1 CALL TO ORDER
- 2 ROLL CALL
- 2 A MOTION TO CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER AT 4:06 PM WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER THOMAS WELLS AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER OLGA GIROLD. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
- 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
- 4 MANAGERS REPORT
- 4 Present: Gerardo Alvarez Thomas Wells Olga Girod Javier Figueras Jean Connelly Absent: Vice Chairperson Judith "Jude" Alexander - Excused Chairperson Julian Sevillano - Excused A MOTION TO APPOINT BOARD MEMBER JEAN CONNELLY AS TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON FOR THE FEBRUARY 5, 2026 MEETING WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER THOMAS WELLS AND SECONDED BY GERARDO ALVAREZ. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
- 5 a. General Updates Manager Walters provided an update regarding Adult Activity Center operations. Participation across fitness, wellness, and educational programming remains steady. Manager Walters further reported that the previously scheduled Farmers Market booth date of February 7 may be adjusted, with Saturday, March 21 currently anticipated as the revised outreach date. Staff explained that participation in the Farmers Market serves as an important community outreach initiative to promote Adult Activity Center programming and increase awareness among residents. Prior participation has resulted in increased engagement, program inquiries, and heightened community visibility. Manager Walters also reviewed the finalized 2026 Cinema Series schedule. The lineup includes: March 7 – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid May 2 – The Getaway June 6 – Hoosiers August 1 – The Color of Money September 5 – An American in Paris October 3 – Psycho November 7 – The French Connection December 5 – White Christmas Films are generally scheduled for the first Saturday of each month, subject to availability. b. Special Events Manager Walters provided updates on upcoming special events and educational programming, including: SE - Farmers Market – Every Saturday, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. (ongoing through March 28th) A Saturday at the Cinema, "Barefoot in the Park - Saturday, February 7th, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. AAC - An Afternoon with Cardiologist Dr. Pina - Monday, February 9th, from 3 - 5 p.m. AAC - Valentines Day Cupcake Decorating - Wednesday, February 11th, from 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. AAC - Valentines Day Candle Making - Friday, February 13th, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. AAC - Valentines Day Art of Fabric Painting - Saturday, February 14th, from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. VP - Romance Under the Stars Venice on the Water - Saturday, February 14th, from 6 - 10 p.m. AAC - Aging Like a Pro Nine Necessities for Healthy Aging - Thursday, February 19th, from 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. YC - Daddy Daughter Dance - Friday, February 20th, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. CC - Kids Club Parents Night Out - Friday, February 27th, from 6- 9 p.m. Manager Walters also announced that Valentine’s Day Candy Grams will be available for purchase at $1 each. Additionally, he informed the Board of the upcoming Variety Talent Show scheduled for April, the introduction of a beginner Spanish class, and a new walking group currently in the final stages of planning. c. Administrative Updates Administrative Operations Manager Rodriguez informed the Board of the upcoming Community Meeting to review the conceptual design of the proposed dog park located at 520 University Drive, scheduled for February 19 at 6:00 p.m. She also announced the David Lawrence Jr. and Family Park dedication ceremony, which will take place on March 14 at 10:00 a.m.
- 6 NEW BUSINESS
- 6 A MOTION TO APPROVE THE JANUARY MEETING MINUTES WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER THOMAS WELLS AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER JAVIER FIGUERAS. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
- 7 OLD BUSINESS
- 8 DISCUSSION ITEMS
- 9 a. Discussion regarding the 18th Annual Dr. William M. Schiff Art Show 2026 The Board discussed the 18th Annual Dr. William M. Schiff Art Show 2026. Staff provided preliminary planning updates including anticipated timelines for artist registration, promotional efforts, exhibit logistics, and coordination with instructors and participants. Board Members discussed strategies to increase artist participation and maximize attendance, including expanded outreach to current members and broader promotion within the community. The importance of maintaining the Art Show as a signature cultural event for the senior community was emphasized. Following discussion, the Board expressed interest in taking a more active role in supporting the planning and promotion of the Art Show. A MOTION TO ESTABLISH AN ADJUNCT COMMITTEE REPORTING TO THE CORAL GABLES SENIOR CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUPPORTING THE PLANNING EFFORTS RELATED TO THE 18TH ANNUAL DR. WILLIAM M. SCHIFF ART SHOW 2026 WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER THOMAS WELLS AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER OLGA GIROD. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. It was clarified that the Adjunct Committee will serve in an advisory capacity and coordinate with Adult Activity Manager Walters to assist with outreach efforts and community engagement related specifically to the Art Show. b. Programming and Participant Feedback Board Member Thomas Wells introduced discussion regarding programming evaluation, noting that a number of seniors remain employed full-time or part-time and may be unable to participate in programming offered exclusively during weekday daytime hours. He emphasized the importance of assessing whether scheduling adjustments, including evening or weekend offerings, may better serve non-retired seniors. Board Members discussed the value of gathering structured feedback to evaluate scheduling preferences, participation barriers, and overall satisfaction with current programs and special events. Staff confirmed the department’s ability to develop and distribute a survey to participants. A MOTION DIRECTING THE COMMUNITY RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP AND DISTRIBUTE A SURVEY TO GAUGE THE INTEREST FOR EXTENDED PROGRAMMING HOURS TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE FUTURE OFFERINGS FOR THE ADULT ACTIVITY CENTER MEMBERS WHO ARE NOT RETIRED WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER THOMAS WELLS AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER OLGA GIROD. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
- 10 ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY
- 11 Next meeting date Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 4 p.m.
- 12 ADJOURNMENT
- 13 NOTE
- 16 A MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER THOMAS WELLS TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AND WAS SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER GERARDO ALVAREZ. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 4:50 P.M.