Senior Citizens Advisory Board

Adult Activity Center

Agenda — 17 items

1. 1 CALL TO ORDER
2. 2 ROLL CALL
3. 2 Meeting called to order at 4:05 p.m.
4. 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
5. 4 MANAGERS REPORT
6. 4 Present: Judith "Jude" Alexander Gerardo Alvarez Olga Girod Julian Sevillano Jean Connelly Thomas Wells - attended via zoom Absent: Javier Figueras
7. 5 a. General Updates Adult Activity Center Manager Gavarrete provided a comprehensive update on current programs and upcoming activities. She reported that the Day Trippers outing to the Coral Gables Museum scheduled for November 14 had reached full capacity. She noted that the Sawgrass Mills trip scheduled for November 21 was cancelled due to low enrollment; all participants were contacted and refunds were issued. She reviewed preparations for the AAC Art Show scheduled for November 14 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Palace. Board Members were reminded that they would be judging the artwork immediately following the meeting. Manager Gavarrete expressed appreciation to volunteers Olga, Jude, Maria, and several AAC participants for their contributions. She informed the Board that the Holiday Luncheon scheduled for December 12 had sold out. Board Members wishing to attend were invited to request their tickets after the meeting. She also described a series of Holiday Gift Crafting Workshops beginning on December 5, occurring on select Fridays and Saturdays, featuring activities such as clay ornament making, candle making, decorative salt-and-pepper shaker ornaments, holiday cupcakes, and non-alcoholic coquito. Flyers would be released following final administrative approval. She announced that Spring registration would begin on Monday, November 17. Additional upcoming programs included a Medicare 101 lecture on November 17 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and a December movie presentation of The Time Machine. Manager Gavarrete concluded by welcoming new AAC staff member Gabriel Caldera, previously from the Venetian Pool, noting that he had already proven to be a positive addition to the team through his strong interpersonal skills and participant engagement. b. Special Events Adult Activity Center 17th Annual Dr. William M. Schiff Art Show - Friday, November 14 at 6 p.m.,Coral Gables Christmas Tree Lighting - Friday, December 5 at 5 p.m., A Saturday at the Cinema showing: " The Time Machine" - Saturday, December 6 at 11 a.m., Centennial Grand Finale - Sunday, December 7 at 6 p.m., Adult Activity Center Annual Holiday Luncheon - Friday, December 12 at 1 p.m., Coral Gables Hot Chocolate with Santa -Saturday, December 13 & 20 at 9 a.m., Festival of Lights - Sunday, December 14 at 1:30p.m., Menorah Lighting - Tuesday, December 16 at 5:30 p.m., Movies Under the Gables Moonlight - Friday, December 19 at 6 p.m. and Junior Orange Bowl Parade - Sunday, December 14 at 5 p.m. c. Administrative Updates Director Couceyro provided a detailed overview of upcoming City events and ongoing capital improvement projects. He reviewed the holiday schedule, including the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 5, Movies Under the Gables Moonlight on December 6, and the Centennial Grand Finale on December 7 at the Venetian Pool. The Centennial event is a ticketed, 21-and-over celebration featuring an open bar. He also highlighted additional seasonal events including the AAC Holiday Luncheon on December 12, Hot Chocolate with Santa on December 13 and 20, the Festival of Lights celebration on December 14, the Menorah Lighting at City Hall on December 16, Movies Under the Gables Moonlight on December 19 at Salvador Park, and the Junior Orange Bowl Parade on December 14. The annual Caroling Competition begins December 3 on Andalusia Avenue. He reported that renovations to the Venetian Pool are nearing completion. Water circulation testing and pump calibrations were underway, and repairs to the entrance walkway had also been completed. The pool is expected to reopen around the date of the December 7 Centennial event. Director Couceyro shared that the newly named Veterans Memorial Park, honoring Staff Sergeant Carl Philippe Enis, held its dedication ceremony on Veterans Day. The City plans to continue honoring veterans by creating a new special event annually on Veterans Day. He also reported that construction at Phillips Park began on November 3, marking the start of Phase One, which includes improvements to the fields, playground, walkways, restrooms, and pergola. Phase Two will include pickleball courts, an outdoor fitness area, and a new activity building, pending available funding. Rotary Centennial Park is preparing for construction as permits have been finalized and materials are being ordered. He updated the Board on the City’s initiative to install additional flagpoles in select parks. Considerations include electrical capacity, lighting requirements, and ongoing maintenance. A solar-lighted flagpole is being tested at one location. Director Couceyro concluded with an overview of several upcoming program-related RFPs, including the Youth Center gymnastics program, golf programming at Granada, and a new RFP transitioning the City’s soccer program to a contracted model.
8. 6 NEW BUSINESS
9. 6 A MOTION TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER MEETING MINUTES WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER GERARDO ALVAREZ AND WAS SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER JEAN CONNELLY. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. 7 OLD BUSINESS
11. 8 DISCUSSION ITEMS
12. 9 ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY
13. 10 Next meeting date Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 4 p.m.
14. 11 ADJOURNMENT
15. 12 NOTE
16. 12 a. Consideration to introduce Beginner Spanish Classes at the Adult Activity Center. Vice Chairperson Alexander requested the introduction of a Beginner Spanish class, stating that at least ten participants have expressed interest. The Board discussed the importance of identifying a qualified instructor with appropriate teaching or language education experience, especially for beginner-level instruction. Staff agreed to reconnect with individuals previously approached about teaching the course to confirm their interest and comfort level. Staff will also explore alternative instructor options. Considerations regarding course materials, potential textbook fees, and minimum enrollment numbers were discussed. An update will be provided at the next meeting. b. Guest presentation. The guest speaker introduced himself as a retired physician with more than 40 years of experience and a long history of community involvement. He outlined his interest in helping developing an artificial intelligence training initiative for older adults, referencing current research provided by Chairperson Sevillano. He offered to volunteer his time to support such a program. Board Members expressed appreciation for his willingness to contribute. Board Member Wells who attended via Zoom, requested that all written materials intended for discussion be circulated in advance through Administrative Operations Manager Rodriguez in compliance with Sunshine Law requirements. Director Couceyro concurred with Board Member Wells’ recommendation, stating that this procedure would ensure full compliance with Sunshine Law requirements and that staff could appropriately disseminate the presentation or written materials to all Board Members in advance of the meeting.
17. 16 A MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER JEAN CONNELLY TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AND WAS SECONDED BY GERARDO ALVAREZ. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 4:53 P.M.