Senior Citizens Advisory Board

Adult Activity Center

Agenda — 19 items

1. 1 CALL TO ORDER
2. 2 Began at 4:00pm
3. 3 ROLL CALL
4. 4 Present 7: Chair Celia Suarez, Board Member Julian Sevillano, Board Member James “Jim” Berlin, Board Member Judith “Jude” Alexander, Board Member Jean Connelly, Board Member Javier Figueras and Vice-Chair Kelley Schild
5. 5 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
6. 6 A MOTION TO APPROVE LAST MEETINGS MINUTES WAS MADE BY JULIAN SEVILLANO AND WAS SECONDED BY JAMES “JIM” BERLIN. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. 7 SUPERVISORS REPORT
8. 8 a. General Updates: AAC Supervisor Gregory Walters began by sharing a message thanking the AAC gals and all the staff for their help with the Centennial Birthday Luncheon from AAC Manager Norma Gavarrete who is currently traveling in Italy. AAC Supervisor Gregory Walters then continued to discuss further details about the Centennial Birthday Luncheon including the limited use of the dance floor. Board member Judith “Jude” Alexander mentioned that two big factors for that may have reduced the use of the dance floor was the carpeting and lack of alcohol for the guests. AAC Supervisor Gregory Walters stated that in planning for the Summer Kickoff Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon they would ask if there could be alcohol served, and an actual dance floor placed for use by guests. Board Vice Chairperson Kelley Schild then inquired about hosting a similar event in the future and expanding the group of special guests to those over ninety. AAC Supervisor Gregory Walters responded that this is something that could be explored. AAC Supervisor Gregory Walters continued to discuss some upcoming events including the Summer Kickoff Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on June 6th at The Palace that would have a summer beach theme rather than the Cinco de Mayo theme that was used in the last couple years. Gregory then mentioned the upcoming A Saturday at the Cinema featuring “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” on June 28th and Senior Week events that will be from Monday August 18th-Friday August 22nd for which the AAC supervisors have already begun planning. AAC Supervisor Gregory Walters then mentioned the Norton Art Museum field trip stating that the trip was very successful and thanking Venetian Pool Supervisor Ana Hannah for assisting with driving the second shuttle on the trip. Gregory then mentioned the April 26th showing of A Saturday at the Cinema featuring “The Wizard of Oz”, stating that GSS Danays Silva conducted check-in and there were approximately fifty residents who attended the showing. AAC Supervisor Gregory Walters then mentioned some new classes that are currently being developed including an Italian Conversations class, which has been highly requested by members, two art classes to be led by GSR Amy Alonso that would focus on air dry ceramics and tie dye and further technology courses following the success of the iPhone workshops led by GSS Danays Silva. AAC Supervisor Gregory Walters then mentioned the ongoing issues with the restrooms, stating that the restrooms on the East side of the facility are fully functional, however the unisex restrooms on the West side will require further work. Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro then mentioned that there are discussions regarding who is responsible for the cost of the repairs and the impact the repairs will have on facility operations. b. Administrative Updates: Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro began by discussing some upcoming events including the Literacy Fest on Saturday May 17th and the Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday May 26th. Director Couceyro then mentioned that there will be a community meeting around the end of May to present the proposed Granada golf course shelter designs to the community for input. Director Couceyro then mentioned the elections and the upcoming changes in the board with members reaching their term limit and with Commissioner Lara being able to appoint his own representative to the board. Board member Javier Figueras inquired if there were any additional actions needed so he could be considered by Commissioner Lara to remain a member of the Senior Advisory Board. Following discussion, it was determined that AAC supervisor Gregory Walters would reach out to the City Clerks office and communicate if there were any further actions needed. Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro then discussed upcoming park openings that should be coming up quickly including Dorothy Thompson Park where the opening has been delayed slightly, and Blue Road Park. Director Couceyro then provided a project update on the Venetian Pool, stating that while much of the project has been moving along quickly, there are now a couple of different side projects that must be addressed and there is no timeline for these projects currently. Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro then provided an update on the Granada golf course stating that things did not work out with the newly hired Golf Superintendent, so he was let go and the city has now hired an outside consultant to help address some of the concerns. Director Couceyro then mentioned that both Le Parc Café and Birdies Bistro appear to be doing well despite their close association stating that both appear to have their own audiences. Board member James “Jim” Berlin then inquired about the “Greetings from Paradise” play at the theater, Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro mentioned that the kickoff party was very successful mentioning that there are a limited number of showings. Director Couceyro then mentioned the Centennial Flag Raising that took place the same morning that was a very nice event. Board member James “Jim” Berlin then inquired if there were any future trips planned for the Daytrippers group, board member Judith “Jude” Alexander mentioned that the group is planning a trip to the Lowe Art Museum using public transportation. Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro then mentioned that the one issue that the center is facing is the limited number of seats available in the shuttles stating that they are looking for an affordable solution. Board member Judith “Jude” Alexander then suggested providing information on future flyers informing members that they can attend in their own vehicles should tickets sell out. AAC Supervisor Gregory Walters stated that they will look to add this language into flyers for future events.
9. 9 NEW BUSINESS
10. 10 Board member Julian Sevillano shared a thank you to board chairperson Celia Suarez and board member James “Jim” Berlin for their service on the Senior Advisory Board as they term out. The board then reminisced over past accomplishments including the smoking ban in Coral Gables parks. Board chairperson Celia Suarez then mentioned that future goals should focus on expanding the center due to the growth of membership and the increase in popularity of AAC events noting that non-residents never even had a window to purchase tickets for the Centennial Birthday Luncheon. Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro noted the difficulties associated with securing a second center, he then noted that with plans to redesign the Youth Center there could be consideration for use of some of the new space for overflow of AAC programs.
11. 11 OLD BUSINESS
12. 12 Board member James “Jim” Berlin then inquired about the plaques for the AAC, Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro reassured the board that the plaques are in process currently, however there are multiple plaques that are ahead on the queue and will be completed first.
13. 13 DISCUSSION ITEMS
14. 14 A MOTION TO CONCLUDE THE MEETING WAS MADE BY JAMES “JIM” BERLIN AND WAS SECONDED BY JULIAN SEVILLANO. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. 15 ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY
16. 16 Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 5 at 4 p.m
17. 17 ADJOURNMENT
18. 18 Meeting adjourned at 4:53pm
19. 19 NOTE