VOA July August September 2024

JULY • AUGUST • SEPTEMBER publication 2024, issue 3

SOUTHCENTRAL/SOUTHEAST FOCAL POINT SENIOR CENTER

VOICE AGES OF THE

multi-service complex senior center 6700 miramar parkway miramar, fl 33023 phone: 954-889-2719

ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF MIRAMAR

sunset lakes senior center 2801 sw 186th avenue miramar, fl 33029 phone: 954-602-3347

VOICE OF THE AGES

Senior Centers

EMERGENCY HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EHEAP)

The Southcentral/Southeast Focal Point (SCSEFP), administered by the City of Miramar, operates two senior centers designed for those who are 60 years of age or older.

The Sunset Lakes location can be found in West Miramar, while the Multi-Service Complex is located in Historic Miramar. Both senior center locations offer a wide array of services such as counseling and support groups, information and referral services, health and wellness, recreational activities and hot lunch provided by Sterling Group Foods.

This program assists low-income households with people age 60 and older who are experiencing a home energy crisis.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Anyone 60 years of age or older is eligible for FREE membership at the center. Call and make an appointment to learn more about the benefits of membership.

Assistance Programs

3

Tree of Life + Advisory Council

4

Hurricane Prep + Upcoming Events

5

Recreation + Leisure + Trips

6

ACCREDITATION

Health & Wellness

7

Counseling + Social Work

8

Social Worker’s Corner

9

SCSEFP, administered by the City of Miramar, is well established as a professionally managed program providing relevant and vital resources for older adults.

Accreditation strengthens its position as a leader in promoting positive aging and serves as official recognition that a senior center is meeting its mission utilizing a nationally accepted and professional approach.

September Awarreness 10 Senior Snapshots

11

Sennior Spotlight

15

Important Phone Numbers

16

multi-service complex 954-889-2719 sunset lakes 954-602-3347

The program is partially funded through the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County (AAABC) with Federal, State and local funds. It serves residents 60 years of age and older of the Southcentral and Southeast Sectors of Broward County.

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ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

FOOD PANTRY The City of Miramar Food Pantry is a partnership with our community to ensure residents and their families receive food assistance to meet their immediate needs. When they visit the pantry, residents may receive a variety of shelf stable food items such as soup, rice, oatmeal, peanut butter, juice, and canned vegetables, upon availability.

MIRAMAR ASSISTING SENIORS in their HOMES (MASH) The Miramar Assisting Seniors in their Homes (MASH) is an emergency assistance program designed to alleviate a crisis. This program is for income eligible persons over the age of 60 who reside in the City of Miramar. Proof of income and crisis situation is required. Limited funds are available for this program.

SENIOR TRANSPORTATION The Miramar Senior Transportation Program is designed to provide transportation services for the members of our senior centers. The service is door-to-door and is wheelchair accessible. The program provides the following transportation services; daily transportation to and from both senior centers, medical appointments, pick-up for prescriptions or pharmaceutical needs, grocery shopping at local supermarkets, planned recreational trips, special events, libraries, malls, theaters, lunch outings and more.

Doctor appointments must be scheduled during program hours.

Transportation Information: 954-889-2719

SERVING HEALTH INSURANCE NEEDS OF ELDERS (SHINE) SHINE is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County. Trained volunteers assist with health insurance questions, Medicare and Medicaid, by providing confidential one-on-one counseling and information. For an appointment, please call 954-745-9779.

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TREE OF LIFE

MULTI-SERVICE COMPLEX + SUNSET LAKES

Hurricane preparedness + upcoming Events MIRAMAR SENIOR CENTER TREE OF LIFE Celebration of life comes in many forms. Be a part of the excitement and celebrate your memories supporting our “Tree of Life.” The Tree of Life provides an excellent way to create a lasting memory of moments like milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or to honor those you hold dear. The purchase of a leaf, dove, or a brick on the Tree of Life will allow you to permanently record a special memory of someone who has made an impact in your life or promote your business/organization as a partner in the provision of quality senior services.

HURRICANE SEASON IS IN EFFECT NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 30TH

Stay informed, and stay safe.

We recommend that you prepare your individual, family and pet disasters plans. Stock up on all essentials.

TWO WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED:

BENEFITS OF PURCHASING

dove: $250

gold leaf: $150

Inscription of choice, recognition on the City’s website, 3-month honorable mention in the Senior Center Newsletter “Voice of Ages.”

Inscription of choice and an exclusive location on the tree.

brick: $200

bronze leaf: $100

Inscription of choice, 3-month honorable mention in the Senior Center Newsletter “Voice of Ages.”

silver leaf: $125 Inscription of choice and a premiere location on the tree.

Inscription of choice and a premiere location on the tree.

SOUTHCENTRal/SOUTHEAST FOCAL POINT ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Southcentral/Southeast Focal Point Senior Center Advisory Council is comprised of active members. The council creates an atmosphere that encourages adults to use their skills, while developing their potential for continued involvement in their communities.

The Advisory Council promotes independent living for senior adults, so as to maintain their visibility and contributions within the community. The Advisory Council helps with the implementation of nutrition, recreational activities, entertainment, educational, informational programs, health and wellness programs that are designed to overcome the patterns of isolation and depression. Listed are the current council members.

Contact our team with questions or concern: fdem@miramarfd.org

Please review the Hurricane Preparedness on the City’s website at:

https://www.miramarfl.gov/286/Hurricane-Preparedness

thursday

thursday

jul 11 10 am-2 pm

friday

sep 6 12:00 pm

sep 9 10 am-2 pm

4th of July Celebration

Summer Jam Celebration

Grandparents Day Celebration

Senior Center Month

jul 3 12:00 pm Multi-Service Complex Sunset Lakes

President: Joan Dickenson Vice President: Edwina Davenport Secretary: Alvalia Ellis Treasure: Katie Davis Carlton Marston Collin Burke Eleanor Lawrence Elsa Sanchez Esther Rivera Joan Solomon Nina Lorigan Una Burrell Veronica Delph

Multi-Service Complex

Multi-Service Complex Sunset Lakes

thursday

Multi-Service Complex

Special Trips thursday

aug 15

ADVISORY Meeting Dates

Mondays: July 15, August 12, September 16 12:30PM - 2:00PM

Senior Program Ambassadors

New to the Center? Unsure of what to do and whom to speak to? Our program ambassadors can help.

Barbara Brathwaite (English) Elsa Sanchez (Spanish) Margaret James (Creole) PAGE 4

Elections for the new 2024-2025 Advisory Board will be in October. To become a council member call 954-889-2719 .

notices Independence Day | Thursday, July 4, 2024 Labor Day | Monday, September 2, 2024 For more information on upcoming trips and special trips, please call 954.889.2719.

thursday

aug 29

12:30 pm-2:30 pm

Multi-Service Complex PAGE 5

MULTI-SERVICE COMPLEX + SUNSET LAKES

MULTI-SERVICE COMPLEX + SUNSET LAKES

recreation + leisure morning mingle

Sterling Group Foods

Balanced lunches are served on weekdays at 12:00 PM to registered participants.

Jump start your morning with a meet & greet.

monday-friday 8:00 am - 10:00 am are you game?

Let’s Play bingo Play to WIN!

mondays, wednesdays & fridays 10:00 am craft therapy Enjoy the arts through therapy.

wednesdays (msc) 12:30 pm tuesdays (ssl) 1:30 pm

Helpdesk Services are FREE. June 17, July 15, August 19 10 am - 3 pm

HEALTH & WELLNESS Classes

sing-a-long (msc)

Senior Trivia monday-friday (ssl) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Singing in harmony with Mr. Charlie Hudson at the Multi-service Complex.

fridays 10:00 am

Mindfulness in motion o fridays 1:30 pm (msc)

Let’s get game ready for some friendly rivalry and competition.

Come join us for POKENO, cards, dominoes, and much more.

Aerobics

Sewing

class

table tennis No matter what you call it table tennis or ping pong, it’s a game that people love to play.

wednesdays (ssl) tuesday (msc) 12:30 pm 12:30 pm

o mondays 11:00 am (msc) o fridays 10:00 am (msc)

Oldies but Goodies mondays (ssl) 12:30 pm

They can help you with: • Connecting to WIFI • Creating an email account • Installing and using applications • Using ZOOM • other technical Issues.

august

o mondays 12:30 pm (ssl) o wednesdays 1:30 pm (msc)

Chair

o mondays 10:00 am (msc) o fridays 11:00 am (msc)

Strength training o tuesdays 11:00 am (msc) o wednesdays 11:00 am (ssl)

Blood pressure checks o fridays 1:00 pm

Multi-Service Complex thursdays 1:30 pm june: 6,10*,20,27 july: 1*, 8*,11,18,25 The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is a low impact physical activity program prevent to reduce pain and decreases stiffness. Routines in this program are gentle range-of -motion exercises that are suitable for every fitness level. This workshop is 1 hour each week for 8 weeks. Pre-registration is required.

Sunset Lakes mondays 11:00 am june: 3,10,17,24 july: 1,8,15,22 *Indicates class date change due to event

Our walking programs will resume in October, see you then!

september

2nd Bank Trip

1st

Bank Trip

3rd Bank Trip

9th

6th

Super Walmart

5th

18th Post Office/Big Lots (MSC) TJ Maxx/Dollar Tree (SSL)

Healthy & happy

Additional support is provided via telephone or Zoom, weekdays 10 am to 3 pm (closed Tuesday). Call: 954-484-7117 #4 or email techservices@thesofia.org

july

16th Festival Flea Market

om ondays 11:00 am (ssl) ot uesdays 11:00 am (ssl) (Except during WWE and AFEP)

o tuesdays 10:00 am (msc) o wednesdays 10:00 am (ssl)

TRIP SIGN-UP: Sign up for one or more of our trips Mondays weekly.*

Super Walmart

Fantastic Fitness

Standing

mondays tuesdays 12:00 pm 10:00 am

Yoga

o mondays 12:30 pm (msc) o fridays 1:30 pm (ssl)

Chair

game time

Muscle & Flow

Super Walmart

8th Post Office/Big Lots (MSC) Beall’s Outlet (SSL)

10th Bravo Supermarket

13th Calder Casino

17th Festival Flea Market

23rd Gulfstream Casino

20st Swap Shop

19th Lunch at Outback (MSC) Red Lobster (SSL)

25th Lunch at Piccadilly (MSC) La Caretta (SSL)

22nd Lunch at Patron Azteca (MSC) Cracker Barrel (SSL)

24th Sheridan Plaza(MSC) Dania Pointe (SSL)

30th Pembrokre Commons (MSC) Target (SSL)

27th Presidente Supermarket (MSC) 26th Post Office/Big Lots (MSC) Aldi’s (SSL) TJ Maxx/Dollar Tree (SSL) 29th Pembroke Lakes Mall

Water Aerobics

Application waivers are required for participation per Parks and Recreation Aquatic Division Historic Miramar Aquatic Complex 6920 SW 35th Street, Miramar FL 33027 Tuesdays 1:00 pm (msc) Starts June 25-July 30 Miramar Regional Park Aquatic Complex 16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar FL, 33027 Fridays 10:00 am (ssl) Starts June 14th

✪ Grocery Shopping on Wednesdays ✪ Trips are subject to change or cancellation ✪ PAGE 6

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MULTI-SERVICE COMPLEX + SUNSET LAKES

MULTI-SERVICE COMPLEX + SUNSET LAKES

COUNSELING + Social Work

Social Worker corner self-care tips for seniors

COUNSELING GROUPS S.E.E.K.

SENIOR ENRICHMENT/ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE It’s never too late to attain new skills and accumulate knowledge.

Come and be enriched with creative visualization, resources and of course, fun!

mondays 1:30 pm hot topics

brain antics

tuesdays (ssl) 12:30 pm tuesdays (msc) 1:30 pm

wednesdays 12:30 pm

young at heart

aerobics of the mind

Interested in whats new and trending? Join us for an interactive discussion on important domestic and international issues facing our nation.

Ready for a new challenge? This class is no funny business! Take charge of interactive exercises that build and improve memory.

Join us for a light- hearted discussion on life experiences and the importance of connection and engagement.

Take charge of your mental fitness!

Exercise your brain and improve your memory.

thursdays 11:00 am wednesdays 12:30 pm

fridays (ssl) 12:30 pm fridays (msc) 1:30 pm

SOCIAL worker presentations monday

jul 15 @ 1:30 pm monday

aug 19 @ 1:30 pm monday

sep 23 @ 1:30 pm PAGE 8

People experience stress at all ages, including during their senior years. Your stress might be an occasional difficult moment. Or perhaps you’re dealing with chronic stress, or stress that persists for weeks, months, or longer. Concerns about health, finances, and relationships can increase stress. Facing a change, such as the loss of a partner or a new living situation, can also be distressing. Stress manifests in many forms.

Stress can produce physical symptoms, emotional symptoms and even, behavioral symptoms. Selfcare for seniors can reduce the impact of tension and help you create a more relaxed and positive life.

Adapted from: Oakstreet St. Health June 21, 2023

The Relationship Between Culture and Mental Health

Have you ever wondered how different cultures manage their mental health?

Come join the discussion to learn how culture influences mental health.

Coping with Grief

Grieving is a natural response to a loss. The pain of loss can feel overwhelming, but there are healthy ways to cope with your grief and learn to heal. Join the discussion on the many ways to raise awareness of the different manifestations of grief.

Surviving Tough Times by Building Resilience

Want to learn to how to develop effective coping skills and overcome adversity? Come join the discussion to learn how to build your resilience.

SYMPTOMS OF STRESS Physical: • Tension headaches • Muscle aches • Jaw pain and more Behavioral: • Being forgetful • Overeating • Insomnia Mental: • Negative outlook on life

SELF-CARE ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS Quick (5 Minutes or Less): • Brush your hair • Smile!

• Massage your hands • Make funny faces to yourself Extra time (15 minutes or more): • Have a dance party • Talk to your plant • Soak your feet in hot water • Complete a puzzle

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SEPTEMBER IS...

National Senior Center Month Promote a positive image of aging

Celebrated every year in September.

It’s also the perfect time to

Highlight how your center improves the lives of local older adults Show your center’s importance in the community Create interest in proscpective new participants and collaborative partners

HAPPY Grandparents Day

RAISE

AWARENESS

FallPrevention MONTH

❤ To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children.

Prevent falls REDUCE THE RISK OF FALLS

Live without fear of falling

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE PAGE 10

❤ To honor grandparents.

❤ To help children become aware of strength, information and guidance older adults offer.

Volunteers

The International Day of Peace has always been a time to lay down weapons and observe ceasefires. But it now must also be a time for people to see each other’s humanity. Our survival as a global community depends on that.

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Mother’ ther’s

Happy

PAGE 12

Day

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MULTI-SERVICE COMPLEX + SUNSET LAKES

Father’s Day

Senior SPOTLIGHT CARLTON MARSTON is known as the gentle giant. Not only because he is the tallest senior at the Southcentral/Southeast Focal Point but because he is a true giant of a man. He has an infectious, outgoing personality, a warm and kind demeanor, and makes his fellow seniors happy to be at the center.

Carlton arrives early each day ready to put his best foot forward and start his volunteer work making sure that each senior gets a hot breakfast.

He continues his volunteer work by being an advisory board member and utilizing his business background to help guide the board.

When Carlton is not working to help the seniors, you can find him engaging in self-defense classes or in a rousing game of dominos with the gentlemen. We admire Carlton’s devotion here at the Southcentral/ Southeast Focal Point.

Spotlight. He has been a member, in service since 2015.

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OUR social SERVICES PROGRAMS  Adult Day Care Center

CITY OFFICIALS

 Miramarvels Early Childhood Academy

Mayor Wayne M. Messam

 Senior Services

Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis

 Youth and Family Outreach

The various programs were established by the City of Miramar in October 2002 to empower individuals, to improve and enhance their quality of life. We strive to offer reliable, professional, friendly and culturally sensitive programs to meet the needs of the entire community. For more information, visit us online: www.miramarfl.gov.

City Commissioners Winston F. Barnes Maxwell B. Chambers Yvette Colbourne

HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Cable Channels:

miramar fire department: 954-438-1222 miramar police department: 954-602-4000 miramar helpline: 954-602-help or 954-602-4357 first call for help: 211 or 954-537-0211 abuse hotline: 1-800-962-2873

area agency on aging broward county: 954-745-9779 consumer hotline: 1-800-435-7352 lawyer referral-statewide: 1-800-342-8011 medicare hotline: 1-800-633-4227

City Manager Dr. Roy Virgin

comcast channel 78 (east miramar) adelphia channel 16 (west miramar) Online:

www.miramarfl.gov

ACCOLADES

Excellence Award

presented by National Council on Aging

2017 & 2018 Healthy Weight Community Champion

presented by Florida Department of Health Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention

Florence R. Goldmann Award 2018 presented by the Florida Association of Senior Centers

Community Spirit Award presented by the Broward League of Cities

For volunteer opportunities call 954-889-2719