Voices of Ages Newsletter 2023 issue 3

VOICE OF THE AGES

Senior Centers

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.

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.

multi-service complex 954-889-2719

sunset lakes 954-602-3347

ACCREDITATION

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.

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.

EMERGENCY HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EHEAP)

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

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 households with 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.

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.

BENEFITS OF PURCHASING

dove: $250

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

brick: $200

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

SOUTHCENTRal/SOUTHEAST FOCAL POINT ADVISORY COUNCIL

gold leaf: $150

Inscription of choice and an exclusive location on the tree.

silver leaf: $125

Inscription of choice and a premiere location on the tree.

bronze leaf: $100

Inscription of choice and a premiere location on the tree.

Collin Burke

Elsa Sanchez

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.

Esther Rivera

Lucia Gomez

Carmen Williams

Edwina Davenport

Genevieve Albert

President: Rose Lester

Vice President: Barbara Brathwaite

Secretary: Alvalia Ellis

Treasurer: Joan Solomon

**Elections for the new 2023 – 2024 Advisory Board will be in August. To become a council member contact 954-889-2719 for more information.

recreation + leisure

morning mingle

Jump start your morning with a meet & greet.

monday-friday 8:00 am - 10:00 am

are you game?

Let’s Playbingo

Play to WIN!

mondays & fridays 10:00 am

wednesdays 12:00 pm

craft therapy

Enjoy the arts through therapy.

wednesdays (msc) 10:30 am

tuesdays (ssl) 1:30 pm

senior trivia

monday-friday (ssl)

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

game time

Healthy Lunches

Balanced lunches are served on weekdays at 11:30 am (MSC), 12:00 pm (SSL) to registered participants.

sing-a-long (MSC)

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

fridays 10:00 am

Let’s get game ready for some friendly rivalry and competition. Come join us for POKENO, cards, dominoes, and much more.

mondays 12:00 pm

tuesdays 10:00 am

Sewing class

wednesdays (ssl) 12:30 pm

TRIPS

table tennis

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

tuesday (msc) 12:30 pm

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

Oldies but

Goodies

mondays (ssl) 12:30 pm

3rd Bank Trip

4th Closed /Holiday

6th Walmart

10th Advisory Council Meeting

11th Sedano’s Supermarket

13th Summer Jam Celebration

18th 5 Below/Publix

20th Swap Shop

25th Target (ssl)

Post Office/Big Lots (msc)

27th Lunch at Atlakat Restaurant

1st Super Walmart

3rd Bank Trip

7th Advisory Council Meeting

8th Tower Plaza (ssl)

Sheridan Plaza (msc)

10th Gulfstream Casino

15th Aldi (SSL)/Broward Market (msc)

17th Festival Flea Market

21st Ross/5 Below (ssl)

Pembroke Commons (msc)

24th Lunch at Longhorn

29th Target (ssl)

Post Office/Big Lots (msc)

31st Pembroke Lakes Mall

✪ Grocery Shopping on Wednesdays ✪

5th Bank Trip

7th Walmart

11th Advisory Council Meeting

12th Calder Casino

14th Senior Center Celebration

19th Ross/5 Below (ssl)

Pembroke Commons (msc)

21st Festival Flea Market

26th Pembroke Gardens

29th Lunch at La Carretta

*Trips are subject to change

MULTI-SERVICE COMPLEX + SUNSET LAKES

MULTI-SERVICE COMPLEX + SUNSET LAKES HEALTH & WELLNESS Classes

SOCA-FUSED

o mondays (msc) 12:30 pm

o fridays (ssl) 11:00 am

(Except from June 2 to July 21)

Fantastic Fitness

o mondays, tuesdays, wednesdays (ssl) 11:00 am

Aerobics Standing

o mondays (msc) 10:30 am

o fridays (msc) 9:30 am

Chair

o tuesdays (msc) 9:30 am

o wednesdays (msc) 12:30 pm

Blood pressure checks

o fridays 1:00 pm

mentally fit

Yoga Mat/Standing

o mondays (msc) 9:30 am

Chair

o wednesdays (msc) 1:30 pm

strength training

o tuesdays & fridays (msc) 10:30 am

Calling all men to become physically and mentally fit, to overcome physical health challenges in a positive manner. This will be a 12-week workshop.

Sponsored by

Water Aerobics

mondays 1:30 pm (msc) June 5th - August 28th

Application waivers are required for participation per Parks and Recreation Aquatic Division

Historic Miramar Aquatic Complex

Tuesdays 1:00 pm (msc)

Miramar Regional Park Aquatic Complex

Mondays 11:00 am (ssl)

Ends July 17th

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

have a one-on-one with your healthcare provider.

Multi-Service Complex - wednesday

july 12, august 9, september 6 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Sunset Lakes - tuesday

july 18, august 15, september 26 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Multi-Service Complex

thursday

july 19, august 23, september 20 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Multi-Service Complex monday

july 10, august 7, september 11 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

COUNSELING + Social Work

COUNSELING GROUPS

young at heart

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

thursdays 10:30 am

hot topics

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

tuesdays (ssl) 12:30 pm

tuesdays (msc) 1:30 pm

aerobics of the mind

Take charge of your mental fitness! Exercise your brain and improve your memory.

fridays (ssl) 12:30 pm

fridays (msc) 1:30 pm

brain antics

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

wednesdays 12:30 pm

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

SOCIAL worker presentations

monday jul 17 @ 1:30 pm

How To Maintain Independence as You Age

Are you concerned about losing your independence as you age? Join the discussion and find out ways to maintain your independent lifestyle.

monday aug 21 @ 1:30 pm

There’s An Art To Happy Memories — You Can Make More By Experiencing More “Firsts”

Want to learn how to create more lasting memories with your loved ones? Join the discussion to learn how to make more happy memories.

monday sep 18 @ 1:30 pm

Strategies To Find your Balance and Inner Peace

Want to learn how to feel content with your life? Join the discussion to learn how to find balance and inner peace.

Social Worker corner

why self-confidence is more important than you think

By: Barbara Markway | September 20, 2018

Self-confidence is linked to almost every element involved in a happy and fulfilling life.

If you’ve suffered from low self-confidence, you’re probably familiar with rumination, or the tendency to mull over worries and perceived mistakes, replaying them ad nausea. Excessive rumination is linked to both anxiety and depression, and it can make us withdraw from the world. But by filling up your tank with confidence, you’ll be able to break the cycle of over-thinking and quiet your inner critic.

Building confidence means taking small steps that leave a lasting sense of accomplishment. If you think back to a key accomplishment in your life, you’ll likely find that it took a lot of perseverance. Confidence gives you the skills and coping methods to handle setbacks and failure. Self-confidence doesn’t mean you won’t sometimes fail. But you’ll know you can handle challenges and not be crippled by them.

As you keep pushing yourself to try new things, you’ll start to truly understand how failure and mistakes lead to growth. Paradoxically, by being more willing to fail, you’ll actually succeed more — because you’re not waiting for everything to be 100 percent perfect before you act.

It might seem counterintuitive, but when you have more self-confidence, you’re less focused on yourself. You’ll enjoy your interactions more because you won’t be so worried about the kind of impression you’re making, and you won’t be comparing yourself to others. Your relaxed state will put others at ease as well, helping you forge deeper connections.

Finally, confidence roots you in who you really are. You’ll be able to accept your weaknesses, knowing they don’t change your self-worth. Your actions will be in line with your principles, giving you a greater sense of purpose. In other words, you’ll be able to let your best self-shine through. Adaptedfrom:PsychologyTodayApril28,2023

Counseling Insights

Did you know that self-esteem and confidence are different? Self-esteem is our opinion about ourselves — how much we like ourselves while confidence is how sure we are of this judgment. Self-esteem is an internal feeling; confidence is its outer manifestation. They are really the two sides of the same coin.

Self-esteem is shaped by our self-perceptions, which, in turn, contain 3 main ingredients— what we think about ourselves, what others think of us, and what we think others think of us. Confidence (or lack of it) is usually quite fluid and can change daily, even hourly.

What things are you doing to strengthen your self-confidence?

Actions to Boost Your Self-Confidence:

• Groom yourself

• Dress nicely

• Think positive

• Act positive

• Get to know yourself

• Be kind and generous

• Know your principles and live them

• Stand tall

• Set a small goal and achieve it

• Change a small habit

• Focus on solutions

• Smile

• Practice gratitude

• Volunteer

• Exercise

• Empower yourself with knowledge

senior Accomplishments senior Snapshots

Congratulations to our participants of the Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Program.

St. Patrick’s Day

senior Snapshots

senior Snapshots

senior Snapshots

Senior SPOTLIGHT

Collin Burke continually goes above and beyond to serve the Miramar community.

His dedication to volunteer work keeps him active and in touch with all his fellow seniors at the Southcentral/Southeast Focal Point. Everyday Collin greets them with a smile while he helps them get breakfast and prepare for a busy day of activities, local trips, and lots of laughter.

Collin also volunteers at Miramar’s Police Headquarters assisting officers with various tasks to keep Miramar residents safe. Learning about the varied city functions and all the hard work put in that benefits Miramar residents.

On May 9th 2023, Collin Burke was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for successfully completing the Citizen’s Police Academy from the Miramar Police Department.

Collin is an active member of the Senior Advisory Council where he ensures that Miramar seniors get the best and that their voices help guide programming. When not volunteering, Collin can be found at one of the city-wide events celebrating holidays, different cultures, and honoring the many accomplished Miramar residents. We are happy to honor Collin Burke with our Senior Spotlight. He has been a member, in service since 2015.

Collin Burke

OUR social SERVICES PROGRAMS

 Adult Day Care Center

 Miramarvels Early Childhood Academy

 Senior Services

 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 OFFICIALS

Mayor Wayne M. Messam

Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis

City Commissioners

Winston F. Barnes

Maxwell B. Chambers

Yvette Colbourne

City Manager Dr. Roy Virgin

HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS

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

Cable Channels: comcast channel 78 (east miramar)

adelphia channel 16 (west miramar)

Online: www.miramarfl.gov

ACCOLADES

For volunteer opportunities call 954-889-2719

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

Excellence Award presented by National Council on Aging

Community Spirit Award presented by the Broward League of Cities