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.

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.

Collin Burke

Elsa Sanchez

Esther Rivera

Lucia Gomez

Carmen Williams

Edwina Davenport

Genevieve Albert

President: Rose Lester

Vice President: Barbara Brathwaite

Secretary: Alvalia Ellis

Treasurer: Joan Solomon

Advisory Meeting Dates

Mondays: October 9th, November 13th, December 11th • 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

per person (including tax) holiday lights tour @ tradewinds park

per person

For more information on upcoming trips and special trips contact 954-889-2719

recreation + leisure

Healthy Lunches

Jump start your morning with a meet & greet.

monday-friday

8:00 am - 10:00 am

morning mingle are you game?

Let’s Playbingo

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

senior trivia

monday-friday (ssl)

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

game time

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

Sewing class

tuesdays

10:00 am

wednesdays (ssl) 12:30 pm

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

presentation

International Day of Older Persons’

Multi-Service Complex

thursday, october 5th, 2023 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Presented by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs

TRIPS

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

Oldies but Goodies

mondays (ssl)

12:30 pm

2nd Super Walmart

3rd Bank Trip

10th The Casino @ Dania Beach

12th Festival Flea Market

17th Pembroke Lakes Mall

24th 5 Below/Miramar Plaza

26th Lunch @ Azteca Mexican Restaurant

2nd Super Walmart

9th Bank Trip

14th Swap Shop

21st Gulfstream Casino

28th Sedanos Plaza

30th Post Office & Big Lots

✪ Grocery Shopping on Wednesdays ✪

5th Bank Trip

12th Super Walmart

19th Burlington Plaza (MSC)/ 5 Below-Ross (SSL)

21st Post Office & Big Lots

26th Calder Casino

28th Broward Meat & Fish (MSC) / Aldi’s (SSL)

*Trips are subject to change

COUNSELING + Social Work

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

Interested in what’s 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

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

young at heart

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

thursdays 10:30 am

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

SOCIAL worker corner: Counseling Insights

Did you know that there is a difference between holiday blues, clinical anxiety, and depression? Holiday blues are temporary feelings of anxiety or depression during the holidays that can be associated with extra stress, unrealistic expectations or even memories that accompany the season. If your sadness seems less to do with the season and more directly linked to the holidays, you may be experiencing a phenomenon known as the “holiday blues.” The holiday blues can encompass a wide spectrum of negative feelings, including stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, loneliness/isolation, anger or a sense of loss.

What can you do to fight the “Holiday Blues”?

• Practice acts of kindness.

• Do something creative.

• Brighten your surroundings.

• Prioritize quiet spaces.

• Let go of expectations.

Remember the holiday blues are short-term but require attention. Shortterm problems left unaddressed can lead to long-term mental health conditions. So be patient. Take things week by week or day by day and try to push forward.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month Multi-Service Complex

thursday, november 15th 2023

10:30 am – 11:30 am

Presented by

The Psychology of Fear

16

Not sure what fear is and how it manifests? Join the discussion to learn the psychology of fear.

How to Have Healthy Family Relationships With Less Stress

Want to learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy boundaries with family? Join the discussion on how to have healthy family relationships with less stress.

Going Down Memory Lane: The Value of Reminiscing

Not sure if you want to go down memory lane? Come join the discussion and find the value in reminiscing.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Classes

Aerobics

Standing

o mondays (msc) 10:30 am

o fridays (msc) 9:30 am

Chair

o tuesdays (msc) 9:30 am

o wednesdays (msc) 9:30 am

Blood pressure checks

o fridays 1:00 pm

Fantastic Fitness

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

mindfulness in motion

o mondays (ssl) 12:30 pm (Except from October 2nd to November 6th)

o fridays (msc) 1:30 pm

Muscle & Flow

o mondays (msc) 12:30 pm

o fridays (ssl) 11:00 am

strength training

o tuesdays & fridays (msc) 10:30 am

walk for wellness

o tuesdays (msc) 1:00 pm

Yoga

Mat/Standing

o mondays (msc) 9:30 am

Chair

o wednesdays (msc) 1:30 pm

Walk with Ease an exercise program designed by the Arthritis Foundation to help get you in shape. The program helps seniors walk safely and comfortable, improves flexibility, increases strength, and reduces pain. Classes are 1 hour, 3 times a week for 6 weeks.

Pre-registration is required. Limited to 15 participants per session.

Sunset Lakes

mondays 12:30 pm, wednesdays 1:30 pm, thursdays 1:30 pm

october 2,4,5,9,11,12,16,17,18*,23,25,26,30

november 1,2,6,8,9

*Date changes due to senior center event or holiday

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is low impact physical activity program designed to reduce pain and decrease stiffness. Routines in this program are gentle range-of-motion exercises that are suitable for every level. This workshop is 1 hour each week for 8 weeks.

Pre-registration is required.

multi-service complex

thursdays 1:30 pm

october 5,12,16*,26

november 2,9,13*,20*

*Date changes due to senior center event or holiday

Sunset Lakes

mondays 11:00 am

october 2,9,16,23,30

november 6,13,20

THANK YOU

FOR SPONSORING

A 12-week workshop just for men.

open enrollment

health & wellness

Breast Cancer Awareness Lunch N’ Learn Multi-Service Complex

Thursday, October 19th, 2023 • 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Sponsored by Humana

Eat Smart, Live Strong

Come improve your fruit and veggie options through shakes and quick lunches.

multi–service complex

Presented by

Wednesdays, November 1st, 8th, 15th, 29th • 12:30 pm—1:30 pm

sunset lakes

November 6th • 11:00 pm—12:00 pm

Pre-registration is required. Limited to 15 participants per session.

Multi-Service Complex

wednesday - october 11

9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Sunset Lakes

wednesday - october 4

9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Multi-Service Complex

thursday - october 5 9:30 am – 2:30 pm

have a one-on-one with your healthcare provider

Multi-Service Complex

monday - october 16 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Multi-Service Complex

tuesday - october 17 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Multi-Service Complex

november 8, december 13

9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Sunset Lakes

november 14, december 19

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Multi-Service Complex

october 26, november 30, december 21 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Multi-Service Complex

november 6, december 4 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Multi-Service Complex

october 24, november 14, december 5 10:00 am – 1:30 pm

thursday, february 1, 2024 • 10AM

Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater 16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33027 for more information, contact sean walters at 954-602-4180 or stwalters@miramarfl.gov

Did you know?

Within our program we have seniors who hold honorable accomplishments and achievements.

Barbara Brathwaite Member since 2010

- 2012 Area Agency of Broward County Hall of Fame Inductee.

- Served on the Senior Advisory Board for 12 years, held the post of President and Vice President.

- Volunteers for the senior program.

Carmen Williams Member since 2006

- 2015 Silver President’s Volunteer Service Award.

- Served on the Senior Advisory Board for 12 years, held the post of Vice President.

- Volunteers for the senior program.

- Facilitated dance class for the seniors.

Collin Burke Member since 2015

- 2023 Citizen’s Police Academy, Certificate of Achievement.

- Served on the Senior Advisory Board for 4 years.

- Volunteers for the senior program.

- Has become an ambassador for the senior program, encouraging seniors to join.

Edwina Davenport Member since 2020

- Earned a Degree of Associate of Religions Education from Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary in 2021.

- 2022 Walking Warrior Award Recipient.

- Currently serves on the Senior Advisory Board.

Vera Chuck Member since 2006

- 2002 through 2004 Certificate of Appreciation and Volunteering.

- 2005 City of Miramar Award.

- 2012 through 2015 Silver President’s Volunteer Service Award.

- 2017 Area Agency of Aging of Broward County Hall of Fame Inductee.

- 2017 Impact Broward Recipient.

- Served on the Senior Advisory Board for 15 years, held the post of Treasurer.

Summer Jam Party

Senior SPOTLIGHT

It takes a special individual to selflessly dedicate their time and effort for the well being of others. Pauline Matthews shows up everyday with the willingness to not only help but to encourage everyone to live a healthy lifestyle.

As a former retired nurse Pauline fully understands the motto “If you don’t move it, you’ll lose it”. On any given day Pauline attends at least one of the many fitness classes offered at the South Central Southeast Focal Point and you can guarantee she will recruit her peers to join her. Pauline reminds her peers of the importance of eating healthy and staying active.

Pauline Matthews

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

Excellence

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

Award presented by National Council on Aging Community Spirit Award presented by the Broward League of Cities