VOA April May June 2024

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 Meals on Wheels South Florida.

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.

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) program 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.

TREE OF LIFE

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.

ADVISORY Meeting Dates

Mondays: April 8, May 13, June 10 12:30PM - 2:00PM

Senior Program Ambassadors

President: Joan Dickenson

Vice President: Edwina Davenport

Secretary: Alvalia Ellis

Treasure: Katie Davis

Carlton Marston

Carmen Williams

Collin Burke

Eleanor Lawrence

Elsa Sanchez

Esther Rivera

Joan Solomon

Nina Lorigan

Una Burrell

Veronica Delph

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)

MULTI-SERVICE

recreation + leisure

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, wednesdays & fridays

10:00 am

Senior Trivia

monday-friday (ssl)

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

game time

Sterling Group Foods

Balanced lunches are served on weekdays at 12:00 PM 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

Enjoy the arts through therapy.

wednesdays (msc) 12:30 pm

tuesdays (ssl) 1:30 pm craft therapy

Sewing class

wednesdays (ssl)

12:30 pm

Volunteer Appreciation

Week April 21st - 27th

Celebrate the incredible volunteers in our senior center

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

Oldies but Goodies

mondays (ssl)

12:30 pm

Technology classes for computers, tablets, iPads, iPhones, smartphones.

april 15 & may 20 10:00 am - 2:30 pm

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

april june may

2nd Bank Trip

4th Super Walmart

9th Pembroke Gardens (MSC)

Ross/5Below (SSL)

16th Sedano’s

18th Lunch at Outback (MSC)/ Scruby’s (SSL)

25th Post Office/Big Lots (MSC) Burlington (SSL)

30th Swap Shop

2nd Bank Trip

7th Super Walmart

14th Calder Casino

16th Festival Flea Market

21st Aldi’s

23rd Lunch at Bahama Breeze

30th Post Office/Big Lots (MSC) Target (SSL)

4th Bank Trip

6th Super Walmart

11th Sawgrass Mall

18th Post Office/Big Lots (MSC) Ross/5Below (SSL)

20th Lunch at Olive Garden (MSC)/ Cheddars (SSL)

25th Broward Meat & Fish (MSC) Aldi’s (SSL)

27th Sheridan Plaza

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS Classes + Presentations

Mindfulness in motion

o fridays 1:30 pm (msc)

Aerobics

Standing

o mondays 11:00 am (msc)

o fridays 10:00 am (msc)

Chair

o tuesdays 10:00 am (msc)

o wednesdays 10:00 am (ssl)

Muscle & Flow

o mondays 12:30 pm (msc)

o fridays 11:00 am (ssl)

Fantastic Fitness

o mondays 11:00 am (ssl)

o tuesdays 11:00 am (ssl) (Except during WWE and AFEP)

Healthy & happy

o mondays 12:30 pm (ssl)

o wednesdays 1:30 pm (msc)

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 1hour, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Pre-registration is required Limited to 15 participants per session.

Multi-Service Complex

tuesdays 1:00 pm

wednesdays 10:30 am / thursdays 1:00 pm

april: 23,24,25,30

may: 1,2,6*,7,8,14,15,16,21,22,23,28,29,30

sunset lakes

mondays 12:30 pm

wednesdays and thursdays 1:30 pm

april: 22,24,25,29

may: 1,2,6,7*,8,13,15,16,20,22,23,28*,29,30

*Date changes due to a senior center event or holiday

Yoga 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

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.

Multi-Service Complex

thursdays 1:30 pm

june: 6,10*,20,27

july: 8*,11,18,25

Sunset Lakes

mondays 11:00 am

june: 3,10,17,24

july: 1*,8,15,22

*Date changes due to a senior center event or holiday

Water Aerobics (starting June/July)

o tuesdays 1:00 pm (msc)

o coming soon tba (ssl) Check the monthly calendars for updates.

april is medication safety & parkinson’s awareness

Multi-Service Complex

wednesday | april 3 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Multi-Service Complex

wednesday | april 17 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

COUNSELING GROUPS

S.E.E.K.

SENIOR ENRICHMENT AND 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 12:30 pm (ssl)

tuesdays 1:30 pm (msc)

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 12:30 pm (ssl)

fridays 1:30 pm (msc)

social worker presentations

monday

apr 15 1:30 pm

Why Laughter is Good for Mental Health

Does laughter have an effect on your mental health? Join the discussion to learn how laughter effects your mental health.

monday

may 20 1:30 pm

20 Common Defense Mechanisms and How They Work

How can the unconscious mind help protect you from anxiety? Come join the discussion to gain some insight on how to improve your mental health.

monday

jun 17 1:30 pm

Safety Awareness

Ensuring safety as we age: Join us as we tackle safety across every facet of life.

presented by

Multi-Service Complex

wednesday, may 8, 2024 | 12:30 pm

Sunset Lakes

SOCIAL worker corner

wednesday, may 15, 2024 | 12:30 pm Administrative

Group Counseling Groups Connecting clients with resources Counseling Services

MULTI-SERVICE COMPLEX + SUNSET LAKES

COUNSELING Insights

Social Worker Corner & Counseling Insights

Social Worker Corner & Counseling Insights

Talk Therapy vs. Talking to a Friend

THERAPIST FRIEND

Confidentiality

Undivided attention

Qualified to address mental health concerns

Confidentiality not guaranteed Attentiveness may fluctuate

Not qualified to help with mental health concerns

Some signs that might indicate it’s a good time to consider therapy:

Some signs that might indicate it’s a good time to consider therapy:

Objective perspective

Biased perspective

Some signs that might indicate it’s a good time to consider therapy:

Your issues are interfering with daily life

Key Take Aways:

You turn to dangerous coping mechanisms

Your friends and family are worried

You’ve exhausted your other options

Key Takeaways:

Key Takeaways:

• Being nervous about starting therapy is normal.

• Being nervous about starting therapy is normal.

• Being nervous about starting therapy is normal.

• You can benefit from therapy even if you don’t have a mental health disorder.

• You can benefit from therapy even if you don’t have a mental health disorder.

• You can benefit from therapy even if you don’t have a mental health disorder.

• Therapy doesn’t have to last forever.

• Therapy doesn’t have to last forever.

• Therapy doesn’t have to last forever.

• The positive impacts of therapy often grow or last after therapy has ended, potentially up to a year or more after treatment ends.

• The positive impacts of therapy often grow or last after therapy has ended, potentially up to a year or more after treatment ends.

• The positive impacts of therapy often grow or last after therapy has ended, potentially up to a year or more after treatment ends.

Adapted from Psychology Today “Five Questions to Decide If a Therapist Is Right for You” and Good Therapy “I’m nervous about Starting Therapy; Is That Normal?”

Adapted from Psychology Today “Five Questions to Decide If a Therapist Is Right for You” and Good Therapy “I’m nervous about Starting Therapy; Is That Normal?”

“Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step.” - Mariska Hargitay

Source: Adapted from Psychology Today “Five Questions to Decide If a Therapist Is Right for You” and Good Therapy “I’m nervous about Starting Therapy; Is That Normal?”

“Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step.” Mariska Hargitay.

“Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step.” Mariska Hargitay.

seas the day

Valentine’s Dinner

Thank you!

to our sponsors

senior spotlight

Senior SPOTLIGHT

“Eleanor is in the house!”

This is the sound we hear ringing through the hallways at the Southcentral/Southeast Focal Point. In the few short months of attending the senior center, Eleanor’s presence has become both impactful and influential; resulting in Eleanor being voted in as one of 2024 Senior Advisory Board members.

Eleanor is always ready to take on new challenges and has taken over many volunteer functions from daily disinfecting and sanitizing, to helping with administrative tasks. Whatever Eleanor does she does it with a smile. She is known for her compassion and positive energy as she brightens the room every time she enters.

Eleanor will say that the SCSEFP has given her purpose and she loves staying active and busy especially the “Muscle and Flow” class with Coach Sean, which has been very beneficial to her daily life.

Eleanor Lawrence

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 Collbourne

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

presented by National Council on Aging

presented by the Broward League of Cities

presented by the Florida Association of Senior Centers

2017 & 2018 Healthy Weight Community Champion presented by Florida Department of Health Bureau of

Florence R. Goldmann Award 2018

Excellence Award

Community Spirit Award