Senior Advisory Committee - Regular Meeting

Welcome to Senior Vice Meeting. And thank you for everybody to be here today. And sorry, just kind of spaced out today, but I'm doing okay. Thank you. Jennifer?

Okay. So we can go ahead and move to the Pledge of Allegiance.

Thank you.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States Of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all.

REPRESENTATIVE:]

We move into the approval for the

Yes. The only change that I would like to make on the agenda is the presentation. So unfortunately, we won't be able to have a presentation today, so we'll have to move that to our

Motion to approve.

I second it. All

in favor?

Aye. Okay. So

that will take us to our staff updates. We wanted to share some pictures from our senior prom that we just had and also thank Penelope for making all the wonderful corsages for our seniors. They were so happy and excited. So we figured we'd show you the pictures that we did have from the event. We did have some bad weather that day, so that really kind of deterred, I think, a lot of people, but we still had two thirty people attend.

We had three thirty register. But just so you can kind of see, I know that was one of the things we discussed last time for photos and just to kind of see how the event went. So you can see it's very full, and it tends to be that way every single month. Our most favorite part about the event too is that they really seem to wanna dress up for it and, you know, dress to the themes, which I think is excellent. It gives them something really to look forward to.

Nice. I see the picture right here. Wow.

So just to give everybody an idea, and our next event that we have coming up for them is the Cinco de Mayo event, so it will be on Cinco de Mayo. We're very excited. I believe we're almost at 300 registered for that.

Over already.

Oh, over. So we see a trend, and

we do see that, you know, it is working, and we see new friendships. And part of that is too because of our freebie transportation program. Just to kind

of give everybody an update on that too, the senior transportation and rides program that we had prior to, we were giving 10 rides. Now we're averaging between thirty and forty five rides a day. So we're looking that we are trending up as far as rides go and the hot spots again, just to report, seem to be the community center and the amphitheater. And then Publix and Whole Foods and the pharmacies.

Costco too?

Yep. Costco too. Yeah. So we're very excited to see that the program is working and that people are utilizing it, but also too it's giving them the ability to you know have freedom and not have to rely on other people to get around, which we really think is essential to our senior citizens They don't get around. Right. Right. If not, they don't. Right. Exactly. So

pardon me, you're averaging 45 rides a day?

Yeah. It's about 35 to 45 rides a day.

Great. Okay. Yeah.

Two questions. Just I wanna circle just back to Cinco de Mayo party. Mhmm. That starts at 11:30 again.

11:30.

Till about two. Yeah. So if I get there 12:30 or one.

Oh, yeah. They'll still be there.

They'll still be partying.

I just skipped my bed too that day. The other thing I I always ask this question about the freebie, the ride service. Is there any talk of getting another car and extending hours and and getting a sponsorship?

Yes. So we are looking at expanding the hours and we are also looking at expanding the days in which we're serving. It does cost quite a bit. So we are monitoring what the program itself looks like. And then sponsorships, we've actually met with a couple of entities for sponsorships as well. So we're just waiting to hear back if they're ready to move forward as far as that goes. But of course, if anybody has any, you know, ideas or anybody you think might be a good fit, you know, that's also a great suggestion from the committee as well.

I just wondered with the new this new walking, this the mall going in it's not a mall. Whatever it is, I mean, they could sponsor a card. Take take me to seniors. Take me to whatever it's called. What what is it called? Lotus? Lotus. Take me to Lotus. I mean, could that could be their sponsorship all over Wellington. Right. And Great idea. You know, something like that. And I I also wondered about Wellington Regional, but that's kind of a you know, everybody always goes to them about sponsorships.

So we've actually entertained it with Wellington Regional, so we're just kinda waiting to hear back from them as far as moving forward. We have also met with Florida Blue. We've met with FP and L. So we are entertaining it with lots of bigger companies, as you can imagine, that have the sponsorship dollars available.

Nice. Jennifer, remind me what is the schedule for the freebies?

Freebie is Monday through Saturday, eight to five.

Eight to five? Mhmm. I see now what do you want to standing hours.

Well, I think if and especially if there's a mall that like if this I call it a mall, the new shopping area, living area, whatever, is opening. Seniors could take that there, go to dinner, get home around 08:30 or nine if Freebie extended its hours, and that might be an attraction if the hours are extended to get a big sponsor like that for maybe even a car. Who knows?

I mean Right.

They may not stop at just wrapping the car, but getting a car and wrapping it.

Right. Of course.

You know, maybe. I I always think big. I mean Yeah.

No. But it

is They say no. Okay. Yeah.

No. But it is true. And I think that, you know, everybody that we've met with obviously understands our programs and how influential they are and how many people were affecting on a weekly basis. You know, so I think that we're able to run those numbers through like Civic Rec and then, you know, just keeping all of our attendance numbers. So I do think that it is viable that it will happen. It's just we're kinda waiting to hear back as far as, if corporate allows it and all those types of things.

Oh, Those never happens quickly. Right. Is 45 rides a day, are they single rides or are you getting some that might be two or three people going to lunch? Yes. Exactly.

It could be, it could vary. I don't have the specific numbers on that, but yeah, people are traveling together, which I think is great too. But you know, and then there also is like one offs where people are, you know, going by themselves and those types of things too. But we can actually pull all that data. If you guys would like, we could bring that to the next committee meeting.

I was curious, if I call Freebie and then I want to pick up Joan and Sally, will Freebie, when I make the appointment on my app, do I say, and I don't have the app download or anything right now, but, or do you just get in the car and tell the driver, we're now heading to, I don't know, Sheffield Woods or something and then over to Isles Of Wellington to pick make pickups, or does everybody have to

be together? So, typically, these people are together, but also Freebie has to know in advance too because they have to be able to, you know, route the schedule meaning

Mhmm.

Like they have to know, you know, where they're gonna be as far as if, you know, Sally calls in and needs a ride. So that way they're able to tell Sally, yes, we can provide the ride within the next fifteen minutes or not. So it has to be kind of scheduled. So then that way, the drivers are aware and able to, get from place to place.

Because it's interesting for me, and I don't know about any of you, but I'll be in a break in tennis and somebody's saying, do you see those freebie? That car driving around says freebie. And I'm very proud to say, yes, that's the village sponsoring free rides Mhmm. to seniors, which is 55 and older. It's not necessarily a very, you know and people who have a number of 80 or 85 may be physically a 55. So I mean, it's, but they're offering it to what? And people really don't know. They'll say, well, I heard about it. What do they do? And so it's just nice to have this information refreshed, probably on a quarterly basis. Ask you the same questions, and I apologize.

No, it's okay. It's really easy to pull the data.

I like trying to sell it to to people. Yeah.

Love that. Yeah. I love that. Yeah. For instance, you know, we can definitely send out, like the recent report on what that looks like. So that's not an issue at all. We could do that.

What is the radius that they will travel?

So it is within Wellington. It also includes a new annexation area. So it goes all the way over to where the new exonation areas off of Seminole Pratt and then all the way over to the Walmart grocery store in that plaza. So it is within that. It will go to Palms West, and we expanded it to go all the way down, 441 to equate to, what is that place I'm trying to think, all the way in the corner and it goes from Costco down. So it kinda in that middle section there on 441 and Southern, it doesn't cover, but it covers the end caps on both of those roads. So like Trader Joe's? Yes.

Mhmm.

And then Costco and Yeah. Mara.

Yeah. Very important. Yes.

That's terrific. Mhmm.

Yeah. Because Costco is Royal Palms.

Right. Yeah. Exactly. But the seniors are like, hey, we wanna we need to go there because you can get lots of supplies and it is cheaper. You know, they're able to get water and toilet paper and, you know, all of those types of items. So it really helps them immensely.

Jennifer, remind me, how many cars are available right now for the

We have two Tesla vehicles.

Two Tesla? Mhmm. Go ahead.

Do we get any requests for seniors to go to airports?

We not really that much, I would say, but

Not not too much. And then a lot of them know what other resources they have available if they do need to leave Wellington.

Lyft or whatever. Mhmm.

Okay. Because a lot use the PalmTrain connection as well. Oh,

it's Palm Train.

Because that's significantly cheaper than like Uber or Lyft.

Okay. And I try already. Last year was my first year using the train straight to Miami then come back again. So, this is so much easier than driving.

Well, they have the connection is like a bus

Drive right.

It picks you up at your house.

Oh. Mhmm. Palm train connection?

Yeah.

Oh, why do you know that? I took the train and

Yeah. No. This is like a just a smaller bus that it picks you up wherever you need and will take you to any location.

Anybody? Yeah. Within Wellington, it's $3.50 for one way trip.

Wow. Oh, wow.

And it it does equate for people that have Shower. Wheelchairs and Yeah. Yeah. But, like, I can take it to the airport. Yeah. $3.50. Wow.

And it'll pick you

up So we use by your door. So we use called PalmTran and do the schedule for the online? Mhmm.

Yeah. It's online. You have to schedule it with PalmTran. But, yeah. It is a service that

And it's reliable.

Mhmm.

Yeah. I mean I will tell you that it definitely is not gonna be probably quick as freebie or quick as Uber and Lyft.

Correct.

But it does take some time just because I think that they are very busy.

Because that one they will make multiple stops In between. On their way to your your next location.

Yeah, because they go to the supermarket a lot. Right. And to various communities. Right. And to doctor's offices.

Exactly. You've seen it.

Yeah, I've seen it around. And there was actually, there was one of my neighbors, I guess they had a child that was disabled and they used to pick him up and take him to school

every

day.

Mhmm. I've seen that, but I didn't know that they would take the five of us to the airport if we booked do you book

it ahead? Yeah. You have to book it ahead.

Like, I I'm I mean, like, a month ahead or a day out?

I don't think it would be a month ahead, but I'm not really sure.

I mean, I know you're not Palm Tran. Yeah. I'm sorry. We could

always have Palm Tran come in and do a presentation if you wanted to, Palm Tran connection. Yes.

That would be great.

Because its information is very valuable and we can share this information.

I think that's terrific. I see them in my neighborhood, but I just presumed that it was picking up a disabled person or with mobility issues couldn't drive or was limited or a child or somebody needing physical therapy. Somebody was I didn't know that they did it just as a not a public service, but as well, a service to anybody in the county.

Right. Outside of Wellington, you know, it will take you outside of Wellington. So I think that's the key that seniors need to know, you know, because a lot of them, you know, obviously, they don't wanna leave Wellington, so they'd issues the freebie service or Wellington Cares, you know, with the volunteer organization. But I think with Pometran, and we always try to tell them about it too just so they're aware. We do have brochures and all that at the community center too.

Are they utilizing PalmTran to come to our senior event?

They are. We've seen it a few times.

They are.

Are. Dropping people off.

Yep. And the great thing is, like I said, it is ADA compliant. So people in wheelchairs, walkers, you know, they can use it. So that's the nice part. And it drops everybody off right under the overpass, so it's very nice.

Because a lot, I think, of our seniors that like to come to our events that don't live in Wellington anymore that can't use freebie will use Palm Train Connection.

Yeah. I've seen the increase of participation with the senior party.

Yes. Big time.

Yep. I I would advise, give yourself some time. My aunt uses them a lot, and they're great. But if they say 02:00, it's could be 02:15, 02:30. Right. So so don't don't expect them to show up at your door

That's good to know.

At the time you say. So if you if you're gonna take it to the airport and you got a 05:00 flight

Book it. I wouldn't plan

on don't wanna book it at four. Right.

Right. Yeah. Yeah.

Give them time because they do make multiple stops.

They do. No, thank you.

Yeah, of course.

Thank you for sharing all that information.

No problem.

Jennifer, I got a question, I'm sorry. You say that for Cinco de Mayo, it's about 300 participants. Mhmm. And what is the capacity for the site there?

So we can hold up to 350. The way that we have the tables situated, we've actually changed the setup within the room. So then we're actually having almost like a thanks giving dinner style setup. So we have long tables as opposed to the round tables because the round tables take up a lot of room.

Yes.

So we've changed it and actually looks really nice and it's more engaging because people are forced to talk to one another. It's really great. Mhmm.

Perfect. Sorry I had to ask a question.

No, okay. It's okay.

Know because we're talking about people with weekends and workers and

Yeah. So we actually have seating for that. So if they do come into the community center and they do need that, we take them up the back elevator and then we have a space for them. So there is a couple of them that, choose not to use that. So they sit usually in the back, which is fine. I mean, as long as, you know, they're able to get in and out, it's totally fine.

Not a necessary piece of information, but just curious who is doing the lunch for Cinco de Mayo?

Well, we are probably going to work with one of our restaurants that we have coming up for Taste of Wellington. So probably either Tijuana Flats or and we'll go that route. Last year, we did a taco bar. It was really fun. It was just very time consuming. So this year, we're going to do a little different, make it a little bit less time consuming. But it was all about the experience too. So it was fun.

Jennifer, going back again, sorry. What day is going to be hold that event Cinco de Mayo?

It'll be on the day.

Monday, May 5.

Monday, May.

May 5. So the Sunday.

Monday. Monday. Monday. Monday.

Yeah. We try to do all the events on the day.

On the day.

So we try. But for instance, next year, Valentine's Day is on Saturday, and we don't really see a lot of participation on Saturday. So we're gonna do it on Thursday. So it'll be a little in advance, but, you know, then we'll get celebrate twice, I guess.

So Can always be romantic. Exactly. Right? Yes. Exactly. And you'll have margaritas for Cicca de Mayo? Oh, yes. Yes.

And probably green beer. So yes.

Oh, green beer?

Yes. Oh.

Yes. Is the green beer a leftover from Patty's Day?

No. Absolutely not. That would be really bad.

What other activities do you plan for Cinco de Mayo since we're on Cinco de Mayo right

now? So we'll bring in entertainment. Usually we'll bring in a band. Last year we had a mariachi so we try to do that. But also have a DJ because we found that they do like the bands, but they also really like to dance. Mhmm. So we open it up at the end with the DJ, and then we have lots of participation and that's why sometimes the parties don't end till two or 02:30, I would say.

Wow.

So we found that you know people will come and they'll stay the entire time and a little longer which we're totally fine with. So this year we'll probably try to do something a little different. And Rick which does all of our entertainment at the amphitheater, so he usually picks the bands and things. So to make sure that we have good quality music for them.

And don't dump your ice on the lawn.

That's right. Exactly, Rick. That's exactly right.

Will you accept sponsors? I have I remember the other day I was talking to one of the person who hold activities with Humana. I know you work with Humana. And they were asking me about the activity we have right here. I referred them to you. Maybe that will be a great opportunity for them to

Yeah. So we sponsor currently have a sponsorship agreement with Humana, so we do already kind of work with them as far as all the senior They already sponsor our bingo, lakeside market, and then they are also sponsoring our senior events too.

Oh.

Get them to sponsor a car.

That would be fabulous.

Definitely.

Any more updates from the staff about anything? No. For

like our lunch and learns, we try to, we're averaging probably two to three a month. And we right now are averaging anywhere from 60 to a 100, attendees for the lunch and learns depending on the topic. We had one on nutrition on Tuesday that we had 65 at. And then we had one today on, happy retirement and that one we had 41 at. And then our weekly bingo is still ongoing and that ranges anywhere from 60 to 80 attendees per week.

And what day of the week is that?

Wednesdays at ten a. M.

Where is the Lunch and Learn held? Because I know it used to be in various locations.

It still kind of either moves around, but most of the time it's either upstairs in the ballroom or downstairs in the lake view rooms.

Okay. So it's still here in the community setting?

Yes, yes.

And the next one is? It's on my I can look at home. I have my the calendar that

I believe there's one on the twenty ninth. Okay. That one that that number dates are just stuck in the head now. But yeah, know we had this week, we had two this week, we had Tuesday and one today. And then our congregate meal site is still going very well. We love seeing everyone coming in. Breakfast, it's a little bit slower still, but I mean, it's just it's early. I would say we average anywhere from ten to twenty for breakfast and then lunch can be fifteen to 25. And it's to what she had said earlier with like seeing the friendships grow, it's been amazing. And like seeing the friendships meeting at breakfast and then now they're planning their matching outfits to go to prom. It really is awesome to see.

That's wonderful. Wow.

Any more comments? We can move to the old business.

Yes. We can move to old business. Anybody have any old business that they'd like to bring up? Okay. Any new business?

Yeah. I before I got my certification, I would had to sit in the audience for the last meeting which was fine. And I don't know if you recall, but after living here twenty four years, I I didn't realize until I got of a certain age that we didn't have a senior golf tournament. So that's something I'd be interested in talking with you guys about about how to be having possibly setting that up. Whenever I go to any golf course around here, it's full of seniors. I'm assuming some of them come from Wellington. I think it might be a pretty good idea for us to pursue, try at once and see how it goes after that.

Yeah, we could definitely pursue that. The only thing that I would say is that if we would do that, we would probably have to work with the provider to make it low cost or no cost. Yeah. Just because a lot of the seniors I can tell you, you know, it is challenging for them to pay for some of the things that, you know, we're kind of putting on to like Zumba and those, but I'm definitely not against trying it. So maybe if we have a connection where we could work with somebody to make sure that it is feasible for the seniors as well.

Yeah. I think most golfers are used to paying a green fee. So I think it's if we could work that in with with a deal with Wellington National or the Wanders or somebody like

That would be very cool.

Yeah. And doing it off season would make it much Cheaper. More

Yeah. Yeah. Definitely. We can look at something like that.

Okay.

Yeah.

I'm not opposed to it at all. Golf is great, and I think that that would be a nice addition. And working obviously with our partners within the community also benefits everybody. So You

know, something like that that might even encourage people who haven't played golf for years

Mhmm.

Like wine and nine, or nine and wine, or something, that they play nine, just nine holes. Yeah. You know, because 18 holes on a, like, at Wellington National, any golf course.

Yes.

It's tough if you haven't played. But it might be a lot of fun if, you know, you might get some of that lunch crowds. Jeez. I used to play golf, but I certainly don't any I haven't been able to. Mhmm. And get in a cart and go out with their friends and do nine holes, and they get two tickets for drinks like they do at lunch or something. And I mean, some of those prices, if they're in the twilight type thing, like afternoon

Mhmm.

Some places won't even charge you that much.

Mhmm.

Yeah. We have a lot of options for golf here in Wellington because I'm a golfer Yeah. Also. Okeheeley has a wonderful program. They have nine holes, you know, per per course Mhmm. That they offer. And the nine and nine is very popular with everyone, not necessarily the seniors. But you also have opportunities when you're doing golf tournaments to do things like putting contests. Things that or chipping, you know, chipping contests where seniors who haven't done anything but putt in their backyard or chipped in their backyard or putt in their office would be, you know, willing to participate in. And even if they can't get out and do nine holes yet because they can't walk it or they just don't feel up to it.

So there's a lot of opportunity, a lot of games, lot of interest for people who are not even people who are younger than the seniors to come out and do that. And it may be possible to get people interested in going to one of the locations now that they have, the Pop Stroke or one of those locations too if they are trying to lure our seniors who are very active out to these locations. We need to give them an opportunity to do so. I'm sure that they will be willing since we do have transportation. Maybe go to some of those.

Kyle is an expert with golf, so he will be spearheading that project.

Expert, but I do love golf.

You know all the

Palm courses around here

Beach National, they're doing they're doing a big renovation.

Yep.

I'm sure that they'd be they would love to get people more interested in coming out there also.

Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Definitely. Yeah. I mean, if anybody has any connections as far as anybody that you know, you could definitely, know, introduce us via email. Anything would be helpful, and then, you know, we could talk to them and kinda go from there and see what they would be willing to provide.

Okay. Wanderers is shutting down for, I think, until the beginning of, like, November year. I think it's this year. They're gonna close either I think next weekend they're finished for a major renovation on the course renovation, that's what's closing. Yeah. So they wouldn't be if you were looking at something for this year or this early fall, And maybe not. It may not be until something that's done next the next year.

Right. Exactly. Maybe in the winter months, might be better too just to because it's definitely gonna start getting hot with the summertime too. So maybe that's something we could definitely preplan out.

Yeah.

Yeah.

The only thing is the winter months are the peaks is Peak season.

I know.

But because can definitely see if we can

It's gonna

be harder to get onto the courses too because the members are there because there are a lot of snowbirds are Yeah.

Down. I think we should shoot for May through October.

Yeah. May through October? Okay.

Yeah.

For for the courses to be the most accommodating.

Got it.

Financially, time,

whatever it is.

Yeah.

Okay.

Yeah. And we just do it in the evening. Mhmm. Okay. Late afternoon. Okay.

That's true.

Yeah. It really is expensive.

Okay. Sounds I like that. Mhmm. Yeah. So if you have anybody that you wanna connect us to as far as if you know somebody, you know, Kyle and I will reach out, of course.

My my guess is somebody on the council has a connection at the county where they can maybe close one of the nines at Okeheely for

Yep.

For Wellington residents for one day?

No, I think

that's good.

Just a guess.

That's a good Jennifer, any funding for grants to update the houses? It happened to meet one of my clients in Wellington.

Mhmm.

And he got a couple citations, you know, he needs to improve his roof, his front yard, and something else, you know. I need to connect him with the

Yes. So, that would be with Gloria Kelly. So she's came here to do a presentation.

I remember last time.

And she would be the one that you would be able to connect with as far as grants go. I know that they were waiting for the allocations for CDEVG to come through, which is the community block grant. So but she would be very knowledgeable as far as the grants go. But we're in April, so it should be starting pretty soon.

Mhmm. Perfect. Can you mail the information to me?

Yeah. I can actually just give her email address right now. So then that way, everybody who's listening to would kinda know. Perfect. So it's Gloria Kelly and it's gkelly@wellington,fasinFrank,l.gov.

At wellington what?

F as in Frank, l dot gov.

Okay, good. Thank you.

You're welcome.

G Kelly.

G Kelly. Kelly. Okay.

So I search that because

Yeah. And if you go on our website too, so you go to wellingtonfl.gov and then type in grants Mhmm. It'll also pull up

Okay. That way Perfect.

But Gloria is the contact person for the grants.

Oh, Perfect. Yeah. Was thinking about her during the whole week because, yeah, he had a couple of violations with the city, and I'm trying to assist him with something there. Any more new business you want to discuss besides the Golf?

Besides the Golf? No. I

love it.

Any public comments? No. I guess not.

I think we can yep. I think we can move to Board comments.

Any Board comments?

Just thank you for all you're doing.

Thank you.

Of course.

I went to the luncheon at the horse show and and it it it couldn't have run any better. So I don't I don't know how much credit you guys need versus the the venue, but but whoever hooked it up, it was fantastic. It was a great day. It ran like clockwork. Food was great. Wonderful day. First time I had been and it was marvelous.

Good. That's good to hear. Awesome.

However much you guys had to do with it, congratulations.

Was that one of the lunch and learns or

No. No. It was just one of the monthly

Oh, lunches senior that's had a senior club lunch.

Senior club lunch. I think I saw the signs Mhmm. When I was up there. And I was like, I wonder if that's us.

And a lot of the people had not seen the horse show before which I thought was great. They said, I'm coming back next Saturday or whatever. It

was Right. Pretty So that was the senior club lunch versus your your Yes. Program?

Yes, exactly. So they partner with the equestrian January, February, and March and put on a lunch there.

And how do they get their membership and like how is do they get the word out for what they do?

So their membership is only Wellington residents and it's basically, through the golden banner. They have a golden banner that goes out to members. And then also word-of-mouth, I would say, is how they really get their members, to be upon the membership, but it's also reoccurring. So, you know, I think this year, they're at, like, 550 members. And so that's really and then we also have it on our website. And then if anybody calls, of course, Kyle and I, you know, tell them about all the programs that we have available, as far as the senior club and then all the programs that the village offers as well.

Okay. So do you all schedule and program their activities?

We do actually. So, like, for instance, all of their monthly luncheons, we get those dates. We put it within our system. We do all of the setup for it too. So when they arrive, everything is set up. And then they go in and, they order the lunch on their own. And then as far as the trips and things that they go on, they do schedule all of that. So that doesn't really affect Kyle and I but they do communicate to let us know exactly what is happening.

Okay. So and how like who is there a president of the club or?

There is. So there's actually a newly appointed president. Her name is Alice Bloom. And the vice president is Eileen Koonan, which was the former president.

Okay. So does this board like oversee or not oversee, but I mean I don't know that I've heard anything about their activities and it's a little confusing as to what they do versus what the village puts on. Yeah, Can you kind of give us I mean, I know you explained it a little bit. So do people who are in the club pay dues to be in the club?

They do. So it's $30 for the year. That is the due that they pay. And they do take memberships January through June.

Question, Jennifer? I'm sorry.

Well, I just wondered if the President could come to one of our meetings and speak and just let us know what they do, how they're doing it, how to get involved, who who was invited. Yeah. Can you just join? Do you have

to be approved? Do you

have to have sponsors? You know, at the whole Right. What type of activities they So

I am the staff liaison. So I can certainly do that for you, but I can also answer any questions. So I I'm very well versed on how membership goes and how all of that is transpiring right now within the village too.

Alright. Question because in the past, they had issues with accepting new members. That's why my question come after I hear from you and from you, Roxanne, because they have limited spaces for membership now. Are they open now to accept new members

or just I'm not sure what the exact number is, but I will tell you that their membership is definitely not as high as it used to be. It used to be I think upwards of like 800, and now they're like five fifty. So that is, you know, they definitely look at that. There is a lot of people, you know, unfortunately that move outside of Wellington, people unfortunately pass away. So they do take a limited amount of members as well.

So once you're a member of the senior club, is it a discounted rate for the activities that they go to, and is everything open to any senior, or is it these events are just for seniors that are members of the club?

Yes, you are correct. So if a member, let's say that Henry signs up for the senior club, and he pays his $30

Mhmm.

He then is able to go to each monthly luncheon that they have. He'll get his lunch and then he'll also have entertainment. If he we also offer all of their programs per our contract within our facility at the community center. So just to name a couple, we have Canasta, we have Mahjong. So we actually host those programs within the community center.

And so those seniors are able to also participate. We do have it open, so people are able to be in the program. But as far as a trip, right, so let's say that they go to the casino. Mhmm. So if they go to the casino, the senior club works with that provider to get a certain cost for the bus, a certain cost to go to the casino, and then they, the member, would then pay whatever that fee is to be able to go on that trip.

But when you say, like, if I understood you correctly, a luncheon is an open platform. Meaning, if they have a lunch, the five of us could go?

Yeah, you definitely could go, yes.

Without being members of the club.

Right. I would just have to tell them that you guys would like to come, like, let's say for instance

Well,

not as, like, board members.

Right. Meaning just as we ask any senior So in

you would have to be a member of the club.

So you do. Okay.

Yes. So I'm just curious. I think I'm kind of I think I saw a picture or something that said Wellington Cheating seniors lunch at the horse show, I thought, well, I didn't know anything about that. Not that I have to know where it's going on But my I thought if it was a senior event, it would fall within the advisory committee awareness, which if it doesn't, it doesn't, and that's certainly, you know, it's worked really well all these without it. So Right. But could possibly it be included in an update every quarter, like, in the updates on what the senior club is doing? Because I didn't know we had a senior club. I Yeah. I

know that

this just so you understand also how the senior club works. So the village of Wellington funds the senior club. We actually fund For the club in order for it to instance, we fund them $60,000

So why is that club

Yeah. Exactly.

Why isn't it all one big umbrella, like come to the luncheons here and not have a senior club or Right. Have everybody be a part of a big senior club? I'm just curious. Yes.

Why isn't that money just funding the senior programs, period, and it's open to anyone who lives in the village?

Right. No, I completely understand. So the senior club has been around for quite some time, and that it was established way before to where the point that they were offering a lot of programs. And so what that meant was is that the village was doing, like, lunch and learns. You know, they're going out. They were checking. But then the club was doing most of the programs. And so what's happened is is that now the village is now picking up a lot of the programs too. So we're bringing in a lot of the programs as well as you can see. Like Jose had alluded to, it's grown tremendously the programming. So over time, it has the village has stepped in and really grown the programs as well, and then the club has their certain responsibilities that they are doing too, per the contract that we have with them.

Roxanne, you had a question or

Well, I just I so if I understand correctly, then I think logistically I'm thinking, not logistically, as much as timeline. The senior club was around doing things because they needed things for seniors in Wellington. Mhmm. And then the village said, yeah, you're right. We need a lot of things for let's the village start things, programs, a breakfast, a lunch. Oh, let's start a little a theme lunch once a month. Let's do oh, we gotta have an advisory committee or whatever. Right. And all that kind of started, but the senior club remained in place doing its thing, but still had an affiliation with the village. So is there a way that we could maybe Make it all one.

Meet everybody and make it Is all there a way? Now, that may not be a way, but maybe there is a way to at least talk about it, there's a way to make everybody more aware of all these other wonderful events going on for everybody.

Yeah.

Is there much crossover?

I would say that their monthly luncheon obviously is for their members, and I would say that our luncheon is more open to seniors. Or our luncheon. Not just members.

But their luncheon for their members is being funded by the village. Right. So thereby it should be open to it's a little bit uncomfortable Sure. Sounding and feeling Right. To me as to how you have a I guess a club board that they have elected, you know, presidents or whatever, and they are negotiating 60,000 I mean, or not they are dealing with a budget of that that came from the village.

Right. And they are residents doing volunteer work. It's just it has a presence of impropriety.

Understood. I totally understand. And I think that's definitely something that you know we could certainly talk about. And, you know, I'm obviously open to suggestions and I, you know, I understand what you're saying. I mean, definitely does make sense and I I think it's just changed over time. Mhmm. I mean, I've been here now seven years and so Mhmm. It's changed since I came here. Know, it started, it was the senior club, and then there was a couple of things, and now it's just really grown into a lot more. And I think that that kinda goes into part with, you know, also knowing what seniors need, what we need to be doing as a village to support them. And I think that's a really, really important piece that might have been, you know, the turning point to all of this too.

She know things always change. Mean, in my business, why are we doing, you know, are

you doing

it that way? Well, because we did it that way and Mhmm. We were number one and it's always worked really, really well. Well, let's try it this way. Oh, okay, that, well, that actually is better. So, know, I mean sometimes it just takes somebody to say, wait a light bulb just went off and maybe we can do this. Well, my, I think my question was, how many of the men and women who come to the senior luncheons or the Cinco de Mayo Mhmm. Also are members of the senior club?

I think we did actually look at that number, if you remember correctly.

It was it was a a good amount, because we we do have, like Jen had mentioned, that we have a lot that have left Wellington that they come to our stuff still. But it's I would say if we have three thirty signed up that 150

Yeah, from the senior's So

I wonder if there is a way. Yeah.

And also if they don't, I mean $60,000 is a lot of money for a club to have at their disposal. What happens when that money is not used in a physical year?

Right. So the way that we do it is that they turn in their expenditures to the village and then we monitor that. We obviously our finance reviews it and based on their expenditures, we reimburse them for the money that they have spent. So we do monitor it on that portion of it. If and technically per the contract, they have to do a certain amount of programs, they have to do a certain amount of lunches. So that on that is monitored. Like for instance, all the programs that we have in the community center, that all has to happen. So us staff, we make sure all those rooms are available. You know, we have, you know, I think it's close to eight or nine, I think, programs in the community center right now. So that we are obviously hosting too.

And so we are taking that on and, you know, they're there with us all day at the community center too. So we're able to feed them into our other programs that we have going on as well. But I I do understand what you're saying.

Are they considered a contracted vendor

for the village? Yes. So we have a contract with them. It is renewed every single year. And so we do review that. We look at you know, what the expenses were, we look at what programs were offered. We do talk to them you know, as far as like, hey, does this look like we want to continue in this fashion? This is what the village is requiring. And so, we do look at that every single year.

The only question I had this I think it was wonderful to have all those events and had those clubs. But the only question is if they got funding from the city of Wellington and now they had limited they had to approve a new member to come to the because I've been here almost eight, nine years to be a member of this group. And I hear in the past the complaints that people cannot getting admitted to the club in the past. I don't know. Like you said, everything is changing. Hopefully now they are accepting new members, which back then they didn't want to accept new members to the club. But you say now the city is funding the activities for them. How this happening? That's my question.

I think you have a good point. Well, and I was wondering something, you were saying, you know, the funding they get, if it was looked at as making it a broader blanket of covering more and more seniors Say in that scene, that luncheon at the horse show, that $60,000 if it was one general pot with the other money that is given to the senior programs in Wellington could really allow, have one of the luncheons that's here or there. Maybe not that many people. It might have to be split up over a couple of different months or weeks and see what the horse show could do to accommodate us. But, you know, that way it wouldn't be limited to just that club getting to go to the horse show, but that money could be used to underwrite.

And, you know, there might be a cost involved. If you'd like to go to the lunch and learn at the horse show, it will be $20 or $10 a person, which is still very minimal. Right. And Freebie will be operating that day. Palm Channel will be operating, whatever. In in in addition to how they get to these luncheons. I mean Right. Maybe they're and during the day, there's free parking there anyway. At least, there has been. I don't know about this past season.

Yeah. There's still free parking there. I'm just curious as to the motivation to join the club. What does the $30 get you?

It gets you the lunch per month. So they have 10 events a year inside of our community center. Mhmm. And then the $30 pretty much gets you to be able to go to the programs within the community center as well. And then outside of that, everything else has a cost. So if, you know, for instance, if you're going on a trip, you're gonna have to pay for the trip. If you're gonna go, you know, to the casino, whatever it may be, you there is a separate cost for that too.

But those events that come with the membership are only for the members? Right. Mhmm. And is there any reason, outside of the fact that there's some of their events and the program itself is funded through the village of Wellington because the village of Wellington funds a lot of programs. Right.

Is there any other reason to join the club because the club members have access to all of the senior events that we hold here at the Village of Wellington Community Center. And they have access to the casino trips and that sort of thing. They have knowledge of the lunch and learns and access to be able to attend them. I don't understand why there isn't, you know I see the difference between the two.

And

I think it's just the $30 just gives them access to events that are not necessarily hosted by the village of wellness. Correct. Correct. Like, they have a

Yet they're funded

by the village

of wellness. Outside the fact that the village gives them money, so then, therefore, doing their you know, I'm sure at some point there's an audit, you know, to see where they're spending their money, how much of the village of Wellington's money is going into what activities that they're going to.

Yes. And, you know, per the audit as well, just to be very transparent, you know, we did find that they do have an excess of funds of a $146,000 So yes.

In the balance of their

State and

is that $146,000 that they have access in, is that as a result of their membership or the money that we've given them and or money that they have used and it rolls over? Like if they don't use the money that we give them for the grant or whatever, the funding that we give doesn't roll over to the next year. And is that why they have such a large amount of money in the bank?

Yes. So just to be very transparent, I would say over the last four years is when we actually changed the process. So before, the village would just give the fifth it used to be $56,200. Over the last four years, we've said, hey, you know, we're not going to just give it. We are going to review based on your expenditures and then give the money based on And so prior to that,

And I mean, just

That's makes village money, though.

That's village money. So I have a

Would we make a motion to a motion to I don't know. You'll have to tell me how that staff, and tell me if it's possible, explore, because it may just be that something has been here and it's operated well, but now the other peer programs that you all do have just blossomed and bloomed, and we've got members that we've got a quote membership there, and we've also got this other membership, but that's an invite not invited, but an applied membership that you get accepted, where maybe we don't need that in Wellington because we can combine everybody and all the money and maybe improve programs or offer some more. And maybe there can be can the village provide like a casino trip or some of the trips they do and maybe combine it and then everybody can do it and you don't have to join for $30 a year. Correct. Those trips would be extra money, but everybody at the lunch and learns at the horse show might be a few extra bucks.

Right. But everybody's included who Right. Is a Well, don't know. Would you motion for to be done?

Just so everybody's aware. I wanna give you the exact amount because I said a 146. It's a $146,890.25 as of December. At this point in time, the village is not going to be funding any more money to the senior club at this point. We are going to have a contract in place. We are waiting you know to get that signed and per that contract, we are saying that until we get down to a $25,000 threshold, the village will not be giving any more money for the senior club.

It seems like it's a duplication of services provided to the seniors. I understand that. And you have to pay membership. That's why I was questioning what is offered for that club membership. Right. Because we can do, at the village of Wellington Community Center senior committee, we can do anything that they can do, but they charge $30 for their membership. And we're giving them money to help them out.

Right. Yeah. I totally understand your concerns and, you know, I agree. I mean, I think we've definitely seen an uptick in programming and activities offered. And, you know, we're definitely trying to make it very social for them and also give them opportunities to learn and you know get free breakfast and free lunch and you know really partner with people to be able to provide a lot more services for them. So you know that's definitely a main concern for at least Kyle and I and our the entire village because as you know too, know, we want them to age in place. And so we want them to age in place and we want them to also be able to, you know, be at the community center, have exercise, know, learn, eat healthy. I mean it's so important. And so, know, really trying to offer all of these programs as much as we possibly can as well.

Well, think it's just amazing what the village offers. And I think I think as a board, maybe today we're actually not that we have it in the past, but this is an issue we've all, you know, that we did, brought to light, talked about after you mentioned it, and this is what we're supposed to be doing. So thank you all so much. I mean, of you are just I mean, I don't know how you just right away know there's 140 some thousand, you know, you just know all the facts and figures, know what everybody does, and that gets us informed to come back and say, look, let's see if we can broaden everything to make it better for all of our seniors in Wellington.

Yeah.

And That's the overall goal.

And Great. They wouldn't charge $30 people wouldn't be paying $30 to be in a club, but everybody can get enhanced programs or more programs or a better breakfast, you know, more delicious breakfast than it already is, whatever. But I think that I think this is what we're supposed to be doing. I think it's great that we all got to discuss it get your feedback and so readily. And how you know it all, I don't know. But that's maybe that's why. Just I applaud you. Thank you all.

It's what you've been able to provide for the seniors. And until I speaking for myself, until I was on the senior advisory committee, I had no idea of all the services that were provided. And I've worked with the village, you know, a lot. But I had no idea of all the things that they that you guys have set up for the seniors. And it's just amazing. I don't know anywhere else that does this. Right.

A couple of things about that club. My wife and I joined two years ago, last year, two years ago. And I think a lot of times we, in the back of our minds we say, oh, a club, You've got to submit an application. They've got to look at it. See if you're worthy to No. You write a check, you're in the club. So, it's not exclusive. It's just a, you know, if you want to join, you join. About six or seven councils ago I had asked when I found out about this program. I said, wait a minute. We're funding a club with public money that's a private no, it's not a private you know, they explained all the things And to then they said, basically, the reason we're doing it is cheaper for them to do it than it is for the town to do it. Because at the time, we didn't have all this great stuff

going on. There you go.

Right. Basically, it's a legacy Right. Arm of of quasi farming of the government Mhmm. That was cheaper. The councils at that time figured it was a lot cheaper for them, kind of like Little League. Right? A lot of towns fund Little League because they don't want to do it themselves.

Mhmm.

So I think, unless I'm wrong, I think that was the genesis of

the Absolutely. Club in the first Yeah. Like I said, it's definitely changed. I've been here seven years and when I was hired, that was my first initial was just senior programming. So Mhmm. Seven years ago and now here we are. So Yes. You know, and and Kyle does a fabulous job at making sure that, you know, all the programs are there. I mean, it's amazing. It's just amazing to see how much it's grown.

And to your credit, a lot of these things were not available because there was nowhere to have them. Correct. Because I remember when they built this.

Mhmm.

And there was nowhere for anybody to do anything. Right. You know. Right. And, you know, I've you know, between A Hard Place and a Stone, they moved my tennis courts. But I was just gonna say,

I don't know.

Wait a You play golf and tennis?

Yeah. No. Yeah. But, you know, the the the back and forth, you know, with the council developing this whole area. But it's been a blessing to the community. It really has. And not just the senior community. Mean, you know, I still hear the griping over there on the tennis courts. But, you know, considering how nice the facility is that we did move to and what they can do here, all the things that you guys provide for the community in this building and in the even over at community center is just amazing. There was no place to have all of that before.

There wasn't. And they hired the staff that's excellent. And everything else is well.

And we can execute. You're executing. Exactly.

I just want to add that I'm being more time here with the committee than before I meet Jennifer. But, like she said, you know, I see a lot of changes, positive changes with the city. And that's the reason that motivates me to come right here, to bring more activities. And I'm the one who's selling the city to the public outside. I have the face to face access to the clients in Wellington. So, just promoted them. I refer clients to Jennifer to the city. I'm happy to But be also, like you say Roxanne, we want to find out how the money is spending, you know, and how we can utilize better, in a better way, you

know. Right.

But thank you for all you Yes,

I think that the senior population participation is growing because of your programs, because as we all know people age better with socialization. I believe that your programs are enabling them to age and stay in place rather than move to facilities because have the lunches and the activity and the stimulation. So it's Transportation. Transportation. So it's really, I mean, an amazing service that you're providing for people that they could stay where they live and are comfortable because you all are providing such great simulation for them.

So thank you.

Thank you.

Any closing comments? A quick question. Not totally on point, but seniors do use the pool. So when the new facility gets up and running in a couple years, is this old facility going to go away?

So the plan is is that, I don't know the exact plan and I don't, you know, I know that the fall is when we're looking for the new aquatic center to be built. You know, I don't know exactly but it should be green space. I think that's what the overall plan is. I don't believe we're gonna keep it as a pool here, but of course, we can, have them come in to present about the new facility. I'm sure you'd probably wanna hear about that too, because I think it's gonna be really nice and offer a lot of different programs for kids, seniors, and adults. Mhmm. So that might also be a great presentation if you guys would like to see that as well. Sure.

Perfect. Yeah.

It would probably be good to have John Bostic's facility people come over and discuss what's going to be there since that's going to be right next to the Aquatic Center and he's going to be providing a lot of activities for children.

Children, yeah. Okay. Sure. We can definitely do that.

Do you know if there are any plans to have senior aqua aerobics or anything over there at the new facility?

I don't off the top of my head, but I could certainly find out. I'm sure that they will.

I believe they will.

Yeah. Sure they will. Yeah. It's very exciting.

Any more questions? No.

Thank you very much. Of course.

Thank you. We adjourn this meeting.

Motion.

Motion.

Do we motion to adjourn?

Motion to adjourn. Second. All in favor?

Aye. It's your turn.