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Senior board readies Viva Fiesta and other events while Branch Connections operates from alternate sites
Summary
Board members reviewed upcoming senior events, including a Viva Fiesta scheduled for March 14 with a taco bar, DJ and photo booth, and confirmed sign-ups are open; members discussed catering costs and the requirement that attendees be enrolled members.
Board members of the Farmers Branch Senior Advisory Board reviewed upcoming events and programs that will continue while the Branch Connections building is closed for renovations.
The matter matters because the board’s programs provide social connection and services for older residents; continuing events offsite preserves programming while the center is under construction. Staff said sign-ups for the Viva Fiesta opened last month and that the event is planned for March 14. “That opened last month,” a board member said regarding sign-ups. The Viva Fiesta is planned to include a taco bar, DJ, photo booth and a cake walk; organizers expect to use three rooms to host activities.
Board members discussed that attendees must be enrolled members to register. When asked if nonmembers could sign up, a staff member replied, “You have to be enrolled,” referring to program enrollment requirements. The board discussed catering options and cost: they said chef Leslie previously provided a breakfast at about $10 per head, which board members called a low price and described as difficult to match. Board members agreed they can seek additional bids from caterers but noted liability and food-permit rules make in-house cooking difficult; one staff member explained that outsourced caterers assume food-permit liability rather than the board.
Other recurring activities were also noted: a cooking club that recently drew about 24 participants, regular dances that continue to attract attendees, a Valentine’s tea the next day and recurring weekday trips and activities listed in the brochure. The social program series subcommittee is also preparing a Viva Fiesta outreach and intends to ramp up July and September events after March.
No formal votes were taken. Staff said they will continue to coordinate sign-ups, confirm head counts for catering orders and follow up on possible alternative caterers and menu options as the center’s reopening approaches.
