Board finalizes July 11 "Fun in the Sun" plans and discusses new programming, spotlight nominations and Veterans Day speaker

The Senior Advisory Board used a lengthy agenda discussion to finalize plans for a July 11 social titled "Fun in the Sun," review upcoming events and restart programming for the reopened Branch Connection.

For the July 11 event staff and board members reported the event will run from 1 to 3 p.m. and proposed a menu of chicken salad and tomato-cheese sandwiches, strawberry lemonade, chips, small individual pies or half-pies, and single-serving ice cream cups. Activities discussed included a photo-op backdrop (not a staffed photo booth), air-hockey tables to borrow, corn-hole (referred to as "green toss"), popcorn for ambiance, and a plan to block part of the ballroom for games while keeping other areas open. A staff presenter suggested recruiting teenagers from the recreation center for volunteer service hours to help with food distribution. There was no formal action; staff and volunteers will handle logistics and supplies.

Board members also discussed upcoming trips and ticketing: June museum trips had required adding tickets at $42.50 per person because of demand, and a July trip was planned for a Fort Worth Stockyards area museum that offers free admission on Tuesdays.

On programming restarts, staff said movies will be offered on alternating Saturdays starting in July and dance lessons will be launched with a target of 12 committed participants to make classes viable. Staff said they will promote sign-ups at breakfasts and in the newsletter and start registration as soon as possible. Other activities returning or restarting include Wii bowling, ping-pong on Tuesdays and Fridays, and possibly more pickleball discussion in a future meeting; staff noted there are pickleball lines in a back area but said there are considerations about floor suitability for regular play.

The board also discussed its "Spotlight" recognition program and memorial committee business: members asked staff to compile a list of past spotlight winners (members noted the city record was spotty) and discussed nominations; board members reported delivering a proclamation for a member who turned 100. On Veterans Day planning, a subcommittee reported meeting with retired General Joe Allen, who is a prospective speaker; the subcommittee will finalize logistics at an upcoming meeting.

Board members asked staff to follow up on volunteer recruitment, promotional timing for new classes, and to prepare a consolidated list of prior Spotlight honorees to avoid repeat selections.