Board debates number and timing of senior center social events; craft fair, pantry and Veterans Day planned

Members of the Farmers Branch Senior Advisory Board discussed the center's recent events and whether to reduce three annual social programs to two larger events, with a preference among several members for evening programs to boost attendance.

"We had a great turnout" at recent events, Deborah Hall said of a Farmers Branch Fire Department open house she helped with and the center's fall festival. Board members reported that three recent social programs drew roughly 100, 125 and 180 attendees respectively, and that in total the programs served about 400 attendees (not all unique individuals).

Several members argued evening events draw bigger, more social crowds and recommended holding two events instead of three: one in winter and one in summer (options discussed included January/May/September or January/July). Suggestions for event formats included a scaled-down game night or a Family Feud-style game show to increase participation.

Board members also reviewed scheduled community activities: a Metro Crest mobile food pantry will be onsite next Monday; the Texas State Fair trip was completed and participants returned safely; a craft fair with about 65 vendors is planned; and Veterans Day programming will include guest speakers, a brass band, poppies and volunteer support from Newman Smith High School.

No formal motion was adopted to change the number of social events; the board agreed to refer the decision to the social-programming committee for planning and final recommendations.