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Wellington staff highlight busy fall lineup, Freebee transportation and new senior amenities
Summary
Village staff reported a series of senior-focused events and services — including a senior health fair Oct. 3, Havana Nights attendance figures, congregate meals, a new ping-pong table, and continued partnership with Freebee — and said the village will continue sponsoring transportation while monitoring costs.
Village community services staff delivered a rundown of senior programming and services at the Senior Advisory Committee meeting. Staff reported that the recent Havana Nights senior party drew 312 registrations and about 275 attendees, and that upcoming events include a senior health fair scheduled for Friday, Oct. 3, at the Wellington Community Center ballroom with 29 vendor tables and free admission from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kyle, who provided the staff update, said the village currently has 120 seniors registered for the Oct. 3 health fair and had 140 registered for the Oct. 31 Halloween party. "We currently have a 120 registered," Kyle said of the health fair, and he added that the community center’s communications team will record photos and video at events.
Staff summarized other services: congregate meal site attendance averages 10 to 20 people daily depending on the meal; lunch‑and‑learn programs through October are planned with typical attendance from 50 to 80; a registered nurse provides monthly "music bingo" and cognitive activities that draw 15–20 participants; and a new ping‑pong table was purchased for the senior lounge with plans for informal tournaments.
On transportation, staff described the village’s continuing partnership with Freebee. The village currently operates two Freebee vehicles; staff said the program’s value is largely the consistent drivers and direct village oversight that provide seniors a sense of security. "One of our biggest things was that we didn't want there to be a lapse in coverage or a lapse in comfortability," Kyle said. Staff also noted one sponsor for a vehicle, Compassionate Care.
Committee members asked practical questions about logistics and costs. When asked whether Freebee was more expensive than Uber, staff said the programs are probably comparable financially but that Freebee offers a stable relationship and local oversight. Staff said a report on the vehicle program’s finances will be presented at a future meeting when village staff completes its review.
The committee also approved shifting the advisory committee’s regular meeting start time to 4 p.m.; the motion passed following a brief amendment and a vote of the committee. Staff confirmed next steps include inviting senior club leadership to present at the committee’s next meeting and circulating calendar notices for upcoming lunch‑and‑learn events.
