The Helping Hands column profiles the town’s 12 volunteer committees and advisory boards that promote various causes in Miami Lakes and help town government serve the community. Their activities are funded by the town budget and by ticket sales from some events.
Committee: Elderly Affairs Committee
Founded: Nov. 14, 2006
Chair: Dottie Wix
Vice Chair: Lourdes Corvo
Treasurer: Rosario Navarro
Secretary: Jessica Joseph
Members: Alexandra Alonso; Omaida Bomboust; Xiomara Castilla; Brenda Escobar; Pedro Fiallo; Jacqueline Lebeda; Aida McCarthy; Maria Perdomo;
Maria Planas; Nancy Rogers; Luis Suarez and Sarah Suarez.
Mission: “To assist the Town with identifying the needs of the elderly residents in Miami Lakes. The committee focuses on the development of programs serving the elderly, such as the senior health and wellness fair, community forums and social events,” according to the town’s website.
From free bingo lunches and educational forums to talent contests and field trips, the Miami Lakes Elderly Affairs Committee does a little bit of everything to keep the town’s seniors engaged and having fun.
During its June 7 meeting, the volunteers discussed the success of a recent bingo lunch and upcoming trips to see the Miami Marlins play and to gamble at a casino.
Maria Planas was attending her first meeting. She joined the committee to share her experience in the medical field.
“Dealing with the elderly [in my job] plus my parents, I developed a special feeling for them,” said Planas, a nurse who works in insurance. “They’re very vulnerable.”
The monthly bingo lunches are the most popular event and draw more than 50 players as well as elected officials who want their votes.
Fla. Rep. Tom Fabricio, R-Miami Lakes and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Senator Rene Garcia have stopped by. State Rep. Bryan Avila, R-Miami Springs, brought roses to the ladies one day.
The number of seniors attending the luncheons increases every year. Local restaurants provide the meals for those who play as well as for others who can’t get in the game and take them to go.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the group, with the help of additional volunteers and the Freebee drivers, delivered meals to shut-in seniors. That exercise in keeping loneliness at bay was thanks to committee chair Dottie Wix. She also joins in the fun, and dresses in costumes for the Halloween and Christmas parties.
Coming up in August is the Mr. and Ms. Senior Miami Lakes contest. It’s in its second year and is an opportunity for elders to showcase their talents. This is the first year that men will compete.
The committee also compiles applications for Jerry’s List, names of homebound seniors who may need help installing shutters or need water or wellness checks during hurricanes.
The committee also provides forums for residents on subjects such as estate planning and medical news.
Planas says she hopes to contribute to the committee’s projects and support them and town residents.
“[I hope] to educate the elderly on certain matters they may want to know about [and] just be there,” Planas said.
To join the Elderly Affairs Committee or any other town committee or board, file a form with Miami Lakes Town Clerk Gina Inguanzo and attend two committee meetings.
A town council member will then recommend the applicant to the rest of the council for his or her appointment.
Committee members must live or work in town, and some committees require a background check. For more information go to https://bit.ly/3lRTaA9.