Members of the Miami Lakes Senior Committee discussed a volunteer welfare‑check program for seniors living alone and finalized several event expenditures at their meeting.

The committee considered creating an informal "welcome wagon" to check on seniors who live alone. "If people get sick in our community and they're part of our group, then maybe we can't get, like, a [check-in]," Speaker 1 said when introducing the idea, later adding the operating principle: "We will do our best to try and help if possible." Members raised liability concerns and recommended preparing details before asking the town council to endorse the program. Speaker 4 described a police‑run model in another jurisdiction where enrolled seniors call daily and officers are dispatched when there is no response; Speaker 3 urged the committee to consult counsel and to consider vendorized or clinic‑based approaches to limit legal exposure.

On event planning, the committee reviewed recent activities and upcoming holiday events. Speaker 1 said the recent bingo was a "big success" and that the committee should hold bingo more frequently. The panel approved a motion to buy a small plaque or gift for the chair with a suggested cap of $50; the motion passed by voice vote.

Members then voted to hire a caterer for the Christmas social. "I make a motion that we hire chef for the Christmas social for up to $15 a person," Speaker 1 said, and immediately recommended a slight increase, "I think we should do it to $16 just in case." The committee discussed menu substitutions to accommodate dietary needs (chicken alternatives for those who do not eat pork) and approved the motion by voice vote.

Decor and technology for events were also approved. Speaker 3 noted a previous photo‑booth cost of "$572" at an earlier event, and Speaker 1 moved to contract a photo booth with a budget under $600; that motion was approved by voice vote. Members discussed prize and raffle administration, noting that some gift cards are provided through a commissioner donation and require recipient sign‑in and recordkeeping.

The committee also laid groundwork for future outings, including movie trips starting in January and potential theater/playhouse field trips. Speaker 2 said group rates and early planning are needed because tickets can sell out quickly; the committee requested a proposal and cost estimates for a future meeting.

Separately, Speaker 1 announced a collection of new pajamas for children in Miami‑Dade County shelters, accepting donations of all sizes through the end of the following week and providing an office drop‑off address in Miami Lakes.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at approximately 7:00 p.m.

The committee assigned several follow‑up tasks: prepare liability and operational details for the proposed welfare‑check program before presenting to council; confirm caterer menu and price; finalize photo‑booth vendor and logistics; and prepare a field‑trip proposal for a future meeting.