WCOM NEWS

1-14-05

Miramar offering day trips for enjoyment of seniors

MIRAMAR--There's plenty for seniors to do just in Miramar, but there's also an entire range of entertainment, shopping and sightseeing beyond the city's borders.

The city's seniors can have the best of both worlds: the Social Services Department is offering a slate of day trips.

The trips are part of a mix that includes regular activities and special events, said Marva Graham, Miramar's social services program manager. "We have a dedicated group of seniors that loves trips," she said. "All we have to do is tell them when and how much."

Graham said the trips are an easier way for seniors to enjoy outings that they might have trouble completing by themselves, either because of driving difficulties or a reluctance to go to an unfamiliar place.

"All they have to do is show up. It eliminates an excuse for them not getting out of the house," Graham said. "We think it's important for them to have a variety of activities, and this is also a way to keep them active."

The schedule:

Today: Pompano Harness Track. The bus leaves at 4:30 p.m. from the Sunset Lakes Senior Center, 2801 SW 186th Ave. Cost is $4.

Feb. 16: SeaEscape cruise. Bus leaves at 9 a.m. from the Venetian Street Senior Center, 7667 Venetian St. $22.95.

Feb. 18: Trip to Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. Bus leaves at 10 a.m. from Sunset Lakes Center. Free.

Feb. 25: Fort Lauderdale Bonnet House. Bus leaves at 10 a.m. from Sunset Lakes. $9.

March 1: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino trip. Bus leaves at 10 a.m. from Venetian Street Center. Free.

March 11: Shopping trip to Bayside in Miami. Bus leaves at 10 a.m. from the Sunset Lakes Center. Free.

March 25: Intracoastal Waterway cruise in Fort Lauderdale on the Jungle Queen. Bus leaves Sunset Lakes at 9 a.m. $13.50.

March 30: Trip to Fruit and Spice Park in south Miami-Dade County. Bus leaves at 9:30 a.m. from Venetian Street Center. $5.


Meanwhile, two events are set for Miramar:

A senior fashion show will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Miramar Civic Center, 6920 SW 35th St. Seniors will model formal wear, casual wear and other clothing. Cost is $5.

A Valentine's Day Dance for seniors will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Sunset Lakes Senior Center, 2801 SW 186th Ave.

The most elaborate of the senior trips -- an annual excursion in the fall -- has yet to be scheduled, Graham said. Past destinations have been New Orleans, Memphis, Atlantic City and Chicago.

(source) Sun Sentinel (Nick Sortal) 1-14-05