Guest View – The Opinion of the Joan Sattler

Celebrating Older Americans Month
Every May, since 1963, communities throughout the United States,
come together to celebrate the enormous contributions of older
Americans for their wisdom, experience, and the will to realize
their dreams and to not only
”
speak their minds
”
but also to
”
speak their hearts!
”
Older Americans Month is our chance to show our appreciation and
to support our seniors, as they continue to enrich and strengthen
our communities.
Celebrating Older Americans Month

Every May, since 1963, communities throughout the United States, come together to celebrate the enormous contributions of older Americans for their wisdom, experience, and the will to realize their dreams and to not only “speak their minds” but also to “speak their hearts!”

Older Americans Month is our chance to show our appreciation and to support our seniors, as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities.  

Jovenes de Antaño Senior Program whose primary mission is to provide critical services for San Benito County’s seniors is dedicated to celebrating aging, on a daily basis.  

The Programs and Events, conducted by Jovenes de Antaño reflect the Administration on Aging’s 2011 theme: “Older Americans: Connecting the Community.” 

Families and friends are also encouraged to attend Jovenes activities and the Program’s participants are further advised of all the wonderful events which are occurring in San Benito County. They are encouraged to take advantage of their diverse offerings. 

Last week for Mother’s Day amidst spring flowers and gaily packaged gift bags, Jovenes offered a kaleidoscope of food, fun, laughter and more than a few hugs. Only hours before, Jovenes celebrated Cinco de Mayo. Young mothers accompanied their children, who were arriving to entertain the seniors. If one listened closely, you could hear the leader of the brightly costumed dance troop (with a number of dancers under 3 1/2 feet tall) whisper, “All right, girls, let’s go and remember, big wide smiles and big wide skirts.” 

The weekly seniors’ brunch provided by Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital offers seniors a wonderful opportunity to have an array of culinary delights, created by the hospital’s chef, for $2. It offers a chance to get up to speed on current events, such as the latest trip, the latest grandchild and all those amazing things that make Saturday morning so special. When the topic of Older Americans Month was brought up last Saturday, a number of “brunch goers” shared their thoughts – some thoughts were simply “knowing” smiles between bites.

Marian Deisenroth, 76, and a12-year resident of Hollister, smiled and said, “May brings me hope – every May brings me hope. It’s the beginning of Summer. I’m a cancer survivor – twice now.”

Eva Walker said that she is so very grateful to live in Hollister, where she findsprograms and events encouraging senior participation to be unparalleled in other cities.

Others verbalize their reflections on the importance of senior programs and the critical need to be constantly vigilant regarding program cutbacks.

Dolly De Vasier, a three-term Board Member of the Seniors Council of Santa Cruz and San Benito counties and current President of Jovenes de Antano’s Board of Directors joined Board Vice-President, Lowell Shearin, in the expression of concern over critical Senior Programs and Services, in the delivery of Transportation and in Insurance coverage. De Vasier  and Shearin mirrored the Administration on Aging when reminding those present of the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities.

  “San Benito County Seniors through their shared histories, diverse experiences, and wealth of knowledge have made our culture, economy, and local character what they are today,” they said. “Values of respect, honor, responsibility, caring, preserving one’s health and mentoring are being expressed – this May – this Older Americans Month – in Hollister.

However, the expression of these values is being eroded through budgetary cuts causing senior, and so many other vital programs, to be diminished or to cease altogether. Jovenes is only one of many nonprofit organizations feeling the challenges of today’s economy. Jovenes represents the only major program which serves seniors and advocates for seniors – at all levels. Today – more than ever – donations of money and volunteer time to Jovenes are both greatly needed”. 

At the brunch, some present discussed patriotism and service within the branches of the military. Martha Moses, 89, expressed such pride in her years in the U.S. Navy and acknowledged that Louise Reynolds was also in the Navy.

Dolly De Vasier never will forget the time she spent in the  Air Force, continuing to be a major force in the leadership of  San Benito County’s Veterans’ of Foreign Wars. 

Jack Trowbridge, 93, flew for the military for more than 27 years. His retirement on Dec. 31, 1965 ushered in a second career in civil service management for 25 years. He won’t be coming to the Saturday Brunch for the next few weeks – he’s going to be busy, flying to Texas for his granddaughter Charlotte’s college graduation. 

Margaret Sandoval, Jovenes de Antano’s Caregiver Program Manager, enthusiastically makes the weekly pilgrimage to Saturday’s Brunch, with her husband, Jesus. She welcomes the opportunity to share new programs and events with other attendees. One such event, “Caregiver University,” is June 18, at the Hollister Community Center. A rich array of resource displays and workshops await those in attendance at this Event – which is free of charge. Inquiries may be made to Pauline Valdivia, the Jovenes executive director, at 637-9275.