More than ever, our seniors need support
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AVIVA GOELMAN
More than any time in recent history, nonprofit organizations are
relying on the generosity of the local community to take up the slack
created by state and federal budget shortfalls.
The Costa Mesa Senior Center is also part of this reality. So, as
we launch our 2005 annual campaign, we again ask -- humbly -- for
financial support from our loyal neighbors. Without you, it will be
impossible to maintain the quality of the programs and services the
Senior Center provides to our community’s seniors.
Albert Einstein said it best: “We owe much of what we are to the
past. We all stand on the shoulders of generations that came before.”
History has shown us that donating funds to support programs to
improve the quality of life of senior citizens is often a low
priority for those who contribute to charitable causes. Recognizing
that, it is important to note that supporting our senior citizens,
who are most in need as they live the twilight of their lives, are
actually a worthy investment impacting all generations.
At the Costa Mesa Senior Center, we always welcome younger people,
who both share with and learn from our senior members. After all,
they will also be among the elderly some day.
Ecologists tell us that a young tree grows better when it is
planted in a stand of older trees. The reason, it seems, is that the
roots of the young tree are able to follow the pathways created by
older trees. As such, their roots are more stout, steady and true.
Stronger, older, more established trees share resources with the
young and growing trees. This relationship creates a whole and
healthy forest.
Human beings thrive in the same way, enjoying a fuller life
experience when they grow in the presence of those who have come
before.
At the Costa Mesa Senior Center, we are forever researching and
developing new activities, social programs and services to enhance
the quality of the lives of our seniors. In turn, our members,
nourished by their experiences here, share and promote goodwill
within their own families, with their friends and with the community
as a whole.
We provide a host of essential services to more than 500 seniors
each day. The Senior Center nourishes more than just the spirit.
Members enjoy a hot meal at lunch, and homebound seniors receive
delivered meals. We furnish transportation to and from the Senior
Center, as well as to and from doctor appointments.
We offer many computer classes for the beginning and advanced
student. Instruction on e-mail offers our members the opportunity to
communicate from home with their families and friends far away. Eight
different fitness programs -- from Tai Chi to Jazzercise -- help our
members stay active and fit.
Our many social activities include bridge, painting and ballroom
dancing. For our adventurous members, we offer trips to local venues
of interest and to the far reaches of the world, such as Alaska,
Canada, China and Japan.
The Costa Mesa Senior Center has been self-supporting for 13
years, with a partial grant graciously made available by the City of
Costa Mesa. But to remain viable, we must rely heavily on public and
private grants and on generous supporters like you. Our door is
always open, and we encourage you to visit.
Most importantly, we urge you to continue to generously support
the Costa Mesa Senior Center with a donation during our 2005 annual
campaign. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization, so your donations
are tax deductible.
If you are moved to provide financial support for the Senior
Center, please send your check to the Costa Mesa Senior Center, 695
West 19th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Cupid keeps piercing hearts at the Senior Center, as many of our
members have become longtime friends. Given the spirit of love in
February, please remember to mark your calendars for our Valentine’s
Day dinner and dance on Feb. 14, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the center.
Tickets are $5 for members and $12 for nonmembers. For reservations
and information, please call (949) 645-2356.
The center will be closed February 21 in celebration of
Presidents’ Day.
In addition to all the traditional holidays in February, we
recognize International Women’s Day. The Costa Mesa Senior Center
pays special tribute to all the women, who -- whether a volunteer or
part of our staff -- make the Senior Center such a wonderful place.
The history of International Women’s Day dates back to 1910. Women
in the United States organized the first national Women’s Day in
February 1908 and helped to inspire the international event. Since
then, the event has grown tremendously and recognizes the growth of
women’s political and social rights.
* AVIVA GOELMAN is the executive director of the Costa Mesa Senior
Center and will write occasional columns about the center, its
members and senior issues.
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