THE GOLDEN ONE —Senior Concerns Golden Girls dancers pose during the organization’s 50th anniversary celebration March 15 at the Hyatt Regency Westlake. Photos by SUSAN WEININGER/Acorn Newspapers
The 58 million Americans who are 65 years and older don’t care to be reminded of that fact—but the fact is, the older population has increased by almost 35% in just over a decade, compared to a 2% increase in the under-65 population.
By 2050, nearly one in four Americans will be over 65, statistics show. It’s an unprecedented surge in U.S. history, the graying of the country a result of its ubiquitous baby boomer generation.
Golden anniversaries are synonymous with the senior cohort: weddings, relationships and the like. On March 15, Senior Concerns of the Conejo Valley celebrated its golden anniversary as the lead benefactor for the older population in the region.
Senior Concerns board chair Kara Buss welcomes guests during the festivities.
The nonprofit organization founded in 1975 impacts 13,000 seniors and caregivers annually through its Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Care Program and Caregiver Support Center.
More than 400 people attended the recent Senior Concerns 50-year celebration at the Hyatt Regency Westlake. Dinner and recognition speeches were followed by a lively auction that raised funds for the Thousand Oaks-based organization.
“Senior Concerns was founded by a group of community members who recognized the need for services and support for seniors in the Conejo Valley,” said Andrea Gallagher, the organization’s president and author of a frequent senior advocacy column seen in the Acorn newspapers.
“Reaching our 50th anniversary is a testament to the generous support of our community and the dedication of our board of directors, volunteers and staff,” Gallagher said.
Tami Ratzan-Wank of Agoura Hills delivered a keynote speech and told the audience that the organization’s Adult Day Care Center proved to be a lifeline for her mother, who suffers from dementia.
“It was just over six years ago when my mom first said, ‘I keep forgetting things. I’m just not remembering,’” Ratzan-Wank said.
“When I signed my mom up for Senior Concerns Adult Day Care there was a six-month waiting list,” she said. “Initially (we) were only able to get her in for one day a week, but that quickly grew to three and then full-time at five days. Mom calls it ‘school’ or ‘class,’ but to me it was and still is a ‘lifesaver.’
Guests enjoy outdoor appetizers and cocktails.
“The stimulation, respect and care they offer is truly a superpower,” the daughter said.
Senior Concerns’ day care center offers assistance to elders with cognitive or physical impairment. The Meals on Wheels delivery program sends about 65,000 meals annually to some 450 homebound seniors. Other services include educational seminars, in-home geriatric assessments and pro bono legal and financial help.
“I think this is one of the most important nonprofits to support in this area because as you know, we are all aging,” 42nd District state representative Jacqui Irwin said to the audience.
“In the state legislature we often talk about the ‘silver tsunami’ and the importance of making sure that we plan for that senior population,” Irwin said.
TASTY TREATS—Amy Jo Williby prepares for guests a Wilde Irish Gin punch with honey, lemon and aloe during the Senior Concerns’ 50th anniversary celebration March 15 at the Hyatt Regency Westlake.
The organization is also powered by its more than 400 volunteers who contribute thousands of hours of service annually.
“On our 50th anniversary we thought it fitting to recognize longstanding supporters who helped bring us to this point in our history,” Gallagher said.
Those “legacy families” include Linda and David Catlin, Karen and Ed Jefferson, Patricia and George Jones, Lisa and Bob Shaw, Keet and Hugh Cassar and Joanie and Richard Young.
Major business support comes from Logix Federal Credit Union, Amgen and Los Robles Regional Medical Center.
The Senior Concerns headquarters is at 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks.
For more information, go to www.seniorconerns.org.
DANCING FOR A CAUSE— Newbury Park resident Natalia Goble, 8, takes to the dance floor during the Senior Concerns’ golden anniversary celebration. The annual fundraiser included pre-dinner food and beverage tastings followed by live and silent auctions. There were also speakers, testimonials, music and dancing. The Senior Concerns mission is to provide programs and services for seniors and caregivers which improve and support their quality of life.
