More than ever, our seniors need support

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.