Published: September 16, 1997
THE IOLA WILLIAMS SENIOR
PROGRAM
By Anna P. Smith, MSW
Seniors Writer
The Iola Williams Senior Program, located at 2072 Lucretia Avenue, San Jose, Calif., offers planned programs and services for persons age 50 and over.
Perhaps you are in the age range of 50 or over as, according to the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, there are some 8,390 African Americans living here in Santa Clara County who are age 50 and above. Of these, some 3,466 are ages 60 or over. The Iola Williams Senior Program is here to provide service and activities for you.
Nutritious, hot meals are served to seniors age 60 and over at a donation of $1.50 per meal. This Nutrition Program is served at 12:00 Noon, Tuesdays through Fridays. Children and persons under age 60, pay $4.00 per meal. Free Van service is available at Iola Williams Senior Program for the frail and elderly.
The Iola Williams Senior Program offers the Echoes Discussion Group every Wednesday morning, to discuss issues or concerns of seniors. Teri Alien, Director, Iola Williams Senior Program, says “This discussion group can be compared to your favorite talk show, because all areas of life are discussed.” Topics have included coping with adult children, stress, aging or sharing childhood memories, interests and hobbies and discussing what seniors should or should not do. The ground rule is ,whatever is discussed, stays within the group. Professional facilitator, Queen Ann Cannon and Social Worker Anna Smith are the Group facilitators. Come and join this discussion group and share of your life’s stories.
SALA-Senior Adult Legal Assistance, comes to Iola Williams Senior Program every third Monday of a month. SALA provides free, legal assistance for simple wills and provides other legal assistance. Appointment times are 10:30am-12:30pm and a staff person must sign you up.
HICAP counseling is available on the second Tuesday to assist Medicare beneficiaries and their families regarding Medicare or other health insurance issues.
Call Iola Williams Senior Program at (408) 292-6592 or drop by to sign up for any of the above stated services. Come on the third Wednesday of a month and hear Health Educator Elva Jones speak on health education. Come by for the fun of a game of Bingo, Dominoes or cards and stay for lunch. Come to play Pay Bingo on Friday afternoons at 1:00pm.
Iola Williams Seniors are in line with the growing medical opinion that it is better to be active as we age. Some seniors start their mornings with a walk and a group of seniors are forming a seniors bowling team. Eleven Iola Williams Seniors participated in the “Seniors Walk a Golden Mile”, on May 15,1997, at Lake Cunningham Park. They were: Mary Garcia, Marien Cummings, Marva Worthy, Ruth Fincher, Pearl Neal, Audrey Holbrook, Helen Holland, Dorothy Navy, Pernina Burke, Otis Burke and Fenis Williams.
The 2nd Annual “Silicon Valley Classic”-San Jose Senior Games was held July 17-July 20,1997, with competition open to all active and healthy-minded older adults.
Last year, Iola Williams Seniors participated in the first San Jose Senior Games and Mother Lillie Briggs, at age 91, was the oldest participant. This year, Iola Williams Seniors participated in the Bowling, Horseshoes and Cycling events. Congratulations to the participants are in order, as six(6) Iola Williams Seniors placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd with competition in their respective age categories! They were: Age Category 55-59, Bowling: Mary Santoro-Gold medal. Age Category 60-64, Bowling: Pearl Neal-Bronze medal. Age Category 65-69, Bowling: Pecola McClellen-Gold medal; Ida Holliman-Silver medal. Age Category 75-79, Bowling: Mary Perrish-Silver medal and Mary Parrish, age 78, won the bowling ball! Competing in Horseshoes were: Pearl Neal-Gold medal and Lillie Briggs, age 92-Gold medal and Marva Worthy-Silver medal.
Herman Hughes competed in Bicycling, riding his bicycle for 8 miles total. Michelle Collins, Dorothy Navy and Ruth Fincher also participated in the games. Congratulations to each of you.
Adult Education Classes at Iola Williams Senior Program are set to begin the week of August 18th. Come out to the Sewing Club on Mondays, l0am-12 noon. Come to the Pottery Class on Tuesdays, l:00-3:30pm. Tai Chi is on Wednesdays, l0am-11:00am and Exploring Crafts is on Wednesdays at 1:00-3:30pm.
Seniors face the loss of loved ones and have other adjustments and losses, but loss of one’s good health is not, necessarily, a part of aging. Eating nutritious meals, physical activity and friends are factors in the maintenance of health.
The Iola Williams Senior Program is located to the rear of the George Shirakawa Community Center, at 2072 Lucretia Avenue, San Jose, California, 95122. To register for lunch and for further information, please call (408) 292-6592.
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