Temple City Committee on Aging lays out outreach, meals and recreation gains; two positions open

Carol Rhen Bucker, chair of Temple City’s Committee on Aging, presented the committee’s 2022–23 year‑end report to the council on May 7, highlighting programs and enrollment figures intended to support older residents.

The committee launched a monthly senior newsletter that currently enrolls 121 seniors and reported distributing more than 2,800 issues since inception. A pickleball pilot for older adults began as a small Friday‑morning program and grew into four permanent courts at Live Oak Park. The committee reported 154 residents have enrolled in a senior database intended for emergency communication and outreach.

Congregate meals returned to the Park Community Center in July 2023 through a partnership with the YWCA; the committee said approximately 100 seniors participated on average per day, enabling expansion of in‑person programming. Chair Rhen Bucker said the committee was excited to continue collaborating with Parks and Recreation, the sheriff’s department and other partners to expand services.

The committee has two open volunteer positions; Elizabeth Powell and staff member Ruby described the application process and confirmed applications are due Friday, July 12, 2024, by 5 p.m.; applicants can submit online, in person at Live Oak Park Community Center, by email or mail.

Next steps: the committee encouraged interested residents to apply and said it will continue outreach to increase database enrollments and program participation.