Then & Now
By Judy Salamacha

“Seniors, Get into the Act!” This call to action complimented and congratulated several individuals and senior service organizations for their good works at the 2015 “Celebration Tea” hosted by the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens, Area Agency on Aging.
Jim Talbott, president of the agency’s board of directors, said the honorees were “champions” for their efforts to enhance the lives of senior adults in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Three honorees were recognized as “Senior Citizens of the Year” — Dr. Ralph B. Allison, Forrest “Frosty” Frost, and Joan Bogle.
Dr. Allison has been a resident and innovative board member for The Village of Heritage Ranch since 1999. His current project is an onsite health care center. Residents Harriet Mills and Lila Everingham confirmed Allison’s invaluable contributions.
At 95-years old, Frosty Frost is the only volunteer driver who delivers five days a week to 20 seniors for Five City’s Meals on Wheels Program. And he spends four nights a week volunteering at the Elks Club. Frosty said, “Thank you for giving me an award for something I love.”
As an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Association for the past three years, Bogle has been the group’s advocate for legislation and working with Congresswoman Lois Capps. For years she has also facilitated a support group for caregivers of those with dementia, and in 2014 she helped produce the Walk to End Alzheimer’s fund-raising event.
Two non-profit organizations — Garden House of Morro Bay and Anonymous Neighbors in Cambria — were honored as “Senior Citizen Programs of the Year.”
Garden House owner/operator Kasey Watson accepted kudos for her staff, which she said provides intensive, 24-hour care for elderly residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Celebrating its 15th year, Garden House was the first care facility of its kind in San Luis Obispo County and continues to offer a homelike setting for up to 15 residents, heart-healthy meals, and multiple activity programs.
In 2014, a dozen paintings by residents participating in a “Mneme Art Therapy” program were displayed at the State Capitol in Sacramento. As a nonprofit, over $102, 000 was provided in subsidies last year and collaborations with Cuesta College and Cal Poly were expanded to offer training for students and intergenerational activities for the elderly.
Cambria’s Anonymous Neighbors was recognized for responding to 870 calls by senior families needing a variety of assistance, including chauffeured medical visits, temporary use of medical equipment, household repairs, food distribution and Salvation Army Christmas vouchers. Priscilla Mikesell said she became a volunteer after she had received help herself after an accident and was unable to drive to medical appointments.
Honors for “Intergenerational Effort of the Year” went to Dr. Kevin Toman of Mission Animal Hospital. He developed the “Veterinary Care for Seniors Program,” which encourages his staff to make house calls and provide ongoing pet care for seniors with mobility and financial issues.
Jim Healy was named “Older Worker of the Year” for his contributions at Peoples’ Self-Help Housing. Healy was a late bloomer to the field, starting a new career at 50. His organization’s goal is to keep seniors living independently and yet cooperatively in the three senior properties Healy oversees.
He was praised for collaborating with six area groups to “provide the intensive case management, counseling, and coordination services that low income seniors need to remain stable in their housing,” reads the award recitation. He accepted saying he was due to retire, but intended to become an active volunteer for seniors.
AAA Director, Joyce Ellen Lippman, said the recipients received certificates of appreciation from AAA and the offices of Congresswoman Lois Capps, Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian, State Senator William Monning and the SLO and Santa Barbara County Boards of Supervisors.
Formed in 1975 and based in Santa Maria, the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens works for older Americans offering a variety of collaborative support and advocacy programs. For more information or to volunteer, check out: www.centralcoastseniors.org or call (805) 925-9554.

Non-fiction author, freelance columnist and former Bay News Publisher, Judy Salamacha’s, “Then & Now” column is special to Tolosa Press. Reach her at: or call 801-1422. Photos by Judy Salamacha