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Community Corner

Weho Treats Active Seniors to Rooftop Reception

The Andaz hotel plays host to a luncheon and awards ceremony for West Hollywood's aging community.

Energy, purpose, pride, and vitality were all on display at West Hollywood’s 10th Annual Senior Community Awards and Dance event on Wednesday afternoon. Held at hotel’s Rooftop Ballroom, the luncheon was a testament to positive aging and the importance of civic engagement.

Balloons, Klezmer music and the exquisite city view all provided a great backdrop for this annual luncheon, presented by the Comprehensive Services Center and the .

Board President Pat Dixon opened the program with an introduction of all board members and then turned the floor over to , who brought with him “the warm wishes of the entire City Council."

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Before handing out the awards, Duran took a moment to address the current political climate and .

“There are people who are trying to take away the stability of our safety social net that was put in place by FDR many years ago,” said Duran. He urged the crowd to engage themselves in that fight, reminding them, "our elected officials need to hear from you." 

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Duran added that one of the great things about living in West Hollywood is that "we take care of our people...all of them."  

Mayor Duran then presented the first Senior Month Award to Marra Driker, 72, who was honored for her service as a volunteer at the West Hollywood Comprehensive Services Center, which is operated by Jewish Family Service.

A native of Moscow, Driker runs weekly Bingo games, conducts outreach to clients and translates for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.

“I am very glad that I could be helpful, and want to be for as long as I can,” she said. “I feel that, if they can, people should help each other.”

Driker will also be honored at the Older Americans Recognition Day Awards Luncheon this month, hosted by the LA County Board of Supervisors and the LA County Commission for Older Adults.

Bill Senigram, a 76-year-old volunteer at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station for 27 years, was the second honoree. A resident of the city since 1962 and  recently honored by the city’s Public Safety Division, Senigram has directed patrols for the COPS team, returns calls to the public and serves at the station’s Front Desk. 

“I think it’s very important to volunteer,” Senigram said. “I’m giving back to the community.” 

Guests included Rita Norton, President of Friends of the West Hollywood Public Library and a long time member of the Senior Advisory Board.  

“I think this event gives seniors a chance to interact with others they may not have otherwise met," he said. "It’s a really good opportunity for us to show off those seniors who do so many wonderful things for the community.”

West Hollywood artist, activist and past honoree, Ivy Bottini, told Patch that she has only been to three or four of the luncheons. When asked why, she said, “I have finally accepted the fact that I am a senior and wanted to support my peers.”

Following the awards ceremony, The Golden State Klezmers moved into high gear, easily switching from Russian and Jewish music, to swinging “Mack the Knife” and a sultry “Besame Mucho.” The dance floor was soon filled with happy, eager dancers. Legs kicked, hips swayed, and feet stomped.

Positive aging, civic engagement and dancing feet. No wonder Ivy Bottini realized it was a good idea to finally accept being a "senior."   

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