[Editorial]

I'm not going to divulge my age here, but suffice to say that I'm somewhere between 40 and 60.  If I were (hypothetically) in the middle of that age range it might be a denial-denting annoyance to start receiving membership solicitations from AARP, or to discover that I (hypothetically) qualify for membership in the Silver Lake Senior Club (50+).

On the other hand, I look at cool people like Stephanie Vendig or Bea Gold or Isa-Kae Meksin or Gloria Blasden, and I think maybe it's a silly issue.  My guess is that each of them is above that 20-year range.

Stephanie is president of the Silver Lake Senior Club and very active in the community.  Bea is a well-known and much-loved Silver Lake activist.  Isa is always in the front row giving hell to government officials about the flaws in various community projects that are obvious to everyone but them.  Gloria, my neighbor, arrived in a gorgeous Gloria Swanson gown at a party we had, and made an entrance worthy of her career as an actress and pianist.  She told me recently she had begun to study Greek, which will be her seventh language.

The message I get from the Silver Lake Senior Club is, "Get over yourself and keep having fun like the rest of us."  And the benefits of (hypothetical) AARP membership look pretty cool too.

- K.R.

	Tai Chi on the lawn of the Silver Lake Rec Center.

The Silver Lake Senior Club is only three years old and currently boasts a membership of over 250.  The club was started by Lia Lomedico who, in true Silver Lake style, saw a need for people like herself and did something about it.

Lomedico lived near the Silver Lake Recreation Center and couldn't understand why there were no classes or activities for seniors there.  The closest senior facilities were in Hollywood—and she didn't drive.

Boarding the bus for the monthly day trip.

Lomedico met with the director of the Rec Center and with Jackie Goldberg, Council District 13 Representative at the time.  She was told that if she could get her neighbors interested and have them sign a request for use of the Center, they would meet with her and her neighbors to make plans.  Lomedico walked her neighborhood and collected 67 signatures and arranged a meeting with the director.  31 people showed up, and the Silver Lake Senior Club was born.

The Senior Club is now a thriving organization that is completely managed by volunteers and publishes a bi-monthly newsletter.  On-site classes in yoga, tai chi, strength training and life-story writing are provided by the Hollywood Adult School at no cost to participants.  At a minimum cost per session, members can take line dancing and another yoga class on a weekly basis.  There is a weekly group meeting for painters and a weekly gathering for those interested in needlework crafts.  All these classes take place during the day and are open to people of all ages.

	Line Dancing in the gym.

One of the most exciting club offerings is the monthly day trip.  Councilmember Eric Garcetti's office provides a free bus, which keeps the travel expense to a minimum.  Past and future trips include the LA County Fair, the Getty Museum, the Long Beach Aquarium, Olvera Street, a filming of Jeopardy, the new Disney Concert Hall, and viewing the Rose Bowl floats.

The Senior Club holds a monthly meeting with interesting program topics.  On November 19, for example, Laura Chick, LA City Controller will speak about her job and the City resources available to seniors.  At the January meeting, the topic will be Medicare and its current situation.  In December and June, the monthly meetings become gourmet luncheons!

Members of the life-story writing class share their work.

The Silver Lake Senior Club is affiliated with the LA Recreation and Parks Federation of Seniors Clubs, which makes it possible for the club to make use of the Rec Center without charge.  At the Silver Lake Rec Center, space is very limited—a gym and a crafts room—so the club must share space and time with the youth programs.  During the summer when the Center runs a day camp, the senior program is modified.

The club is otherwise self-sufficient and must support all activities on its own.  Annual membership dues of $5 (which includes $1 for insurance) provide some support, but fund-raising has become a necessary part of club activities.  ***On November 23, the club is hosting their third used book sale (plus plants, baked goods, and handmade craft items) to raise funds to support the newsletter and other expenses that enhance the organization.***  In addition, part of the proceeds will be donated to the youth programs of the center so that young people who can't afford the fees for those programs can still participate.

	Celebrating the opening of Disney Hall.

The organization sees itself serving the communities of Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Franklin Hills, Atwater Village, Echo Park, Elysian Heights and beyond.  In the Club's short history, it has become quite clear that there is a need for facility expansion as its programs and the population expand.  The club is now looking to the future and is studying the possibility of advocating for a facility in the area that will pay attention to the needs of an ever-growing active senior population that is currently being underserved.

	Silver Lake Senior Club
	Purpose: The Silver Lake Senior Club invites all persons over 50 years of age to join in the fun. We are part of the Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks Federation of Senior Clubs. The club offers classes and activities including yoga, story writing, line dancing, art classes, knitting, trips and gourmet potluck lunches. Persons with disabilities are welcome to participate. Reasonable accommodations will be made with prior arrangement. Annual dues are only $5.00 including $1.00 insurance.
	Meeting Schedule: Third Wednesday of each month Meeting Location: Silver Lake Recreation Center 1850 W. Silver Lake Dr, Silver Lake Contact:    Stephanie Vendig, President   (323) 667-3043