WISE & Healthy Aging

Congratulations to our own, Rachel Tate, Regional Director, Ombudsman Program, recipient of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care 2018 Howard Hinds Award. Pictured with and nominated by Dr. Laura Mosqueda, Dean, Keck School of Medicine of USC. A most deserving award for all of her dedication and hard work. We are so proud of you!

Special thanks to the City of Santa Monica’s Economic Development Division for volunteering their time to serve lunch to seniors in WISE & Healthy Aging's WISE Diner program. One of the Division’s area of oversight is the farmer’s markets across the city. The team's day started with a tour of WISE & Healthy Aging followed by their volunteer time greeting senior clients, giving out meal tickets, carrying plates, putting milk out, filling soup bowls, wiping down tables and cleaning up all of this was a team building event for them! Thank you City of Santa Monica Economic Development Division Team.

More than 100 members from WISE & Healthy Aging's Club 1527 senior recreational program gathered on the first floor of the organization's main office in Santa Monica for a "Meet & Greet" with City of Santa Monica City Manager, Rick Cole, City Mayor Ted Winterer and new Chief of Police Cynthia Renaud. Club members who are long-time residents of Santa Monica had the opportunity to voice their concerns about the lack of space for programming at the Ken Edwards Center, including ...parking challenges and a need for greater attention to maintenance and security. City officials addressed these concerns and homelessness and more affordable housing for seniors, along with their plan of action regarding the motorized scooters that have hit Santa Monica. A reception was hosted by the City of Santa Monica’s Commission for the Senior Community following the Meet & Greet. City Manager Rick Cole indicated that they look forward to participating in these events on a regular basis. Pictured (left to right) are Grace Cheng Braun, WISE & Healthy Aging President and CEO, Rick Cole, City Manager, Mayor Ted Winterer and Chief of Police Cynthia Renaud. See more

Kicking off our first Distinguished Speaker Series, Dr. Murrell shared information about preventative measures and the latest treatments for Colorectal Cancer ...to an audience of over 60 people! He also shared practical health information such as the importance of a healthy diet, eating more fruits and vegetables, and making small changes that can make a big difference. Dr. Murrell also spoke about the importance of getting screened; as it can treatable if doctors are able to detect it early. Our next speaker series will be presented by Nat Trives, MPA, Former Mayor of Santa Monica. Mr. Trives will present a talk on the current state of affairs. Making Sense of It All A Look at Current State of Affairs will be on Thursday, July 12 from 1:30 3:00 pm in Baldwin Hills. To register or see a list of all upcoming speakers, click here https://www.oasisnet.org/Los-Angeles-CA/Classes ---

Did you know that Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States and that this is also one of the most preventable cancers? Cancer can be a difficult topic, but Cedar-Sinai's Dr. Zuri Murrell does not shy away from engaging his audience about its preventative measures and latest treatments. Meet Dr. Murrell in person tomorrow, Thursday, June 21 as he talks about preventative measures and the latest treatments for Colorectal Cancer.... Presenter: Dr. Zuri Murrell, MD Thursday, June 21 | 1:30 - 3:00 pm Location: Baldwin Hills Oasis, MACY’s 3rd Floor, Great Hall 4005 Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008 323-291-3414 Fee: No Cost Register here: https://www.oasisnet.org/Los-Angeles-CA/Classes Check out Dr. Murrell's video YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHTqQ19mcjs

On Thursday, May 17, Selma Framson (Los Angeles Oasis volunteer) and Socorro Vallejo (WISE & Healthy Aging’s Somos Amigos Adult Day Care Program volunteer) were honored at the 53rd Annual Older Americans Recognition Day Awards Program held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Music Center Grand Hall in Los Angeles. The annual recognition program honors older residents in Los Angeles County that contributes their time and resources to their communities by sharing their wisdom and talents with others. Both were joined by their families at the event.

Thank you to Fullscreen Media for choosing to visit WISE & Healthy Aging on your community day of service! Our Adult Day Care clients loved the food, games and companionship that you brought to them. Fullscreen Media is a is an entertainment company and global network which offers creative, tools, services, and consultation to YouTube content creators and brands. #FullscreenDayOfImpact

Photo from last Thursday when Marcel Loh (center), president of Providence Saint John’s Health Center came for a tour of WISE & Healthy Aging. He was accompanied by Paul Makarewicz, Director of Mission (left) and our Board Director Ron Sorenson, Director of Community Health Partnerships at Saint John’s. Iao Katagiri, chair of our Celebration of Caring event, and Grace Cheng Braun (President and CEO of WISE & Healthy Aging) were on hand to talk about our services as well as the opportunity of honoring Providence Saint John’s Health Center with our Caring for Our Community Award at this year’s May 12 luncheon.

Los Angeles Oasis, a program of WISE & Healthy Aging, teamed up with LA Metro to offer a Magical Mystery Tour on the LA Metro Expo line for the first 20 people to register for January’s Oasis TAP Card event. The program was intended for people who had never taken the train, or never been to WISE & Healthy Aging’s headquarters in Santa Monica. Weather and other circumstances had forced us to reschedule the tour, but on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, five Los Angeles Oasis member...s set out from Westside Pavilion for the Rancho Park/Westwood Expo Line Station, where they were met by LA Metro staff Richard Morallo and Tatiana Cancino. After riding the Expo line to the Santa Monica terminus, the group toured the WISE & Healthy Aging headquarters building and enjoyed refreshments and a short presentation about the history of the Expo Line. One of the participants remembered working at the office building that once stood on the site of the Santa Monica station! The ride back was just as exciting and informative, as the group learned about important design features found in the stations, as well as useful tips for riding the train, narrated by Mr. Morallo. What a wonderful way to spend a sunny Southern California morning!

Lunch and Murder Mystery! Oasis members enjoyed delicious food at Lawry's in Beverly Hills and participated in a light-hearted murder mystery. Our group of 51 had lots of laughs and fun. Fun fact: 50 years ago, one of our members played the 1st witch in MacBeth in her high school play! ... Thank you for the luncheon and mystery play at Lawry’s. It was fun and delicious. New experiences keep my mind sharp, she said.

WISE & Healthy Aging is proud to kick off 2018 with monthly recognitions of community volunteers who give back their time, expertise and efforts to helping older adults in our community. This month, we recognize Charles & Christine Haskell, Mitchell Kraus, and Shifra Raz for their time and efforts. Thank you, January community heroes!

Pet Therapy Day! Once a month, the Adult Day Service Center hosts Pet Therapy Day, where we partner with Lend a Paw to provide pet therapy services to our clients. Today, Lisa Erving from Lend a Paw brought in two therapy dogs. Therapy dogs are balanced and obedient dogs with a specific temperament and disposition. Highly trained to operate in any environment, they provide emotional support to individuals. Pictured is one of our clients giving them treats!... In addition to pet therapy, our Adult Day Care programming includes other enrichment and cognitive-stimulating activities. Open Monday through Friday, 8 am - 6 pm, the Adult Day Service Center is located in Santa Monica. A Veteran benefit!

Winter-Spring 2018 courses now available! Check out available courses including arts, technology, health, fitness, and more. Our Winter-Spring term is from January 6, 2018 April 30, 2018. Sign up online today at http://www.oasisnet.org/la