Seniors celebrate an early Father’s Day in Cudahy

On June 14 at about 8 am, the line outside the Leo P. Turner Community Center in Cudahy kept growing by the minute. Dozens of seniors excitedly waited to go inside and enjoy an early Father’s Day celebration.

At 9:30 am, the band Copa de Oro started playing Mexican music. The ambiance was like any other Latino celebration, with round tables and balloons. The guests had on their best outfits. Some men wore suits and ties, others boots and hats, typical for a banda dance. The ladies wore long dresses, many of them very glittery or shiny. It was a beautiful fashion show, and the guests of honor were the seniors, especially the fathers.

The canes and walkers were not an impediment for those guests having a good time with friends. They were just placed aside. Due to the early timeframe of the party, alcoholic drinks were replaced with coffee and Mexican bread. 

Among the guests were Ismael Martinez, 64, and his wife, Ricarda Martinez, 66. Like many other seniors, they arrived very well-dressed and ready to dance. Ismael said they have been attending the center for a few years, and it’s always a pleasure because the event went beyond expectations. 

“Today it feels good to have a good time and dance with our friends,” said Ismael, proudly wearing his boots and hat. 

Ricarda added that when there are no celebrations, they enjoy attending karaoke time, where everybody can show their singing talent. There is never a dull moment, she assured. The couple, who has lived in Cudahy for 20 years, recently moved to the neighboring city of South Gate. However, they continued attending the center because of the excellent camaraderie. Ismael and Ricarda have four adult children, and they hope to continue the Father’s Day celebration with them this weekend.

Another dad who was celebrating his day was 88-year-old Jose Peña. He said he has been attending the center for about 30 years. He started as an employee who would drive people there. Eventually, he learned more about the activities, and when he retired, he decided to join. 

“It’s like having a family here,” said José, a regular attendant. He said his partner works, and he doesn’t like to stay home alone. “I like to socialize. I just hope they have more employees because the seniors need more attention.”

Exercise, a healthy diet, regular doctor visits and mental health care can influence healthy aging, according to the National Institute of Aging (NIA). A study by the National Library of Medicine revealed that people 40 years and older who take at least 8,000 steps per day have a 51% lower risk of death from all causes versus those who only take about 4,000. 

Easy activities that count as exercise include gardening, yoga, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking the dog and dancing, a favorite of the Cudahy seniors.

A partnership to celebrate

The annual Father’s Day event was a partnership between the Cudahy Department of Parks and Recreation and the Human Services Association (HSA). The City of Cudahy proudly supports senior programs that help the elderly community get extra support, like food and activities, to keep them independent. Additionally, the seniors who request it, receive transportation, case management, meals, and wellness programs. 

HSA is in charge of providing breakfast and lunch to seniors daily. Blanca Valencia, an HSA representative, said seniors 60 years and over just need to show up and fill out an application. They ask for a donation of $3, but if the seniors cannot afford it, they won’t be turned away. Seniors younger than 60 are required to pay $7 for their meals. 

Nancy Bugarin, an employee with HSA in charge of serving the food, said she has been with the agency for a while and enjoys the work because being at the center feels like being with family. She likes to see the seniors being active and socializing with others, which motivates them to get out of the house.

When working together, HSA and Parks and Recreation organize events for seniors. Daniel Bran, a representative with Parks and Recs, said these events are always a success in the community. At this year’s celebration, they expected about 130 people, all receiving breakfast and lunch. 

To learn more about the Cudahy senior services, please visithttps://www.cityofcudahy.com/273/Senior-Services or email Ruben Vasquez at Rvasquez@cityofcudahyca.gov.