SSA Staff Celebrate Special Older Adults in their Lives

In honor of Older Americans Month, The Buzz newsletter is highlighting stories and anecdotes shared by SSA staff of special older adults in their lives, who have made an impact on their families and communities. This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, means exploring the array of aging experiences without being boxed in by expectations and stereotypes. Thank you to all the staff who sent in submissions!

Uncle David: The Dancing WWII Hero

My Uncle David just had his 103rd birthday on March 1, 2023. Our family celebrated with a big party with music and dancing and, yes, Uncle David LOVES to dance.

He served in WWII in the army as a combat medic and came back a hero. He keeps busy going to local high schools in Salinas talking to the students about the historical events of WWII.

He was married to his sweetheart for 62 years and has a beautiful family and many grand- and great-grandand great-great-grandchildren.

He beat melanoma and a triple bypass a couple years ago. We continue to be blessed and inspired by Uncle David’s wisdom and love.

Christy Manning, Specialist Clerk II Department of Children & Family Services

Mother Bernice: Public Service Runs in the Family

My mother Bernice Randle is special to me because she is my mother and has set a great example for my siblings and me.

I am grateful for her 83 years. She adds value to me and our family by exemplifying strength, resilience, dedication, commitment, and a love for people. After retirement, she has given to the community by leading a feeding program for many years in the West Oakland area where, ironically, we would end up serving the same individuals yet in different capacities. I received many compliments about her and her great cooking from my customers when I worked with them at my job. She has played a huge role in the work that I do for the Agency. She should be celebrated for her qualities alone.

Vera Hutton, Employment Counselor Supervisor Eastmont Self-Sufficiency Center Department of Workforce & Benefits Administration

Great-Aunt Earnestine: A Kind Soul

I have a beautiful great-aunt, my granny’s sister: her name is Earnestine Hayes, and she is 100 years old. She is amazing, such a beautiful woman, and phenomenal. She is so loving and caring, her spirit so warm and welcoming, her words always encouraging. She is my example of how I want to be when I am older: a kind soul. I am so blessed to have her in my life.

Elissa Graham, Specialist Clerk I Department of Children & Family Services

Making Memories with Grandpa Mikey

Grandpa Mikey – in actuality – was my Aunt’s Stepfather, who had been separated from my GreatAunt long before I was born. Yet he always stayed close to the family and was the closest person I ever had to a Grandpa. He was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. He would give the shirt of his back, the last money in his pocket - that was the type of man he was. He taught me how to fish – and that is one of my fondest memories. We spent many great times at Lake Chabot whether we caught something or not.

It has been well over 15 years since he passed away from lung cancer. The last time I saw him was in the VA Hospital in Livermore. One lung was fully gone, the other only half functional (he had picked up smoking in the war, back when they would give cartons to soldiers). But he still could crack a joke and tried his best to not let on how bad he was. I had a black eye at the time; I remember him joking that he hoped that the other guy looked worse than I did. I told him, you know he did.

Time is the most precious thing we have. Choose how you spend it wisely. I know that he did - he made a big impact on all the lives that he touched.

Michael Medeiros, Social Worker III In-Home Supportive Services Department of Adult & Aging Services