September 27, 2012

LAWT Wire Services

 

 

 

Councilwoman Jan Perry, Councilmember Bernard C. Parks, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) hosted 3,000 Los Angeles seniors at the 12th Annual Seniors Celebrating Life Luncheon and Clean Air Fair at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Thursday, September 20. The annual event offered Los Angeles seniors an opportunity to access important resources and information designed to support healthy living and featured multiple exhibits, special guests and live entertainment.

 

“It is important to recognize our mothers and fathers; grandmothers and grandfathers; community activists and volunteers,” said Perry, who represents South Los Angeles and also serves as representative for Los Angeles on the Governing Board of the SCAQMD.

 

“Our seniors take on multiple roles in life and it is only fitting that we celebrate them for all that they do to improve our communities. I am excited that the South Coast Air Quality Management District offered seniors an opportunity to support our effort to clean our region’s air.”

 

During the event, seniors learned ways to be active participants in the development and promotion of clean air policy. Information touting the benefits of everything from clean air vehicles and emerging clean air technologies to health resources for seniors came from a myriad of booths set-up throughout the room.

 

 “Councilwoman Jan Perry should be commended for her 12 year effort to honor our seniors,” said Parks.

 

“To bring thousands of seniors to the Convention Center and provide them with a luncheon, entertainment and a rewarding program is something that each and every one of them benefits from and enjoys. I am pleased to be a part of that program.”

 

Comedian and actor, Dick Van Dyke, delivered the keynote address and shared personal insights on how society in general can support clean air efforts and how seniors can continue to remain active members of their community. Van Dyke encouraged everyone to “keep moving” and “stay active,” noting that at age 86 he is still living an active and healthy life.

 

Perry started the annual luncheon in 2001. What started as a gathering of 300 seniors at LA Trade Technical College has expanded to an event that includes 3,000 seniors from throughout the Los Angeles region, explained an event spokesperson.

 

“The luncheon and clean air fair is designed to be both informative and entertaining. Its intention is to celebrate the contributions of our seniors while seeking to better their lives through education and discussion of health and quality of life issues,” they said.

 

Category: Community