City of Long Beach to hold series of events for Older Americans Month

Bette Barden (right), who was born in December of 1919, and her daughter Nancy Faye (left) laugh together during a combined birthday celebration including birthday cards from Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia for the centenarian residents of the Bixby Knolls Towers retirement community in Long Beach on Jan. 26, 2022. The retirement community currently has eleven members that are 100 years old or older, including Barden’s husband. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) is gearing up to celebrate Older Americans Month, a nationally recognized event observed each May. In honor of this time, a range of free activities will be offered throughout the city for adults ages 50 and older.

“This May, we invite older adults to experience activities that improve wellness, foster social connections, and engage in some of the many enriching programs that are available,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a public statement. 

Richardson will be presenting a mayoral proclamation in honor of Older Americans’ Month during the city council meeting on May 7. 

Throughout the month of May, adults ages 50 and above can enjoy art workshops, job fairs, a talent show and more.

Local artist Annie Stormquist sits at her desk and works inside of a Japanese paper sketchbook inside her home studio on May 30, 2023. Residents can get a tour of her work and studio during the Mid-City Studio Tour. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

For certain activities, pre-registration is necessary due to limited space availability:

May 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – A Long Beach Port Tour will offer a 90-minute narrated excursion, exploring the Port’s local, regional and national economic impacts. Interested participants can register at any Long Beach Senior Center or call (562) 570-1675 for more details.

May 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – An arts & crafts workshop at Houghton Park will provide a day of instructor-led painting and spring card making. Supplies will be available. A complimentary lunch will be provided. For more information, call (562) 570-1640.

May 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Senior Olympic Basketball at Chavez Elementary School Gym will include a three-on-three tournament, a free throw tournament, and a three-point shooting competition. Participants can register by calling (562) 570-8890.

May 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Senior Olympics Swimming at Silverado Park Pool, offering various swimming events followed by a medal and certificate ceremony. For details, call (562) 570-1721.

Marie Cartier, a poet and professor of gender and women’s studies at Cal State Northridge, shares a poem called our abortion rights at the Dyke March at Bixby Park on July 8, 2022. Residents can read their own poetry at Bixby Park on Sept. 3, 2022 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Jorge Villa | Signal Tribune)

May 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – The Older Americans Got Talent show at the Alpert Jewish Community Center welcomes musicians, singers, dancers, rappers, actors, comedians and magicians to showcase their talents. Registration is required to audition and compete. Call (562) 570-3500 for more details.

May 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Seniors are invited on tours of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Los Cerritos Wetlands. Attendees should meet at the McBride Park Community Center (1550 MLK Jr. Blvd.) for complimentary transportation to both locations. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required. Call (562) 570-1605 for more information and to register.

May 30 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Seniors are invited to a night of music and grooving at the Expo Arts Center (4321 Atlantic Ave.) during the Light up the Night Dance and Dinner. Attendees will also be able to view a photography exhibit.  Call (562) 570-1618 for more information or to register for the event.

All other events are open to attendance without registration. The complete list of activities and events, along with registration details and locations, can be found at longbeach.gov/events and the Long Beach Senior Programs webpage. Additional information is available by calling (562) 570-3150.

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