September 9, 2004

Senior meals program resumes,
complete with belly dancing

By Jeanne Lewis
Staff Writer

Mandella Rivera of Jewels of the Oasis belly dancing for Almaden seniors. Photos by Jeanne C. Lewis

After a brief hiatus, Almaden Senior Program resumed the senior meals program at La Mirador Senior Apartments, kicking off its second grand opening with Mandella Rivera of Jewels of the Oasis, entertaining with Egyptian belly dancing.

Café Almaden now features a steam table with healthy catered meals, special events including entertainment, speakers, life celebrations and ongoing prize drawings for certificates to local business establishments.

“I liked the box lunches, too,” Lucy Cote, a Le Mirador resident, said at the luncheon. “Though this is very nice. I’m always satisfied.”

Nancy Hoke, nutrition manager of Almaden Senior Program, is very enthused about the improved program. Raffle tickets will be given out each time a lunch is attended with a drawing once a week for certificates to Starbucks, Togo’s, Costco, Fresh Choice, Blockbuster, Classic Car Wash, 31 Flavors, See’s Candy, etc. Future speakers and entertainment scheduled includes medical professionals, firefighters, a music recital and bingo.

“It’s for anyone over 60 years old,” Hoke remarked as she served the hungry crowd. “We ask for a small donation of $2 or whatever your budget will allow. It’s really whatever you can donate.”

Claudia Maciel, gerontology specialist at Almaden Senior Center, attended the re-opening with exciting news of their partnership with Metropolitan Adult Education Program and their classes and programs for seniors from art to yoga.

“Nancy worked so hard on this,” Maciel remarked at the luncheon. “It was her first time organizing the whole nutrition program offerings from a change in the food service to a comprehensive variety of guest speakers. She is so much fun to work with and so dedicated. I’m amazed at what she can do.”

“We always come here,” Dave Chabra, an Almaden resident since 1976 commented. “It’s always good.”
“Yes, it is,” Manjeet Chabra said smiling. “I like the belly dancer but I won’t be dancing.”

Almaden Community Center serves meals Monday through Friday at LeMirador Senior Apartments at noon, 1191 Coleman Road (at Almaden Expressway), San Jose. There is visitor parking at the left side of the complex. Please call Nancy Hoke with Almaden Community Center to reserve seating at 268-1133 24 hours in advance.

For more information on classes and programs available with Almaden Senior Program call 268-1133 or go to www.metroed.org.