November 11, 2009 > Senior Advisory Commission Senior Advisory Commission By Dustin Findley Commissioners discussed the importance of volunteerism at their October 27 meeting. The agenda carried a staff request for volunteers to help with forthcoming bingo games and this led to the impromptu discussion. Most senior centers rely on a large number of volunteers for their smooth operation. There are usually more volunteers than staff at the majority of senior centers in the Bay Area. Milpitas is trying to "catch up" by encouraging seniors to volunteer. "It's a great idea that seniors volunteer at their local center. It instills a sense of pride and ownership. They feel involved and connected to the center," said Renee Lorentzen. Not only is it important for seniors to volunteer at the senior center but also as members of the Senior Advisory Commission. "Every person on this commission is charged to volunteer, to sit in representation of the seniors, not just at the Senior Center but in Milpitas as a whole. Part of that is to participate at the center, volunteer, and fundraise," said Lorentzen. Voluntary work enables people to be in touch with others, programs and the community which volunteers effectively represent. Helping out as much as possible, either through volunteering, donating or fundraising, is what builds a community. Moreover, there is more to being a commissioner than just sitting in a meeting; there is work outside that forum. Lorentzen's perspective is that "every commission is a working commission." A scheduled discussion about volunteerism will appear on the next meeting's agenda, so commissioners can develop ideas about how and when to volunteer. The Commission approved the purchase of a wireless, microphone headset for use by the bingo master of ceremonies and others for hands-free presentations. The next Senior Advisory Commission meeting will be on January 26, 2010.