Jain Center Los Angeles CA 2003 05 Expansion Charity Gala

Author(s): Jain Center So CA Los Angeles
Publisher: USA Jain Center Southern California

Page 46

Jain Senior Association
Kantibhai Shah
Brex
Chhotubhai (not his real name) was excited, as he was getting ready to go to the Jain center. Today's program included a lecture by Dr Bharil, which, he was keenly waiting for, followed by a rendition of stavans and then lunch. And of course, who can resist stories of old times or a good laugh with friends? He had been a passionate 'regular' at the Jain center since the Senior Association was established in September 1996.
DSRETTES
The Senior Association was formed under the umbrella of the Jain center with the main intent to conduct social, cultural and religious activities. These activities, besides providing entertainment to the seniors, would also provide an opportunity to develop friendly relations with the other members.
Chhotubhai, like many of his friends, came to the US from Gujarat, India when he was in his 50's. Being a homoeopathy doctor back in India, he loves to share his knowledge of yoga and medicine with his friends and with the community. In exchange he would love to know more about the US healthcare laws and how they affect him and his family. The Senior Association tries to obtain useful information on common issues as desired by its members like Chhotubhai. These include Government benefits, like social security, medical, transportation and other benefits provided to Senior Citizens.
Of course, as they say "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy". Since its inception, the Senior Association has arranged many entertainment functions and events. These include musical programs, singing competitions, pooja, bhakti bhavna, rangoli, fancy dress program, chaitra paripati (visiting ghar derasar after Paryusan) and tours to different temples, museums and other places of interest. They have also arranged bus trips to San Diego, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara and San Francisco, to name a few.
It is very encouraging to note that all seniors have thoroughly enjoyed these programs and have eagerly participated in the various activities organized by the Association. It is their enthusiastic participation that drives the organizers to move forward. The younger generation is also delighted to see their parents enjoying these programs. The Senior Association has thus been able to address the needs of its members.
In future, the Association is trying to arrange transportation from their home to the Jain Center, so that its members can participate in programs arranged by the Jain Center. After the expansion of our Center, the Senior Association would like its members to make more visits to the Center and utilize the new facilities more extensively.
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