Ted Fong, Author at ACC Senior Services

Celebrating Our Centenarians

Nai Chin “Nelson” Koo, aged 100, was born in Zhejiang Province, China. His father was a medical doctor in a private clinic. Nelson fled to Shanghai to escape the advancing Japanese armies and to further his studies. He studied agriculture in college and became an expert in tea production.

After college, he moved to Fujian Province. He got married and in 1945. Fleeing the Communists, he moved his family to Taipei to work for the Taiwan Ministry of Economics Affairs.

In the 1970’s, the United Nations and Taiwan’s government sent Nelson to Bolivia to head up the development of tea plantations and other crops like pineapple. The original team consisted of five experts. When the project concluded almost 13 years later, over 70 subject-matter experts had worked on the project. During this time, Nelson’s family lived in La Paz, Bolivia. “I took a one month crash course in Spanish before we moved to Bolivia.”

Nelson accepts an award from the Bolivian government with the Minister of Agriculture (left) and the Taiwanese ambassador (right) look on.

After his retirement, he lived in Atlanta, Georgia with his son for over 27 years. He now lives in Orangevale with his daughter, Teacy Koo. Although Nelson says his only hobby is working, his daughter says he loves to sing Chinese opera. What’s his secret to a long life? “I eat, sleep, rest, work hard, and help others. I’m happy everyday, all the time.” Sounds like a wise philosophy to live by.

Teacy Koo holds up a picture of her mom and Dad.

Celebrating Our Centenarians: Ai Tanaka

Ai Tanaka carries herself with the same grace as she did when she performed traditional Japanese dance in her youth.

She was born in Loomis, CA, in November 1918. Her family returned to Japan to take care of her grandparents. Her father had a fish farm there. She worked for the telephone company.

Ai longed to return to her birthplace in Loomis, but the Asian Exclusion Act of 1924 prevented this. When she was 18, she finally returned to the U.S. by ship. “I was sick the whole time,” she says.

The purpose of the trip was to meet her future husband, Mitsuo Tanaka, a farm laborer. “I picked him myself,” she said but most likely the marriage was arranged by her father who had many friends in the U.S.

Ai Takana (left) at 18 with her high friend.

The Tanakas had three daughters – Carole, Judy and Rory. During World War II, they were sent to Camp Amache in the southeastern part of Colorado. “Living in the camp was okay. I was busy taking care of the kids.”

After the war, Ai and her family returned to Sacramento. They slept on cots at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento located on O Street until they could find permanent housing. They eventually settled into a home in the Hollywood Park neighborhood.

Ai’s husband found work as a projectionist, and she continued being a homemaker. Her daughter Judy Miyao admires her mother’s many talents. “Over the years, she honed her skills in flower arranging and doing traditional Japanese dancing,” she says.

Ai has been blessed with a large, extended family. Per her count, she has maybe 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Laughing, she says, “I don’t know anymore. There are too many to count!”

Celebrating Our Centenarians: Emiko Nakano

Emiko Nakano grew up in Isleton, the second oldest of ten children. Her parents sent her older sister back to Japan to be raised by her grandparents, effectively making Emiko the oldest child in America. Her dad was a farmer, and eventually became a foreman who managed migrant workers.

During Emiko’s youth, the schools she attended were racially segregated. Chinese, Filipino, and Japanese students were sent to “Oriental School” until they reached high school. Emiko was studious and well read. In 1938, Emiko graduated from Rio Vista High School and had her sights on UC Berkeley. She had excellent grades and lots of ambition but could not physically travel to Sacramento or the Bay Area to take the entrance exam due to limited transportation.

Joan of Arc was her hero, so much so that she adopted “Joan” as her middle name. Emiko’s aspiration to be strong and brave would eventually serve her well during World War II when her family was sent to an internment camp.

Emiko met Mario Masaharu Nakano through a church friend. They got married and had their first child, Tamaye. Then the war broke out, and Emiko’s family and her parents were sent to Tule Lake internment camp. She spent four years there where she gave birth to their second child, Mario Jr.

Like the 120,000 other Japanese sent to internment camps, Emiko led an austere life. They had to deal with cramped living quarters constantly and faced uncertainty about their future.

After the war was over, the Nakano family moved to Hunters Point and later to the Richmond Housing Project in Richmond, CA. Mario Sr. bought Berkeley Bait Shop in the late 1940s. It was a grueling business: The shop opened at 3:00 am to serve fishermen stocking up for their day’s expeditions. Emiko worked long hours while raising their growing family which now had four children: Tamaye, Mario, Steven, and Julie. Today, Emiko has six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Meet Up Relaxing Friendship Rest Pensionary Park Concept

Darrick Lam Appointed to Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Aging Stakeholder Advisory Committee

ACC President and CEO Darrick Lam has been appointed to the State-level committee that will develop the roadmap that provides all Californians, regardless of race, economic status or level of support, an opportunity grow old safely, with dignity and independence.

During his State of the State speech in on February 12, 2019, Governor Newsom said, “It is time for a new Master Plan on Aging. We’ve deferred it for far too long. It must address person-centered care, the patchwork of public services, social isolation, bed-locked seniors in need of transportation, the nursing shortage and demand for In-Home Supportive Services that far outpaces its capacity.”

Mr. Lam joins 33 other professionals on the newly formed Master Plan for Aging Stakeholder Advisory Committee. The group will help to develop components of the Master Plan, including best practices and data metrics, to guide the work of state government, local communities, private organizations and philanthropy to build environments that promote an age friendly California.

“California is the state with the most number of people who are 65 years and older, totaling 5.1 millions in 2017; this number is estimated to increase to 8.6 million by 2030,” says Mr. Lam. “I call them the ‘Silver Tsunami.’ They are facing severe shortages in just about everything from healthcare to transportation. It’s interesting, though, that Governor Newsom’s vision for aging adults has been ACC’s vision for decades.”

As a trained social worker and holder of an MBA, Mr. Lam has over 29 years of experience in the field of aging and long-term services and support in both the public and private nonprofit sectors.

Says Board Chair Winston Ashizawa, “Darrick’s appointment makes sense not only because of his experience, but also because the ACC community is a microcosm of everything the Governor has been taking about. We provide skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, transportation, meals, social services, and health and wellness programs.”

In a related development, Governor Newsom and Former First Lady of California, Maria Shriver, announced the Alzheimer’s Prevention and Preparedness Task Force. Both had parents who died from this disease. Says Mr. Lam, “ACC’s construction of Maple Tree Village Memory Care Center could not be more timely. Beyond the physical construction of the facility, we are doing a lot of work on developing programs for residents and their family caregivers.”

ACC is honored to bring our knowledge and experience to the Committee that will develop governor’s Master Plan on Aging,” says Mr. Ashizawa. “We feel that what has worked for our seniors will also work for other seniors across the State.”

Grand Opening of Jimmie R. Yee Park

By Donna Yee

It is no surprise that the Southgate Recreation and Park District recently named a new park for Jimmie R. Yee on April 27, 2019. It is also no surprise that so many family, friends, and colleagues showed up to honor him.

What is surprising is continuing to learn more about all of the ways that Jimmie has fostered a sense of community and generated goodwill throughout the community.

During my tenure as CEO at ACC Senior Services, I never had time to ask what Jimmie had “done for us lately” because he was constantly clearing the way for ACC’s building projects, helping families find needed care, and assuring programs that received local funds were accountable and fairly treated by officials.

Yes, he was the County Supervisor for the 2nd District (2007-2015), yes, he was the 53rd Mayor of Sacramento (1999-2000), and yes, he served on the City Council representing the 4th District (1992-1999), a longtime public official who sorted through knotty problems of local government, and (sometimes) the family and business problems of his constituents.

I say we should keep piling on the accolades and recognition of Jimmie’s talents and accomplishments. Congratulations again, Jimmie, for so many jobs well done!!

Big Day of Giving Raises $50,000

Hundreds of donations poured into ACC on May 2nd, Big Day of Giving. All the money went to ACC Programs which offers social services, classes, and transportation for older adults and their caregivers.

“We rely on donations to cover our teaching and staffing costs,” says Program Director Linda Revilla. “I want to thank all of our donor and sponsors for another successful Big Day of Giving.”

Highlights of the day included food, live entertainment, demonstrations, and a craft fair. The ACC Care Center staff dazzled with a special dance number during a segment called “ACC’s Got Talent.” Nami Berg and Darrick Lam graced the dance floor with a perfectly executed waltz. It was matched by a beautifully staged fashion show featuring employees in their native attire.

Marching to Her Own Drum Beat

“My parents immigrated from Mexico. My dad was a laborer in the timber industry, and my mom worked for a linen company. I was an ESL student in grade school and the first in my family to go to college.”

Yesenia Jones is the Director of Independent Living at ACC Greenhaven Terrace. She has three small children and a Masters in Social Work from CSUS. She’s done so much for a person who started working at the age of 16.

In 2010, she earned her A.A. degree from Cosumnes River College. Two years later, she got married, and had her first child, Brice.

In 2015, Yesenia started working at ACC Greenhaven Terrace as a Resident Services Manager. Being a mom and working full-time did not dampen her desire for more schooling. In 2015, Yesenia got accepted into Chico State’s online sociology program and had another child, Gia.

“My husband is my greatest support system. We worked as a team to get things done,” she says. Yesenia graduated with her B.A. degree in 2017.

Back at ACC Greenhaven Terrace, Yesenia learned about aging, psycho-social risks within the older adult population, how to conduct crisis interventions and case management skills.

Thirsting for more knowledge, Yesenia enrolled in the Masters of Social Work at CSU Sacramento while continuing to work full-time. Donna Yee, PhD, ACC’s former CEO, was Yesenia’s field instructor. Yesenia worked with ACC’s Bridge to Healthy Families conducting client assessments and planning their care.

In the second year of her Master’s program, ACC’s CEO Darrick Lam, MSW, MBA, became Yesenia’s field instructor. He mentor her on macro topics such as program development, policy, and the business side of non-profit organizations.

“Donna and Darrick didn’t have to do this for me,” says Yesenia. I guess, as trained social workers themselves, that’s what they do.”

Over the years at ACC, Yesenia has learned to be transparent with her residents. “They want to know what’s happening before it happens. I mingle with them constantly” says Yesenia.

Yesenia has also learned to detect changes in behavior, memory, and health status, so she can connect them with resources to help them maintain their independence.

While studying for her Masters degree, Yesenia had her third child, Aria. On May 18, 2019, she graduated with her Masters in Social Work. Her parents attended the ceremony along with her workplace parents Darrick Lam and Donna Yee.

New Executive Director Joins Meals on Wheels by ACC

Kevin McAllister has joined Meals on Wheels by ACC as its new Executive Director. Kevin was the Executive Director of Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa. Prior to that, he was the Executive Director for California Coalition for Youth where he and his team successfully advocated for $10M to be put into the State budget to support homeless youth in San Francisco, Santa Clara, Los Angeles and San Diego.

“Our search for a new Executive Director yielded over three hundred applications,” says MOW Board President Brian Chin. “Fourteen candidates interviewed for the top position. Kevin stood out because he had been in non-profit leadership positions his entire career. It was important to find someone who had a passion for serving disadvantaged and underserved populations.”

One experience that solidified Kevin’s calling happened while he was a program coordinator at the Solano Family Justice Center. “I saw a lot of bad things happen to people including an elderly client who was a victim of financial abuse by another family member. She lost her house.”

“I’m honored to lead Meals on Wheels by ACC because it serves the most vulnerable members of our community,” says Kevin. “Many of our participants are house-bound and would be much worse off without us. They get very excited when we show up at their door. We get to know them like family.”

Kevin replaces David Morikawa who led the organization for the past seven-plus years. Today, Meals on Wheels by ACC has 500 volunteers and serves more than 2,000 older adults in their homes and at 20 All Seasons Café sites throughout Sacramento County. Last year, MOW celebrated the delivery of its four millionth meal since taking over the program from Sacramento County in 2010.

Kevin graduated with B.A. in Liberal Arts from CSU Sacramento and an M.S. in Organizational Leadership from National University. He enjoys archery, hiking and kayaking.

ACC to Host Free RMD Workshop on June 19

You’re getting closer to the age of 70 and you keep hearing the term “RMD.” But what does that term “RMD” mean and, more specifically, what does it mean for you?

If you’ve participated in a qualified retirement plan you cannot enjoy the tax-deferred earnings indefinitely. Eventually, you must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) starting in the year you turn 70½ – a gift from the IRS that you may not be happy about. Failure to do so may result in a hefty 50% penalty on the amount that should have been withdrawn!

If you have more questions than answers about RMDs, please join financial advisors Esther Aw, CLTC & CAP, and Mark J. Pratt, CLTC, on

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

ACC Senior Services

7334 Park City Drive, Sacramento

Join our informative discussion about RMDs, including about how to maximize benefits to you and potentially minimize your taxes. Hosted by ACC Fund Development Committee, this workshop will help you understand what RMD really means.

Seating is limited so reserve your seat today. Register online at tinyurl.com/acc6554 or call Anna Su at (916) 393-9026 ext. 330. The speakers are:

Esther Aw, CLTC & CAP, is a financial advisor with over 22 years of experience of holistic financial planning in the arena of protection, accumulation, retirement, distribution, preservation and legacy of wealth management. She started her practice in the South and East Bay and has lived in Sacramento region since 1997.

Mark J. Pratt, CLTC, is also a financial advisor with more than 30 years of investment management, including retirement planning, wealth accumulation and preservation, and portfolio management. He has a built a solid practice with a diverse client base spanning in the Sacramento and Bay areas to as far north as Redding California.

Esther and Mark are qualifying and life members of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the Premier Advisory Association of Financial Professionals. They are also registered investment advisers, offering investment advisory services through NYLIFE Securities, LLC, and Eagle Strategies, LLC.

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

On June 15, 2019, communities in the US and all over the world will sponsor events to highlight solutions to this systemic social challenge.

As Americans, we believe in justice for all. Yet we fail to live up to this promise when we allow older members of our society to be abused or neglected. Older adults are vital, contributing members of American society, and their maltreatment diminishes all of us. Just as we have confronted and addressed the social issues of child abuse and domestic violence, so too can we find solutions to address issues like elder abuse, which also threatens the well-being of our community.

The policies and practices in this nation make it hard for older adults to stay involved with and connected to our communities as they age. As a result, they are more likely to experience social isolation, which increases the likelihood of abuse and neglect. We can design stronger societal supports to keep our older adults connected and protect them from abuse, whether financial, emotional, physical or sexual. When we address a root cause, like social isolation, we also make it less likely that people will neglect themselves. Older adults who are socially connected and protected from harm are less likely to be hospitalized, less likely to go into nursing homes and less likely to die.

We can and must also create healthier and safer living environments for older adults, including their homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

To participate in this conversation, join ACC’s CEO Darrick Lam as he presents a workshop entitled:

You Could Be Next: How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Medicare Fraud & Scams

Friday, June 14, 2019

10:30 am to 11:30 am at ACC Green-haven Terrace Community Room, and at 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at ACC Campus Community Room.

Pre-registration required. Call 916-503-5807.

It is up to all of us to prevent and address elder abuse. Talk to our leaders at the local, state and national levels to advocate for elder abuse prevention and intervention programs. Be a friendly visitor to an older person living in our community. Report concerns to our local Adult Protective Services program or law enforcement.

In the meantime, you can get more information about how to make a difference by visiting the National Center on Elder Abuse https://ncea.acl.gov or by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to explore local community services and support.