June - August 2024 Volume 31 Number 2
COMPLIMENTARY
Citywide Golden Luncheon recognizes Allegheny County’s older adults ed. “Their contributions are the building blocks of our great city, providing a foundation for all Pittsburghers to grow and move forward. Too many times, we forget to look back to see who has come before us. This is our chance to say we have not forgotten you, and we thank you for what your generation has done for Pittsburgh.” Mayor Ed Gainey and Chief of Staff Jake Wheatley with an attendee.
By Gina Mazza City of Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and Chief of Staff Jake Wheatley celebrated Pittsburgh area seniors at the second annual Citywide Golden Luncheon on March 14 at the David Lawrence Convention Center. The event featured a variety of vendors offering practical information and resources to assist and improve the lives of older residents—including CitiParks Healthy Active Living Senior Centers, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Of-
fice. Speakers included Pittsburgh Chief of Police Larry Scirotto and Amera Gilchrist, Chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. Attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch, playing rounds of bingo, signing up to win raffle prizes and taking part in a special tribute to the late Roland Ford, a beloved and integral part of Pittsburgh’s senior community (see sidebar).
The Golden Luncheon event grew out of individual events that were held for seniors in their respective districts when Mayor Gainey was State Representative in the 24th District and Jake Wheatley was State Representative in the 19th District. Two years ago, they teamed up to host the annual citywide event.
26 vendors were present, including Pittsurgh Regional Transit, Pittsburgh Senior News, Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office-Senior Justice “This is our opportunity Advocate, Alzheimer’s to thank our senior com- Association of Greater munity for all they have Pittsburgh and more. done for Pittsburgh,” Mayor Gainey commentContinued on page 10
Roland Ford honored at city-wide event
The late Roland M. Ford, Sr., known far and wide as the “Line Dance King”, was honored in a special tribute at the Citywide Golden Luncheon. Roland was a true inspiration who not only epitomized healthy, active aging and joy, but also had a passion for helping other seniors do the same. Roland passed on October 14, 2023 at the age of 75. As the founder of Dance and Be Fit, Roland led line dancing classes in every corner of Allegheny County and beyond. His legacy lives on through his company, which now has a roster of trained instructors that teach up to 30 classes per week at locations around Allegheny County. To learn more, email support@danceandbefit or visit Danceandbefit.com.