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News & Events
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Community honors senior leader Posted in The Oakland Tribune on Sunday, July 25, 2004 Written by Staff Writers The City of Oakland recently recognized Andrew Montgomery, 81, for his many years of service to the community at a public celebration in the City Hall plaza. Like many elders who retire and remain involved, he doesn't seek the limelight. However, his story is an example and inspiration for all of us, whatever our age may be. Born in Oklahoma, Montgomery moved to the Bay Area in 1942. He worked as a welder and marine electrician and later as a transformer assembler. Active in the union, the NAACP and the Congress of Racial Equality, he provided leadership in successful equal opportunity actions in employment and housing. After he moved from San Jose to Oakland in the late 1980s, he served on the board of Oakland's "Sharing the Vision" commission, which did long-term planning and goal setting for public safety, schools and housing. In the 1990s he was appointed to Oakland's Commission on Aging, then was selected as chairman. He was involved in legislative issues and helped establish city senior centers. He was on the committee that developed the North Oakland Senior Center, where he remains active. He currently serves as President of the Tenants Association at Sojourner Truth Manor and represents Christian Church Homes and United Seniors at senior housing conferences. In his leadership roles, Montgomery always spoke out and urged people to become politically involved. He was invited to work on some local political campaigns. To this day he encourages seniors to register to vote because he believes voting is our most effective means to bring about positive change. When asked for his advice to retirees, Montgomery said, "Don't just sit down, eat and become inactive." Following his own heart attack and angioplasty two years ago, he walks a mile a day, refrains from smoking and monitors the fat content of his food. He frequently joins friends to dance to the music of live bands at a local nightclub. Montgomery refers to the first years of the 21st century as very dark times. He hopes we can learn that peaceful negotiations, not war, can produce positive outcomes. He also hopes that seniors will consider their true interests and will not get sidetracked by phony issues. As an example, he urges seniors to take a very careful look at Medicare prescription drug discount cards before making any decisions about them. When asked how he would like to be remembered, Montgomery said he doesn't really think about that. He went on to say that he does see himself as someone who tries to be a good person but who makes mistakes. When he works for positive community or political change, he does so without rancor and always tries to keep his ego on the back burner. He also gratefully acknowledges the gifts of his earlier life. For example, when he was growing up during the Great Depression, there was always someone in his family or community to help in a crisis. Speaking of family, Montgomery enjoys staying in touch with and visiting his two sons and a daughter, as well as his six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In keeping with his commitment to community, he also raised 14 foster children. We salute Andy Montgomery, a soft spoken man who speaks up for people, gets things done on their behalf and continues to enjoy his long and satisfying life. Sandra J. Cohen, R.N., and Roger Cormier are consultants who help East Bay families plan and coordinate care of an older relative at home or in a care facility. You can reach them at (510) 652-3377 or (925) 945-8855 or visit www.eldercaremanagers.comOakland Tribune: General Contact Information
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Related links: - Oakland Tribune |
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