COLMA, California- Every second Wednesday of the month, this town rolls out its Adult & Senior Monthly Luncheon, a midday event to nourish the body and spirit.

The point is to get together with or meet new friends over a delicious buffet meal with a drink and dessert for less than the price of one latte at a famous coffee chain. Birthday celebrants of the month receive a birthday hat plus a delicious treat. 

For Colma residents 18 years and older, the tab would be $5.  For age 55 and better, the bill is $3.  Same as for persons with disabilities.  Must have current Colma ID.

No tip requested or expected.

Warm welcome from the team focused on providing overall wellness always included.  That would be the Recreation Service Department powered by manager Angelika Abellana and coordinators Daisy Esquivias and Dinora Navarro.  With City Manager Dan Barros at the helm.

Non-residents may partake of the luncheon for $20 for all adults.

This month was veritable Mediterranean Escapade – imagine azure waves rolling on sun-bleached shores, warm breezes kissing your cheek as you tuck into a glorious plate redolent of tomatoes, peppers, olive oil and wild herbs.  Surely it was as delightful as last month’s feast.

In August the buffet was a balanced bounty of chicken, beef and pork with Caesar Salad and baked mac, cheesecake or pie.  Hot chocolate, tea and coffee to start and end the repast.

Truly sumptuous.

Every now and then diners get to learn about a resource to enhance quality of life.  

Last month they got to know about Got Wheels!, an on-demand affordable transportation program open to older adults  70+  and adults 18+  with disabilities who live in San Mateo County.

The rides are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.  “Members,” as participants are called, receive a no-cost membership card entitling them to six one-way rides a month.  They pay only $5 per one-way ride (round trips are two one-way rides) curb-to-curb in the geographic service area.

Got Wheels! is open to eligible residents of San Mateo County except the city of San Mateo and Pacifica, which provide transportation exclusively for their residents.

Like the Colma Senior Luncheon, Got Wheels! aligns with the movement to free individuals from loneliness and isolation, issues declared in 2023 by the U.S. Surgeon General as a “nationwide crisis.”

Social connection, Dr. Vivek Murthy said in his advisory, is “a significant predictor of longevity and better physical, cognitive and mental health, while social isolation and loneliness are significant predictors of premature death and poor health.”

Towns and organizations that offer opportunities for social connection contribute to the longevity of their diverse populations and strengthen the social infrastructure.

During the presentation two diners proudly identified themselves as participants of the transportation program launched by Peninsula Family Service (PFS) in 2019. Founded in 1950, PFS is a nonprofit organization providing individuals and families tools to help them succeed in every stage of their lives.

From early learning centers to financial literacy workshops and older adults activities, PFS has been promoting empowerment in San Mateo County and beyond.

One participant who said she was a longtime Got Wheels! member commended the service as “simple, easy and reliable.”  The other said it helps her make her doctor’s appointments.  

Both Colma residents, they expressed gratitude for the program, which also provides round-the-clock on-call rides to San Francisco International Airport.  Less than it would cost to buy a latte at that same famous coffee chain.

Colma too keeps residents on their toes with activities for individuals and families of all ages – journaling/scrapbooking, cooking, trips to amusement parks, ball games and concerts, art or Zumba classes, even parol-making (Sept. 26) and Gather and Give Thanks luncheon in November.  Say thanks to Mayor Ken Gonzalez, Vice Mayor Carrie Slaughter, Council Members Helen Fisicaro, Joanne del Rosario – the longest serving Filipino American Council Member in San Mateo County, and Thomas Walsh.

For more information about Colma activities or to register for the Colma Senior Lunch, contact Colma Recreation Services (650) 985-5678.

For more information on Got Wheels and Peninsula Family Service, visit www.pfso.org.

(Cherie M. Querol Moreno is Executive Editor of Philippine News Today.  She manages Peninsula Family Service Got Wheels! transportation program.)