On Wednesday, Derrick Wallace, frontrunner in the race for Orange County Commission, District 6, held a Meet and Greet for senior citizens at the William & Catherine Booth Towers, Lake Dot Circle in Orlando.
The more than 60 seniors who attended the event, not only got to meet Wallace and learn about his campaign priorities, but enjoyed a healthy lunch consisting of baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, rice, green beans and salad, among other selections.
“I was extremely pleased to meet and interact with local seniors and to listen to their concerns,” Wallace said.
Wallace told the seniors that he is a fourth generation Orlandoan who was born in Parramore and has lived all his life in District 6. “My grandfather moved here in 1887…we’ve been here in Orlando a long, long time,” he said.
Wallace said he graduated from Jones High School, went to FAMU where he studied accounting and built probably the largest African-American construction company in the State of Florida. “And now it is time for me to give back to a district that has been neglected for years,” he said.
Seniors should know I understand how important it is that a society cares for its elderly people and I understand the issues that affect all seniors, Wallace said.
“There are many older people who have contributed to society throughout their lives and they shouldn’t be left to fend for themselves when they need care and support,” he said. “We must never sacrifice their safety, health and dignity.”
“I am a senior myself, sixty,” said Wallace, to laughs from the group.
Noting that his other campaign priorities are jobs, economic development and education, Wallace said, he is desirous of taking his more than 30 years’ experience of living and working in the community, to give back to the community. “All I ask is that you become familiar with me and on August 26, I ask for your vote.”
“I was pleased to meet Mr. Wallace and hear him speak about greater support for seniors,” said Louisa, one of the residents who attended the Meet and Greet. “And I enjoyed the meal very much.”
Teri Arndt, Service Coordinator at the William Booth Towers, said that the Meet & Greet was definitely a treat for the seniors. She said the need for resources to provide for medical equipment, health care, food and other services is great.
“The residents here rely largely on Food Stamps which have been reduced,” she said, of the HUD-supported seniors’ towers. “Still, we need help with assisting seniors to access Food Stamps.”
“The food today, including the sumptuous desserts, was really a delight for our residents,” Arndt added.
The William & Catherine Booth Towers accommodate about 350 low-income senior citizens and has a long waiting list.
A Seniors Extravaganza, aimed at educating seniors and connecting Orange County residents with vendors, will be held at the Towers on April 12, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
