Simi Valley's senior advocacy board is looking for its next Volunteer of the Year — and it needs new board members, too.
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — The city's Council On Aging is accepting nominations for its 2026 Wayne Templeton Volunteer of the Year Award and taking applications for open seats on its executive board. Both deadlines are Nov. 20.
The volunteer award honors someone who contributed a significant amount of time and talent to serve older adults in Simi Valley over the past year. Nominees can be any age, but only Simi Valley residents 60 or older can submit nominations. A selection committee will weigh both the time contributed and the effect of the service.
The recipient will be recognized at the COA's monthly meeting on Jan. 11, 2027, and again at a City Council meeting in early 2027.
The city is also recruiting Simi Valley residents 60 or older to serve on the COA Executive Board. The board advises the City Council on senior-related issues and helps plan and support fundraising for senior programs.
Members are nominated by the COA General Membership and appointed by the City Council to two-year terms beginning Feb. 1, 2027. The board meets at the Senior Center at 1 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, except July and August.
"The Council On Aging plays an essential role in supporting and advocating for older adults in our community," said Janice Del Santo, COA chair. "We encourage anyone with a passion for service and experience in areas such as fundraising, finance, communications, administration, or any area of importance to seniors to apply."
The COA has been an advisory body for the city since its formation decades ago. Its work shapes the services and programs that older residents rely on, from fitness classes to social events to broader policy recommendations. Board members bring varied expertise, and the group operates on a volunteer basis.
The award itself is named for Wayne Templeton, a longtime volunteer whose contributions to the Senior Center set a standard for community involvement. The annual recognition keeps his example visible and gives the COA a way to spotlight the often-unseen work that keeps the center running.
For residents who have spent years contributing to the community, the board offers a formal role in shaping how the city serves its aging population. The work is practical: reviewing programs, identifying gaps, advising on budgets, and raising funds to fill in where city resources fall short.
Applications for the executive board are available at simivalley.org/COA. For award nomination details, call the Senior Center at (805) 583-6363 or visit the same website. For questions about the board, contact Community Services Manager Kimberly Post at (805) 583-6366.
