Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer

Volunteer: William Law works as a liaison between the city and the county on senior issues.




Public Citizen

Out of Retirement

William Law is city's newest representative to the Council on Aging

By Moryt Milo

Forty years ago, with an opportunity to start a new job and the lure of an 11-minute commute, William Law moved from San Bruno to San Jose. Now retired, at age 80, he has just been appointed as the representative to the Council on Aging for the city of Campbell. Law has been an active member of the Campbell chapter of AARP for several years and, along with his wife, he has been volunteering in the AARP information office.

As volunteers, they handle telephone requests and help walk-ins, providing the elderly with advice and directing them to the Council on Aging for additional support and guidance. As a result of his involvement, the president of the Campbell chapter asked him to be the city's representative to the coucil after the former representative resigned. Jokingly, he says, "In a flighty moment I agreed." But then on a serious note adds, "I feel this is a worthwhile activity for me."

Law works as a liaison between the council and the city. As an example of his role, Law says, at a recent meeting at the Council on Aging, " It was reported that there is free dental help for aging people with limited income. I reported this to the city and they had not heard about it."

Through this link, having a representative who attends monthly meetings at the Council on Aging, Campbell is able to better assist its elderly population in the area of health, legislative changes, the senior housing market, or what might be happening in the nursing home communities.

Law says the fit works well. "I'm aged myself and am interested in various legislation that pertains to older people." Yet he feels very fortunate to be financially secure in his own life. As a former accountant, his interests in making the right investments have allowed him the freedom from worry and an opportunity to travel extensively throughout the worldÑsomething he says he and his wife have enjoyed greatly.

Yet he is sensitive to the fact that there are many seniors today who have not found their later years to be comfortable. Through his volunteer work at The AARP and as the city's representative to the Council on Aging, he sees an opportunity to assist others in understanding that " in the aging group there is help for people who face real difficulties as a result of low income, disabilities or retirement." He wants seniors to know there are organizations out there that deal with many elderly issues.

He cites the local chapter of AARP as an example. "The Campbell chapter is one of the biggest and best in the whole area. We have about 185 members. We have picnics and lots of senior events. It's an opportunity to meet other people, listen to speakers and not be lonely."

Although Law has just begun his new job as Campbell's representative for the Council on Aging, he looks forward to becoming more involved. Says Law: "I care about the community and I'm hoping I can be helpful."

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