6G
Date: May 6, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: John La Rock, Community Services Director
By: Jesus Castro, Senior Recreation Supervisor | [email protected] Subject: Commission on Aging and Community Services – Recognize the 2025 Older Americans Award Recipients. Expenditure: None.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the Commission on Aging and Community Services Director that City Council recognize Betty Colyer, Bill Colyer, Dorothy Austin, Ellen Jenkins, Russell Lefevre, and Werner Willoughby as the 2025 Older Americans Award recipients.
FUNDING
None required.
DISCUSSION
For over 46 years, the City of Torrance Commission on Aging has annually recommended senior citizens for recognition by the City Council for their outstanding service to the community.
At their meeting of April 1, 2025, the Commission selected and recommended that Your Honorable Body recognize Betty Colyer, Bill Colyer, Dorothy Austin, Ellen Jenkins, Russell Lefevre, and Werner Willoughby. Information about each of the honorees is included below.
Attachment A contains an excerpt from the April 1, 2025, Commission meeting minutes.
Betty Colyer -
Betty has been a dedicated volunteer at the Torrance/South Bay YMCA for over eight years, generously devoting several hours each week to support various programs. She actively contributes to the YMCA’s yearly campaign as a team leader or division manager and participates in the annual golf tournament, which raises funds for youth programs. Beyond the YMCA, Betty also volunteers weekly at a school, demonstrating her commitment to education and community support. She has played a key role in welcoming seniors to the YMCA’s lunch program and engages in special events such as holiday decorations, Halloween activities, and Healthy Lifestyles Day. Betty’s leadership and generosity are further evident through her personal financial contributions to the YMCA and her active participation in community speeches and events. 1 City Council
May 6, 2025
4 3
2 Bill Colyer -
Bill is a passionate and dedicated volunteer at the Torrance/South Bay YMCA for over eight years, generously making himself available multiple days a week and stepping up as a team leader or division manager for the YMCA’s yearly campaign. He is actively involved in the annual golf tournament, helping to raise funds for youth programs, and enjoys engaging with golfers to promote the YMCA’s mission. Alongside Betty, Bill welcomes seniors to the YMCA’s lunch program, encouraging participation and fostering a sense of community. His volunteer efforts extend to holiday decorations, Halloween events for children, and various enrichment programs.
Bill’s commitment to service is recognized through his financial donations to the YMCA and his participation in community speeches and special events. His selfless dedication has made a lasting impact on the YMCA and the greater Torrance community.
Dorothy Austin -
Dorothy is a dedicated and invaluable volunteer whose contributions have enriched the Madrona Marsh Preserve and her community for over 12 years. As a greeter at the front gate, a gift shop attendant, and a key member of the outreach team, she plays a vital role in welcoming visitors, supporting events, and spreading awareness. She also assists at the reception desk, helps with event setup and breakdown, and is an essential part of the annual Nature Center Festival and Friends of Madrona Marsh fundraisers.
Beyond her work at the Marsh, Dorothy is an active member at the Bartlett Senior Center, assisting with the senior walking club and engaging in a women’s empowerment class. In addition to her volunteer efforts, Dorothy is the elder of a large family, with four children, five grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She continues to work professionally, providing on-call support at a senior retirement facility in Orange County. Her energy, compassion, and dedication make her a beloved figure at the Madrona Marsh and beyond, leaving an impact on all who have the pleasure of knowing her.
Ellen Jenkins -
Ellen has dedicated over 40 years to volunteering in Torrance, beginning with the PTA at her daughter’s schools and expanding her service to numerous community organizations. She currently serves as Recording Secretary for the Torrance Woman’s Club, where she also helps select scholarship recipients and participates in fundraising efforts. Ellen has been an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels for nearly a decade, delivering meals to homebound individuals and serving as Board President for four years. She has also supported The Volunteer Center by preparing backpacks for disadvantaged children and reading to young students. Additionally, she has contributed to local animal rescues, the Las Vecinas philanthropic group, and the "Echo Committee" at Northrop Grumman, researching charitable organizations. Known for her dedication and willingness to help wherever needed, Ellen is a passionate advocate for community service.
Russell Lefevre -
Russell has dedicated 16 years to volunteer service in water management for Torrance. He spent six years on the Torrance Water Commission, including two terms as chair, before serving the past 10 years as the City’s representative on the board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Over the last five years, he has played a crucial role in shaping water policies, serving on key committees such as Climate Action, Water Planning and Stewardship, and Engineering and Operations. His expertise in electrical engineering and commitment to public service have significantly benefited the community. His leadership and dedication make him a deserving candidate for this honor.
2 City Council
May 6, 2025
4 3
2 Werner Willoughby -
Werner has been a dedicated volunteer with the Torrance Sister City Association (TSCA) for over 17 years, beginning in 2007 when his son joined the student exchange program with Kashiwa, Japan. He has since served as TSCA President, a Board Member, Student Selection Committee Member, August Activities Chair, and Bunka-Sai Festival Chair through 2024.
A key leader of the Bunka-Sai Cultural Festival, Werner has overseen its organization and continues to advise on logistics and planning. He played a crucial role in TSCA’s 50th-anniversary celebrations in 2023 and kept the organization active during COVID through virtual engagement.
Beyond TSCA, Werner was a chemistry teacher in the Los Angeles School District, coaching track, cross-country, and an Academic Decathlon team for a decade. Even in retirement, Werner remains a guiding force in TSCA, sharing his experience and leadership to support the organization’s growth and impact on the community.
ATTACHMENT
1. Excerpt of Commission on Aging Minutes dated April 1, 2025, Item 7C 3 ATTACHMENT A
Excerpt of Commission on Aging Minutes dated April 1, 2025, Item 7C
EXCERPT OF MINUTES Minutes Subject to Approval
April 1, 2025
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE TORRANCE COMMISSION ON AGING
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting convened on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 9:3 0 a.m. at the Commission Meeting Room at the City Hall-West Annex.
2. ROLL CALL/MOTIONS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCE
Present: Commissioners Davis, Grundhaus, Hileman, Dojiri, Montoya and Chairperson Mayfield
Absent: Commissioner Wang
Staff: Recreation Manager, Garrett Craig
7. ADMINISTRAVE MATTERS
7C. Discussion on Older Americans Awards
Recreation Manger, Garrett Craig reported that there were six nominations.
MOTION: Commissioner Mayfield moved, and Commissioner Montoya seconded, to approve the following for the City’s Older American Award: Betty Colyer, Bill Colyer, Dorothy Austin, Ellen Jenkins, Russell Lefevre, and Werner Willoughby
The motion passed by a 6 to 0 vote with Commissioner Wang absent. 4 ATTACHMENT 1