6I
Date: May 5, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Commission on Aging
Ted Stevens, Community Services Director
By: Jesus Castro, Senior Recreation Supervisor | [email protected] Subject: Commission on Aging and Community Services – Recognize 2026 Older Americans Award Recipients. Expenditure: None.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the Commission on Aging and Community Services Director that City Council recognize Ronald Kott, Beverly Kay Findley, and Joe Provenzano as the 2026 Older Americans Award recipients.
FUNDING
None required.
DISCUSSION
For over 47 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 7, 2026, the Commission selected and recommended that Your Honorable Body recognize Ronald Kott, Beverly Kay Findley, and Joe Provenzano.
Attachment 1 contains an excerpt from April 7, 2026, Commission meeting minutes.
Ronald Kott –
Ron has been a dedicated volunteer at the Bartlett Senior Center for the past three years, playing an important role in supporting the daily lunch program. He assists with food preparation, plating, and serving meals, while also helping to ensure operations run smoothly. In addition, he greets seniors, collects lunch tickets, and creates a welcoming and friendly environment for all who attend.
Beyond his daily responsibilities, Ron is known for his kindness, patience, and genuine care for others. He takes the time to connect with seniors on a personal level, helping foster a sense of community and belonging. His reliability, positive attitude, and willingness to assist wherever needed have made him a valued member of the volunteer team. Through his consistent service, Ron has helped enhance both the quality of the meal program and the overall experience at the center. His strong work ethic and compassionate approach exemplify the spirit of community service and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those he serves. 1 City Council
May 5, 2026
Beverly Kay Findley –
Beverly has dedicated many years of service to the Torrance community, most notably through her leadership and continued involvement with the Torrance Rose Float Association. After serving 10 years as President, she now holds the role of Vice President, where she remains actively engaged in a wide range of responsibilities, including coordinating parade logistics, supporting community outreach events, assisting with fundraising efforts, and helping manage organizational needs.
In 2016, Beverly introduced a student design contest that has since grown significantly, encouraging youth participation and creativity while fostering community pride. Her ongoing efforts have helped sustain the Association’s tradition of producing award-winning floats and have inspired both volunteerism and financial support from the community.
A resident since 1973, Beverly has also contributed her time to other local organizations, including school and youth programs. Her long-standing commitment and leadership have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the City of Torrance.
Joe Provenzano –
Joe Provenzano has made a significant impact through his dedicated service to the Western Museum of Flight, where he serves as Chief Docent. In this role, he leads and coordinates docent activities, conducts tours, and delivers engaging presentations, including for the museum’s Kids Love Aviation Science (KLAS) program. He also represents the museum at community and educational events, helping to connect audiences of all ages with aerospace history and innovation.
With more than 45 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Joe brings extensive knowledge from his work with major organizations, which he enthusiastically shares with visitors, students, and the broader community. He has contributed to the development of educational curriculum, created interactive and grant-funded exhibits, and supported youth initiatives such as judging student competitions and mentoring high school students.
In addition to his operational and educational contributions, Joe serves as an advisor to the museum’s Board of Trustees and plays a key role in documenting his work. His passion for aerospace, commitment to education, and ability to inspire others, particularly young people, have made him a valued leader and role model within the community.
ATTACHMENT
1. Excerpt of Commission on Aging Minutes dated April 7, 2026, Item 7C 2 ATTACHMENT 1
Excerpt of Commission on Aging Minutes dated April 7, 2026, Item 7C
EXCERPT OF MINUTES Minutes Subject to Approval
April 7, 2026
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE TORRANCE COMMISSION ON AGING
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting convened on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 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 Ohno, Kraemer, Wang, Montoya, Bisenieks and Chair Hileman.
Absent: None
Staff: Senior Recreation Supervisor, Jesus Castro and Recreation Supervisor, Sal Campos.
7. ADMINISTRAVE MATTERS
7C. Discussion on Older Americans Awards
Senior Recreation Supervisor, Jesus Castro reported that there were three nominations.
MOTION: Commissioner Wang moved, and Commissioner Kraemer seconded, to approve the following for the City’s Older American Award: Ronald Kott, Beverly Kay Findley, and Joe Provenzano
The motion passed by a 6 to 0 vote.
3