Joe Buyck insists he’s not old. In fact, he’s adamant about it, because he certainly doesn’t feel like a senior citizen.
And, like Jan Arvizu and Janine Vandendriessche, he definitely doesn’t act his age.
Proof of that was shared at Saturday’s Senior Day at the Lyon County Fair, when the Tracy trio was recognized as Lyon County’s 2006 Outstanding Senior Citizens.
“It’s really neat to find the people in our communities that make them hum,” said Jaen Weilage, a strong advocate for seniors in Lyon County for more than a decade. “We went over to Tracy and found bright lights glowing. Tracy is kind of a special spot on this earth — they are listed on the AARP most livable cities (list) for seniors … there’s a lot of good stuff going on in Tracy.”
And a lot of that good stuff is the result of people like Arvizu, Vandendriessche and Buyck, who have each put community before self as they work to better Tracy and the surrounding area.
Each of the award winners were honored individually at Saturday’s event, starting with Buyck. Weilage noted Buyck’s essential role with the Help Tuck Them In bed program.
“There’s kids in our county, in our area, who don’t have a bed to sleep in,” Weilage said. “Joe finds a way to find those families and help them out. It’s a wonderful group.”
Weilage acknowledged not just Buyck, but all the other volunteers it has taken to make the bed program what it has grown to today.
“The main thing today is remembering that one small thing can grow into more,” she said.
Buyck said Help Tuck Them In has delivered more than 400 beds and more than 30 cribs to families in and around Lyon County.
“I think we’ve made a difference in these children’s lives,” he said. “That is why we do this.”
Next up was Arvizu, who serves on the Tracy City Council and is the driving force behind Tracy’s S.A.I.L. (Stay Independent and Active for Life) program, a free fitness and fall prevention program designed specifically for adults 65 and older.
“All the people that go to her class feel so seen and noticed, and they feel healthier,” Weilage said.
Arvizu said she is honored and humbled by the award and shared three pieces of advice to the crowd, including practicing kindness because it doesn’t cost a thing.
“I promised my kids that I never plan to act my age,” she said.
Last but not least, Vandendriessche was brought to the front of the stage. Vandendriessche was an outspoken leader in Tracy’s efforts to bring a community center to town.
“Janine represents the very best of Lyon County,” said Weilage. “Her lifelong commitment to service, leadership, volunteerism and community building has touched countless lives.”
Vandendriessche, who has welcomed exchange students into her home for more than 30 years, said the community center wouldn’t have happened without Tracy residents’ all-hands-ondeck attitude.
“I just want you to know that it wasn’t just me,” she said. “It took a whole community to make the center happen. I want to thank all those people — I was just a small part of it.”
To be eligible for the honor, a person must be 65 or older, a longtime resident of Lyon County and have made considerable contributions to their community through their volunteerism.
