Beyond Valentine's Day: Our Seniors Need More Than Cards

Councilmember Donald Abbott’s photo gallery of distributing Valentine’s Day cards to seniors. Is this a photo opportunity for political campaigns?

Yes, Sparks Councilmember Donald Abbott's Valentine's Day cards for seniors is a sweet gesture. For five years, he's brought smiles to seniors' faces - for one day.

But what about the other 364 days when our seniors:

• Choose between buying groceries or medicine

• Face eviction notices because they can't afford skyrocketing rent

• Eat substandard meals from Washoe County Human Services Agency

• Battle isolation and depression

• Return to work because their fixed incomes aren't enough anymore

Abbott, we've seen you at the Sparks Senior Center, handing out those Valentine's cards while seniors eat their lunch. Do you really think those lunches are of the quality we should be serving to our seniors? You don’t think they could be improved upon?

Abbott handing out cards at the Sparks Senior Center during senior lunch 2025.

And Councilmember Meghan Ebert - your fancy cooking classes with two chefs are great photo opportunities. But what about the seniors in your North Valleys reheating unappetizing meals from Washoe County’s Meals on Wheels? Have you tasted what they're forced to eat?

Budget Friendly Senior Cooking Classes paid for with City of Reno Councilmember Discretionary funds, AKA taxpayer dollars. At what cost per plate?

Both of you, along with Commissioner Clara "Photo Op" Andriola, know how to show up for the cameras. But our seniors need advocates, not photographers.

Our elderly neighbors deserve more than one day of cards or occasional cooking shows. They need:

• Real advocacy for better meal quality

• Fighting for affordable housing

• Supporting mental health services

• Standing up for Medicare protection

• Addressing isolation and loneliness

Abbott, we know you care. We've seen glimpses of it. Now step up and be the champion our seniors need - every single day of the year.

Because hunger, loneliness, and dignity don't take days off.