Collection documents SAC's administration and volunteer activities from 1972 to 1980,
including its planning, proposals, and operations in improving the quality of life for older
adults living in the Milwaukee area.
SAC presidents William Kesselman and Anne Sery and the administrative directors created the
majority of these records. The collection contains minutes from the board of directors and
other committees.
The records document SAC's efforts to reduce bus fares for the elderly during off-peak
hours in starting in 1973, and lobby for Milwaukee County to purchase the private bus
transportation system in July 1975. There are extensive files on the development of
preventive health screening through two pilot centers; work with the Milwaukee County
Commission on Aging to establish a county-wide health screening program; tax reform efforts
undertaken during the Bicentennial; the construction of bus shelters for elderly riders with
the help of state representative Harout Sansarian; and lobbying of state and local
politicians on legislation affecting drug costs and pricing.
Extensive files exist on SAC's Over 60 Identification Card Program with the Rotary Club of
Milwaukee, which provided discounts to senior citizens in their purchases of participating
business' products. There is also a significant amount of information regarding SAC's
Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) and Comprehensive and Employment Training Act
(CETA) funding, and the results to the organization when that funding was cut.
The collection contains the scripts and videos of skits written and produced by SAC to
highlight concerns of safety, crime and security to the elderly. There are files on the
establishment and promotion of the Kesselman Senior Service Award for outstanding elderly
community service in 1978 and 1979. Only limited information is available on the creation,
preparation, and distribution of Life Alert Emergency Medical Information Packets, which
were packages that were attached to the refrigerators of older adults containing information
on health matters in case of an emergency. Newspaper clippings supplement the office records
by providing an overview of the organization.
