blog Archives - ACC Senior Services

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon 2026

Scott Okamoto — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:44:46 +0000

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and on April 25, 2026, ACC proudly celebrated the incredible individuals who give their time and heart to our community.

We welcomed 109 volunteers to a special sit-down, buffet-style lunch filled with delicious dishes and meaningful moments. The menu featured smoked BBQ pork, chow mein, steamed mixed vegetables, wonton soup (with 600 wontons lovingly prepared by John’s parents!), cream cheese wontons, and refreshing boba-flavored teas.

This memorable meal was made possible thanks to generous ingredient donations from Connie Van, John Ha, and SF Market, and was prepared and served by Connie, John, and their family. A special thank you to Café La Vie owner Anh Luu for the boba tea, and to Lela Krueger for the beautiful and tasty desserts—including a watermelon fruit cake, chocolate cupcakes, and vanilla cake.

Guests enjoyed music and sound by Sean, a welcome by Jill Hays, Interim President & CEO, and captured fun moments at the photo booth, and left with swag bags filled with goodies like rice (donated by Farmer’s Rice Coop), Hawaiian Sun drinks (courtesy of Oto’s Marketplace), popcorn, chips, cookies, and sweet treats—plus a brand-new ACC Volunteer lanyard.

This event was truly a team effort, thoughtfully planned and hosted by our Volunteer Services Committee: Mary Bienko, Wes Goo, Judi Keen, and Tracy Shirasago. Our Board Members also pitched in with setup, serving, cleanup, and raffle prize donations.

As Mary Bienko shared during the event:
“Today’s lunch is a small token of our deep appreciation for all you contribute. Your commitment, hard work, and generosity are the backbone of ACC Senior Services. Every hour you volunteer and every task you complete makes a meaningful difference. Over 13,715 volunteer hours were captured in Volunteer Matters in 2025.”

To all our volunteers—thank you for everything you do. You make a difference every single day.

If you missed the invitation or were unable to make the luncheon, please contact Jasmine Holling at volunteer@accsv.org

Photos by Jeff Jong, ACC Camera Club

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ACC Care Center Earns 4-Star Rating from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Scott Okamoto — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:04:14 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACC Care Center Earns 4-Star Rating from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Sacramento, CA — [22 April, 2026] — ACC Senior Services is proud to announce that the ACC Care Center, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, has been awarded a 4-star rating by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a significant recognition of the organization’s commitment to high-quality care and continuous improvement in skilled nursing services.

The CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System is a nationally recognized benchmark designed to help families evaluate nursing homes based on quality and performance. Ratings are determined through a comprehensive assessment that includes health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures such as patient outcomes and care practices. Facilities are rated on a scale of one to five stars, with five being the highest.

A 4-star rating indicates above-average performance and reflects strong results across key areas, including successful health inspections, effective staffing, and measurable improvements in resident care and safety.

“I’m excited and proud to share an incredible accomplishment — our facility has achieved a 4-star rating,” said Heidi Wheeler, LVN, ACC Care Center Administrator. “A 4-star rating is not just a number — it represents improved outcomes, strong survey performance, and a culture of accountability. This milestone reflects the dedication, compassion, and hard work that each of our staff brings every day. Providing quality care in skilled nursing takes teamwork, consistency, and heart, and this recognition is a direct result of our commitment to excellence.”

ACC Senior Services Interm CEO Jill Hays also celebrated the achievement, emphasizing its impact on the broader community. “This 4-star recognition is a testament to ACC’s unwavering commitment to those we serve”, shared Hays, “Our Care Center team consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every resident receives compassionate, person-centered care. We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment and remain focused on continuing to raise the bar for quality and innovation in senior care.”

The CMS rating system is updated regularly to reflect the most current data available, ensuring transparency and accountability across the healthcare industry. The ACC Care Center’s achievement demonstrates its ongoing efforts to enhance care delivery, prioritize resident well-being, and meet rigorous federal standards.

For more than 50 years, ACC Senior Services has served the Sacramento region with a mission to support older adults in living with dignity, independence, and connection. The ACC Care Center remains a vital part of that mission, offering skilled nursing and rehabilitation services in a compassionate and supportive environment.

About ACC Senior Services
ACC Senior Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults through high-quality programs, housing, and care services. Serving the greater Sacramento region, ACC provides a continuum of care that promotes independence, wellness, and community connection.

Media Contact:
Scott Okamoto
Director of Marketing and Fund Development, ACC Senior Services
(916) 931-5561
info@accsv.org
www.accsv.org

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14th Annual ACC Crab Feed – A Smashing Success!

Scott Okamoto — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:20:09 +0000

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, ACC Senior Services welcomed over seven hundred friends, supporters, and community partners to its 14th Annual Crab Feed, one of the organization’s most beloved and anticipated fundraising traditions. The evening was filled with laughter, camaraderie, incredible food, and an inspiring spirit of generosity—all in support of ACC’s mission to serve and empower seniors throughout the Sacramento region.
Guests enjoyed a lively evening emceed by Sacramento County Supervisor Pat Hume, whose humor and energy helped keep the program moving and the crowd engaged. The event was made possible through the leadership of event chairs Evelyn Chin, Debbie Seid, and Janet Sakata, whose dedication and countless hours of planning helped bring the evening to life. Thank you to the Crab Feed Workgroup who has met for months to work out every detail of this year’s event. The evening was supported by ACC’s Board of Directors, ACC staff, and an incredible team of volunteers who ensured the event’s festivities ran smoothly from start to finish.

Over 2800 lbs of Asian-Style Hot Dungeness Crab!

Of course, the heart of the evening was the food. A tremendous thank you goes to Dor, Gordie, and the entire kitchen crew from the Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation (SASF), who once again worked tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare and serve a feast for hundreds of guests. Serving over 2,800 pounds of dungeness crab, accompanied by fried rice, asian-style ribs, mixed green salad with toasted sesame dressing, and freshly-fried shrimp chips. The cooks hard work and expertise ensured that everyone enjoyed a delicious and memorable meal.
Guests also enjoyed signature cocktails generously donated by Binh Dao of local AAPI owned Dao Distillery, adding a special touch to the evening’s festivities. Featuring local Bogle and Heringer wines, frozen margaritas and more, the bar area was kept running smoothly thanks to ACC Board Member, Wes Goo, and the entire bar volunteer group of bartenders, who kept spirits high throughout the night.

New this year…

The excitement continued with a bustling Silent Auction and Raffle, featuring generous contributions from many community businesses and supporters. We are deeply grateful to all of the donors who provided items and experiences that helped make it such a success. From Silver Oak Wine Tastings to DeMar DeRozan signed jersey, there was something for everyone! A special shout out to volunteer Lela Goo, who’s skills and creativity added amazingly beautiful, one-of-a-kind custom cakes to the dessert auction.

Returning Crowd Favorites…

No crab feed would be complete without a little friendly competition, and the ever-popular “Last Person Standing” raffle delivered plenty of laughs and suspense. Special thanks to Lorna “The General,” Bev, and Pam, whose leadership and enthusiasm helped make this crowd-favorite activity such a highlight of the evening.Guests lined up to enjoy the famous homemade treats at the ACC Bake Sale, coordinated by Jean Shiomoto and an amazing team of bake sale volunteers who filled the table with irresistible goodies. From POG mochi and matcha rice crispy to cornflake macadamia nut cookies, attendees found something to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Volunteers are at the core of what we do.

Behind the scenes, dozens of volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the day—helping with event setup, serving food, bussing tables, kitchen prep, and cleanup. Their generosity of time and energy is a powerful reflection of the caring community that surrounds ACC.
We are also grateful to Giovanni’s Pizza for donating over 20 pizzas to help feed our hardworking volunteers, and to Western Foods for donating 200 pounds of Koda Farms Kokuho Rose rice for the evening’s fried rice.

Supporting Sacramento Seniors

The success of the Crab Feed is a testament to the incredible generosity of our community. From sponsors and donors to volunteers and guests, every person played a role in helping ACC continue its vital work of providing transportation, senior care, social programs, and culturally responsive services helping older adults live with dignity, connection, and independence.
To everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, and supported this event: thank you. Because of you, the ACC community continues to thrive, and together we are ensuring that the seniors we serve receive the care, respect, and support they deserve.

Photos Courtesy of ACC Camera Club – Jeff Jong & Jonathan Sakakibara

Sponsored by the Law Offices of Alyssa Chow

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Ringing in the Year of the Fire Horse

Scott Okamoto — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:05:07 +0000

On February 27, 2026, ACC Senior Services’ Campus was filled with vibrant color, joyful music, and the warmth of community as we gathered to celebrate Lunar New Year. This FREE community event welcomed residents, participants, staff, and neighbors for an afternoon that beautifully honored tradition, culture, and togetherness.

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was festive and inviting. Red and gold decorations symbolizing prosperity and good fortune adorned the space, while laughter and conversation echoed throughout. The celebration was more than an event — it was a reflection of ACC’s commitment to cultural connection and meaningful engagement for the seniors we serve.

Captivating Performances

A highlight of the morning was the incredible lineup of live performances. ACC’s Tai Chi, Chinese Singing and Cultural Folk Dance groups filled the afternoon with excitement. Elegant fan dancers demonstrated their graceful movements mesmerizing the audience and drawing warm applause.

A Feast of Flavor

No Lunar New Year celebration is complete without delicious food — and this gathering did not disappoint. Guests enjoyed a thoughtfully prepared assortment of dishes symbolizing longevity, prosperity, and happiness. Everyone enjoyed a full plate while having thoughtful conversation as friends new and old, strengthening bonds and building new connections.

For many attendees, the food sparked fond memories and stories of celebrations past, creating moments of nostalgia and joy that are so meaningful for older adults.

Community at the Heart

What made the day truly special was the sense of belonging felt throughout the room. Community members who were visiting ACC for the first time experienced firsthand the warmth and hospitality that define our mission.

Events like this reflect the heart of ACC Senior Services — honoring cultural heritage, fostering connection, and ensuring older adults feel seen, celebrated, and valued. The Lunar New Year celebration was not only a festive occasion, but a powerful reminder that when we come together across generations and backgrounds, we strengthen the entire community.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, performed, and helped make this day such a memorable start to the new year. We look forward to continuing to celebrate culture, community, and compassion all year long.

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A Gift of Art and Tribute: Linda Louie Honors Architect Edwin Kado with Original Painting

Scott Okamoto — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:02:38 +0000

ACC Maple Tree Village has received a remarkable gift of an original oil painting from local artist and community supporter Linda Louie. This westward-facing landscape captures the “cool, crisp beauty of Northern California as a cloudy day sets a reflective mood along the Sacramento River.”

In Louie’s painting, the bronzy foliage of the trees lining the west bank of the river gracefully complements the swirling brushstrokes of the river, which envelop the city’s iconic landmark, The Ziggurat, a ten-story, stepped-pyramidal office building once known as The Money Store. The artist’s use of light along the riverbank creates shimmering reflections of the structure’s brutalist geometry, while the setting sun casts a warm, golden-hour glow that mirrors across the water.

This evocative piece is inspired by a photograph taken from Old Sacramento’s east bank and serves as a heartfelt tribute to ACC’s longtime friend and renowned architect, Edwin Kado. Kado, designer of The Ziggurat, described his original concept:

“I originally designed a building that cantilevered toward the river, so it was a pyramid upside down. It was twelve stories, and when you got to the top floor, it was 120 feet toward the river. The president of The Money Store thought it was interesting, but he wanted a symmetrical building. So, I suggested this shape as it connotes stability.”

The painting, gifted to ACC Maple Tree Village in Kado’s honor, celebrates his legacy as ACC’s “$1.4 million man.”

His architectural vision helped shape ACC’s many buildings including the design of Maple Tree Village itself, the renovated Park City building that now houses Meals on Wheels, several assisted living units at ACC Greenhaven Terrace, and both classrooms and offices across the ACC campus. Beyond ACC, Kado’s architectural footprint spans Sacramento, including Union Bank, the Almond Growers Visitor Center, CSU Sacramento facilities, Crossroads Shopping Center, Oto’s Marketplace, and Mahoroba Japanese Bakery.

Louie, an emerging Sacramento artist and active member of ACC’s Folk Guitar Club since 2019, originally showcased the piece during the 2025 Big Day of Giving Livestream. Her donation was made on behalf of ACC’s Music Programs and its dedicated music leaders, combining her love for art and music in a gesture of gratitude to the ACC community.

“I wanted this painting to reflect not just Sacramento’s landscape,” Louie shared, “but the creative spirit and stability that ACC and its people represent.”

The full interview with Linda Louie can be viewed on YouTube: ACC Senior Services Big Day of Giving Telethon 2025 (May 1 | 45:34).
This extraordinary gift now graces Maple Tree Village, a timeless reminder of art, architecture, and the enduring connections that make ACC a home for creativity and community.

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Serving Up Community: A Generous Gift of Pickleball Nets

Guest Author — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 23:22:57 +0000

Pickleball enthusiasts at ACC have even more to celebrate thanks to the generosity of Peter and Ruby Chin, who recently donated four brand-new, high-quality pickleball nets to the ACC Senior Services Campus. Designed for durability and easy setup, these nets will be enjoyed by players for years to come.

“We play so much pickleball at ACC that we wanted to have high-quality nets for other players and for both of us to enjoy,” shared Peter and Ruby. “These nets are also very easy to set up and store.”

Two of the nets were donated in memory of Sam and Katherine Chin, Peter’ parents, who were longtime supporters of ACC. Katherine was also a resident at the ACC Care Center, where she received compassionate, long-term care. The remaining two nets were gifted personally by Peter and Ruby, who continue to be active members of ACC’s vibrant pickleball community.

“Our pickleball community is so wonderful and so strong,” they said. “ACC provides the perfect venue where we can gather to enjoy a sport that brings joy and connection to so many of us.”

ACC extends heartfelt gratitude to Peter and Ruby for their thoughtful donation and their ongoing commitment to fostering wellness, friendship, and fun on and off the court.

If you would like to make a lasting impact gift at ACC, please contact ACC’s Fund Development department at development@accsv.org

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Volunteer Spotlight

Corky Mau — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 14:10:00 +0000

After spending five minutes with Kaori Sakauye, you feel her energetic spirit and compassion for helping senior adults in our community. She retired from the City of Sacramento in 2019 and still maintains a busy schedule.

Kaori loves her role as a Friendly Visitor for ACC’s Friendly Visitor/In Home Respite Program. Nationwide, Friendly Visitor programs connect older adults with volunteers for regular social interaction.

She explains why she volunteers, “There’s a similar program in Japan that’s helping my 93-year old mother. I signed up two years ago to be an ACC Friendly Visitor volunteer.” She spends two hours, once a week with her program participants. “One of my seniors is a retired attorney and loves to chat about politics while we stroll through her garden. My other senior has a progressive disease, and we play board games during weekly visits.”
In between her senior visits, the rest of her week is consumed with teaching and performing taiko drumming. Kaori was born in Saitama, Japan, but didn’t take up taiko until she moved to California and joined the Sacramento Taiko Dan in 1993. “One day, my Sensei, Tiffany Tamaribuchi, asked me to help teach taiko at Koyasan Temple. She suggested I train with a professional instructor in Japan. I studied there for two years.”
Kaori also leads a Drum Circle for memory care residents at McMahon Terrace twice a month; and teaches taiko at the Hart Senior Center twice a week.

She learned that taiko drumming could be beneficial to individuals living with Parkinson’s. She approached the Parkinson’s Support Group at ACC with the idea of introducing drumming to their members. The Tuesday afternoon class only started six months ago, but it’s already popular with participants like Dennis Wong. He adds, “As a recently diagnosed person with Parkinson’s, I understand the importance of physical activity. I’m glad that ACC offers this special activity for us. Kaori exudes patience and warmth as she teaches us the fine art of taiko.”
Kaori also teaches two other taiko classes at ACC on Wednesdays.

Her longtime passion is Hello Kitty. Kaori shared an interesting factoid with me: the cat doesn’t have a mouth. The design choice is deliberate, allowing people to communicate through their heart rather than words.

She loves the outdoors. “In my younger days, I completed 10 marathons and more than 70 half-marathons. Now I just walk around my Pocket neighborhood. We try to fit in standup paddle boarding at Lake Natoma when we have free time,” says Kaori.

Kaori is devoted to her family. She met husband David during their years of performing taiko. They married in the Koyasan Temple in 2002. Their son, also David, will soon graduate with a degree in Anthropology from Sacramento State. Kaori makes an annual trip to Japan to see her relatives. Kaori adds, “I appreciate the help my mother gets in Japan. I’m happy to do the same for others in our ACC family.”

If you or someone you know would like to volunteer for ACC’s Friendly Visitor program, call 916-503-5386 or send an email to: resources@accsv.org to get more information.

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A Night of Music, Food, and Community: The Asian Pair Concert at ACC Senior Services

Scott Okamoto — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 22:14:39 +0000

On the evening of September 30, 2025, ACC Senior Services was filled with the sounds of harmony and the warmth of community as guests gathered for a very special concert featuring Mary Nakamura and George Connor, Asian Pair. This lively event was not just about beautiful music—it was also about giving back. Proceeds from the night benefited ACC’s Lifelong Learning and Wellness Program (LLWP).

The concert drew an enthusiastic crowd, eager to enjoy Asian Pair’s dynamic performance. Their talent and energy brought smiles, applause, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of connection and celebration.

Of course, no ACC event would be complete without food – and this night was no exception. Chef Alfred delighted attendees with his delicious homemade beef chili and savory ginger beef fried rice. Meanwhile, ACC’s talented circle of bakers offered a mouthwatering spread of desserts that included everything from delicate egg tarts and fresh ginger cake, to chewy, flavorful coconut mochi. Every bite was a reminder of the generosity and care that this community puts into supporting one another.

Together, music, food, and friendship came together to create a night that not only entertained but also strengthened the programs that make a difference in the lives of so many older adults across Sacramento. Thanks to the support of attendees, performers, and volunteers, ACC’s LLWP & Home and Community Based Programs will continue to thrive, offering comfort and care to those who need it most.

A very special thank you to Mary Nakamura and George Connor for sharing their incredible talents and inspiring the event! Thank you to Chef Alfred and his kitchen crew for another amazing food sale! And last but not least, thank you to our bakers and volunteers who contributed to the evening!

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Mahjong Tournament #2

Scott Okamoto — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 23:17:26 +0000

On Friday, September 12, 2025, the ACC Senior Services campus was filled with laughter, strategy, and friendly competition as players gathered for the 2nd ACC Mahjong Tournament. Following the resounding success of the last inaugural event, this tournament was even bigger, drawing participants from across Sacramento and beyond.

Mahjong, a game rich with history and cultural tradition, is more than just a pastime—it’s a way to bring people together. The tournament highlighted just that, with players ranging from seasoned experts to newer enthusiasts, all united by a love of the game and the joy of community.

The day began with warm welcomes, light refreshments, and the lively sounds of tiles shuffling across the tables. As rounds began, the atmosphere was electric – each hand played with careful strategy, punctuated by moments of cheers, sighs, and playful banter.

In addition to the excitement of the games themselves, the tournament celebrated the cultural significance of Mahjong in bringing generations together. Many participants shared personal stories of learning the game from parents or grandparents, passing down traditions that continue to thrive today.

Prizes were awarded, but the real victory was the camaraderie built throughout the day. “It wasn’t just about winning-it was about making friends, challenging myself, and celebrating something meaningful in our community,” said one participant.

As the final tiles were played and the last tables cleared, one thing was certain: the ACC Mahjong Tournament has quickly become a beloved tradition. We can’t wait to welcome even more players back for the next gathering!

Photos by Alan Kobayashi

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Summer Concert featuring East Wind Band

Scott Okamoto — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:17:41 +0000

The Summer Concert Series has received rave reviews! Over 350 attendees braved the 100+ degree weather for a Summer Concert on the lawn at ACC Senior Services. As the sunset and the Delta breeze picked up, concert attendees got on their feet and were entertained by our opening act, Amelia Burmester and the main event East Wind Band. As ACC’s CEO, Connie Rusynyk, said, the concert is an inaugural event jointly benefiting ACC Senior Services and Meals on Wheels Sacramento County.

The delicious food was provided by Brickhouse Restaurant of Elk Grove and dessert by local Carmazzi Carmel Corn!

A HUGE thank you to the dozens of volunteers who showed up, despite the heat, and whose hard work and dedication made this event possible!

We hope to see you next year for our Summer Concert Series!

Photos by Jeff Jong & Jeannie Fong

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