By Khalida Sarwari
There’s a new but very familiar face at the Saratoga Senior Center. Tylor Taylor, a former volunteer and board member, stepped in recently as the center’s new executive director.
Taylor replaces Marta Weinstock, whose contract expired, according to board of directors president Lisa Huening. His first day on the job was June 15.
“Tylor is doing such amazing work already,” Huening said. “The team working in the senior center is so incredible. They work so hard because they care so much about the seniors in the community.”
Taylor, who resides in San Jose, got his start with the Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council in May 2015 as a volunteer. He and his son, Shantik, would stop by most Wednesdays to help out with the lunch program and once a month he would help the staff fold newsletters. Five months later, he joined the board of directors.
Taylor expressed admiration for the city’s residents and their tendency toward self-sufficiency.
“I really admire the fact that the people here pull together through their differences and solve many of their own problems without much help from the county and state,” he said, citing the city’s age-friendly commission that’s led by Huening as an example.
Taylor said he’d like to focus on improving the center’s relationship with the wider community to further causes that pertain to older adults in Saratoga. He’s also interested in improving the quality of the center’s programs. Recently, the center began offering ping pong and karaoke, which has brought in almost 100 new members, Taylor said.
“The seniors in Saratoga are loving it,” said Huening.
Later this year, Taylor said his staff would conduct a door-to-door survey to get feedback from the community about what they want.
“Knocking on doors may be considered ‘old-school’ now with all the technological advances we have access to,” said Taylor, “but it is still one of the best ways to connect with your intended audience and deliver a message.”
Taylor will also aim to bring back past favorites such as high tea, hoedowns and volunteer appreciation dinners, as well as add new offerings such as bocce, pickle ball and badminton.
In addition to his duties at the senior center, Taylor also sits on the Santa Clara County Senior Care Commission.
He said he looks forward to working with his “creative and passionate” staff, as well as members and city officials, especially Mayor Manny Cappello.
“He has always inspired me in terms of his commitment to seniors, and I’ve seen him lead the conversation around improving the quality of life for older adults in the West Valley communities,” he said.
Previously, Taylor was a certified administrator at assisted living facilities, primarily consulting for such facilities in San Jose and neighboring communities. Before that, he was a radio personality with his own show at a nonprofit radio station in the Central Valley, where he also took on community outreach director and grant writer roles. Taylor also has experience in corporate, retail and operations management.
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