Spring 2026

Jody Rodgers, MJ Donohue and Nicki Pasculli at Alliance On Aging’s The HUB in Salinas, which supports those suffering from dementia and their caregivers. T wice a month, in a downtown Salinas event space called The HUB, Alliance On Aging (AOA) welcomes clients impacted by memory loss. Attendees might participate in art projects, chair yoga and games. Across the hall, a facilitated support group serves caregivers. The connections are a lifeline for those facing dementia-related challenges. “It’s a wonderful way for people to get the support they need, because there is not a lot out there. It can be very lonely,” says Jody Rogers, director of The HUB. AOA’s Memory Cafe @ The HUB is among many free and low-cost services for older adults. Local organizations offer tech training, community lunches, fresh produce markets, a popular cooking class series and other events in the space. AOA also takes The HUB on the road, bringing programs to senior living facilities and sites countywide. As the nonprofit gets to know participants, team members often direct families to benefits checkups, tax assistance, a care facility ombuds- man program and other AOA services. “In Monterey County, the aging popu- lation is exploding. The cost of living here is really a barrier for a lot of folks,” says Michael “MJ” Donohue, AOA executive director. “The HUB is a great resource for the whole community.” For more information or to support Alliance On Aging, visit www.allianceonaging.org. Alliance On Aging Expands Ser vices for Seniors B Y R ENE E B R I NCK S SHORT CUTS COMMUNITY 80 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 Photo: Kelli Uldall