Grammy Legend’s Performance to Mark Opening of Coastal Bend's Largest Senior Center

WHAT: Grand opening of 21,800 sq. ft. renovated Zavala Senior Center campus

WHERE: Joe Garza Recreation Center (adjacent to Zavala Senior Center)

                3204 Highland Ave., Corpus Christi, TX 78405           

WHEN: Thursday, March 31, 2016

• 9:30 am – 11 am: Opening Ceremony and Facility Tour

• 11 am – Noon: Lunch and Mariachi Performance

• Noon – Musical performance featuring multi-Grammy winner Flaco Jimenez, sponsored by WellMed Medical Management, followed by a dance

WHO: Flaco Jimenez, legendary music artist and WellMed Network patient

           Nelda Martinez, Corpus Christi Mayor

           Richard Manning, co-founder, WellMed Charitable Foundation and President of Greater Texas Region for WellMed Medical Management

           Carol Zernial, Executive Director, WellMed Charitable Foundation

The refurbished Community Center campus is a 21,800-square-foot space encompassing both the Zavala Senior Center (510 Osage St.) and the Joe Garza Recreation Center.

Complimentary services for anyone age 50 and older in the Coastal Bend area are provided under a unique, public-private partnership between City of Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation - Senior Community Services and the non-profit WellMed Charitable Foundation (WCF). The WCF provided more than $250,000 in renovations and upgrades to the facility to better serve older adults in the Coastal Bend.

As part of the celebration, WellMed Medical Management (the philanthropic partner of the WCF) is sponsoring a performance by 5-time Grammy winner Flaco Jimenez. Mr. Jimenez, a patient in the WellMed Network, is regarded as one of the most influential Tejano musicians of all time, and has performed with the Rolling Stones, Dwight Yoakam, Ry Cooder and others. He is a founding member of the super groups Los Super Seven and The Texas Tornados. Joining Mr. Jimenez for the senior center grand opening performance will be noted bajo sexto player Max Baca and bassist Noel Hernandez, members of the Grammy-winning group Los Texmaniacs.

The Zavala Center features a rich menu of activities for older adults including exercise and dance classes (such as Zumba, Folklorico and Flamenco), jewelry making, arts and crafts, games and more. Zavala Center members will have access to a computer room, movie room, pool tables, exercise equipment and much more. 

A physical trainer will be on staff soon to provide guidance and support for members interested in utilizing the gym equipment, exercise bicycles, treadmills and more. Lunchtime meals provided by the City of Corpus Christi will be offered Monday–Friday at no cost.

The senior center can be reached at (361) 826-3099. Hours of operation will be Monday –Friday, 8 am – 5 pm.

For more information the media can contact Senior Community Services Superintendent Lisa Oliver at (361) 947-3594 or at lisao@cctexas.com.