Sierra Madre Dignifies Model Older Citizens

Jerry and Nan Carlton are veteran residents of Sierra Madre whose life work includes a truly inspiring litany of charitable and civic contributions to the community. The couple were named Sierra Madre's 2012 Older Americans of the Year in a ceremony at the Hart Park House Senior Center on Friday.

"I don't need recognition," Nan reflected with heroic modesty at Friday's ceremony. "I love working for the community, it is my pleasure to do it and this is an unexpected honor."

The Carlton's spirit of service to Sierra Madre is nothing short of mythological. Whether walking the city to ensure the validity and function of every fire hydrant in town in 2001, pioneering the recycling center, or helping to shape town policy for decades, it seems more than fitting that Nan and Jerry Carlton be deeply honored for their model citizenship and outstanding commitment to making Sierra Madre a better city all the time.

Nan first came to Sierra Madre to be with her grandmother, celebrated poet and children's book author Florence Eakman. It was after Jerry Carlton's tour of service in the United States Navy that they met and were married in 1953. Here, they raised their son Steve, a hydro/geologist and their daughters Suzi and Sheri, all of whom have also brought up beloved Carlton grandchildren.

Among their volunteer efforts and service in the city, Jerry has been a seminal influence in community athletics, serving as chairman of the Pony/Colt leagues and even designing the diner at Hall Dapper Memorial Field. Additionally, Jerry served as manager of the Christmas Tree lot for a decade, making sure that all proceeds were donated to support city athletics.

Nan was a driving force in the creation of the city girl's softball league and is a long time educator, leading elementary students on hikes to Bailey Canyon in the 60s, teaching Sunday school and recently running her biweekly Beantown Knitting Club, which makes donations to bolster cancer research. Nan has also lent her volunteer spirit to a dozen Sierra Madre Rose Floats.

"They have worked so hard for this community... and all of us circle around them," said Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Walsh. "They are just an amazing and dynamic couple that doesn't slow down." 

From being active members of the Sierra Madre Friends of the Library, as well as board members of the Sierra Madre Athletic Association and creators of the Mt. Wilson Trail Race, to being volunteers for the Wine & Jazz Walk, and Meals On Wheels, their interest and devotion to the city shows no bounds.  Both Carltons have served as past Sierra Madre Athletic Association Board members, and members of the General Plan Ad-Hoc committee. They are also longtime supporters of the Sierra Madre Civic Club and Senior Lunch Program, and show little sign of slowing their generous spirit.

Recognizing Older Americans of the Year is an annual tradition in Sierra Madre held by the Community & Personnel Services Department and the Senior Community Commission.