Tema Halpern, a volunteer who was a former Del Mar Community Connections (DMCC) board member and Outreach Committee chair, was selected as the Volunteer of the Month for July 2026. She was nominated by current board member Ann Feeney for her work on the Social Good Times team: “Tema is such a valuable member of the team, always volunteering to help out at all of our social events, and coming up with innovative ideas to make them even better.”
Halpern was also recognized by Board Secretary and Tuesday Lunch Connections Team Captain Phyllis Mirsky: “Tema’s enthusiasm, kindness, and dedication make a difference in everything she does. She brings warmth, energy, and a genuine spirit of service to our community”, a news release stated.
Raised in Boston where she met her husband, Halpern moved around for his career in ocean science. They welcomed their two children in Seattle before relocating to La Cañada Flintridge for his work at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). His career later took them to Washington, DC for positions with the White House Office of Science and Technology and NASA Headquarters.
Though they eventually returned to Southern California and planned to settle in Pasadena, their son Michael and daughter-in-law Erica convinced them to choose Del Mar instead. Thirteen years later, they are incredibly glad they made the move. They have had the opportunity to spend time with their family, including their grandkids who attend the University of Chicago, Northwestern, and Canyon Crest Academy. The Halperns also have a daughter, Lisa, who recently earned her PhD in public policy and is living in Ottawa, Ontario, conducting research about nursing in Canada.
While she holds a degree in psychology, Halpern channeled her energy into community volunteerism, stating in the news release: “Volunteering has always been a big part of my adult life. I have always gained more than I gave.” She has stepped into numerous leadership roles, serving as PTA president and presiding over boards such as the Mercer Island Citizens’ Advisory Council, the Caltech Women’s Club, and San Dieguito Newcomers.
Her extensive volunteer work includes managing a philanthropic thrift shop, hiring personnel for adult ESL (English as a Second Language) and youth music classes, and directing a K-12 district-wide summer school program. She also served six years on DMCC’s Board of Directors. Though she termed off in 2024, Halpern continues to support the board when time allows.
As a committed volunteer, Halpern makes the Social Good Times community parties and Tuesday Lunch Connections program successful. As she says in the news release, “I love being part of a volunteer organization where everyone is united by a genuine commitment to supporting the ability of seniors in our community to live vibrant lives in their own homes.”
Del Mar Community Connections is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to support and serve the older adult population of Del Mar as they age independently at home. DMCC helps seniors live active, vibrant lives by providing transportation, education, and social activities. To learn more about DMCC, or volunteer opportunities at DMCC, visit the website at www.dmcc.cc, email dmcc@dmcc.cc, or call during business hours at (858) 792-7565.