Title
Health and Human Services Agency, on behalf of the El Dorado County Commission on Aging, recommending the Board:
1) Adopt a Proclamation recognizing May 2019 as “Older Americans Month” in El Dorado County;
2) Present a certificate to each Senior of the Year nominee, mentioning, as noted on the certificate, their primary contribution to the community; and
3) Announce the 2019 County of El Dorado Senior of the Year, and present the award to the nominee selected by the Commission on Aging to receive this honor. (Est. Time: 15 Min.)
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s celebration of Older Americans Month. When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday, about one third of older Americans lived in poverty, and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns grew and at a meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens, May was designated as “Senior Citizens Month.” In 1980, it was renamed “Older Americans Month” by President Jimmy Carter.
The Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) celebrates Older Americans Month each year by hosting a special luncheon at all Senior Nutrition lunch sites. In addition, HHSA recognizes older adults living in El Dorado County who perform exemplary work through volunteerism by presenting the annual “Senior of the Year” award. This year’s theme is “Connect, Create, Contribute,” which emphasizes strengthening our community by connecting with and supporting older adults, and acknowledging their many valuable contributions to society.
Each year, in honor of Older Americans Month, the public is invited to nominate a senior they believe has made a significant contribution to the local community, to be considered for designation as El Dorado County Senior of the Year. A pa...
Click here for full text