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Health and Human Services Agency, Community Services Division, on behalf of the El Dorado County Commission on Aging, recommending the Board:
1) Adopt a Proclamation recognizing May 2017 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 2017 County of El Dorado Senior of the Year, and present the perpetual trophy to the nominee selected by the Commission on Aging to receive this honor. (Est. Time: 20 Min.)
FUNDING: N/A
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Community Services Division, on behalf of the El Dorado County Commission on Aging, is recommending that, in recognition of older Americans as productive, active, and influential members of our community, the Board proclaim the month of May 2017 as “Older Americans Month” in El Dorado County.
By issuing this proclamation, the Board formally recognizes the outstanding contributions made every day by the older adults in our community and urges every citizen to take time this month to recognize older adults, and the people who serve and support them, as powerful and vital citizens who greatly contribute to the community.
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.
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” perpetual award. This year’s theme is “Age Out Loud” and is intended to give aging a new voice - one that reflects what today’s older adults have to say about aging.
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 panel of Commission on Aging members reviews the nominations and awards this prestigious title to the nominee they believe, based on information presented in the nomination, best demonstrates selfless dedication to serving their fellow County residents and the community at large. A perpetual Senior of the Year trophy is traditionally presented annually to the senior selected to receive this honor, and the deserving nominees each receive a certificate in recognition of their contributions to the community.
ALTERNATIVES:
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on one (1) original Older Americans Month Proclamation and return signed Proclamation to the HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Health and Human Services Agency Strategic Plan Project 3.1: External/Community Collaboration.
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., Director