Awards presented at AAA7 Annual Appreciation Brunch
Lead Summary
By
Jennifer Dovyak-Lewis-
Giving thanks. That was commonplace at this year’s Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) Annual Appreciation Brunch, which was recently held at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth.
During the special event, several individuals and groups throughout the Agency’s ten-county district were recognized for their service and dedication to not only the Agency as a whole, but more importantly, the communities and seniors served by the Agency. The Area Agency on Aging District 7 serves the following counties: Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton.
The Agency was very pleased to have Ohio Department of Aging Director Stephanie M. Loucka present as a special guest and guest speaker for the event.
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During the event, a special commendation by the Ohio House of Representatives was also presented to AAA7 Executive Director Pam Matura for her many years of service. The presentation was made by State Representative Ryan Smith.
Special awards that were presented by the Area Agency on Aging District 7 at the event to individuals or groups included the following:
• William A. Jenkins Award (Outstanding contributor to our southern Ohio aging network): This year’s Area Agency on Aging District 7 “William A. Jenkins Award” was presented to Darlene Green, Director of the Sybene-Chesapeake Senior Center in Lawrence County.
The AAA7 presents the award annually to an outstanding contributor to the southern Ohio aging network. The announcement of the recipient of the award is kept secret until the day of the Appreciation Brunch. The award is named in memory of William A. Jenkins, a native of Gallia County, who helped build the aging network in southern Ohio through the Area Agency on Aging District 7.
During the award presentation, Nina Keller, Assistant Director of the AAA7, acknowledged Green for her many years of dedicated service to the aging network and seniors in Lawrence County, including her long-tenured work at the Sybene Senior Center, her organization and help to provide a place at the Chesapeake Community Center for seniors living in the eastern end of Lawrence County and her work with starting Senior Day in Lawrence County at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds each May, just to name a few.
As Keller mentioned when presenting the award to Green, “Her dedication to helping provide and make possible senior center services in the eastern end of the county has made a difference for so many.”
• Community Partnership of the Year Award: The Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) presents the “Community Partnership Award” to groups and individuals who work together to support positive endeavors and programs for the aging network in our district. This year, the Agency recognized some individuals in Lawrence County for the work they have been involved in to enhance senior services.
Recognized were the Lawrence County Commissioners, including Bill Pratt, Freddie Hayes, Jr., and DeAnna Holliday; the staff and administration of the Ironton-Lawrence County Area Community Action Organization (CAO), represented by Mike Payne and Melinda Nance; and Darlene Green, current Director of the Sybene-Chesapeake Community Center.
Lawrence County is one of the three largest counties in the region served by AAA7, and providing adequate services throughout such a large county is challenging. With such a large geographic area and large senior population spread through the area, it is essential to continuously look for partnerships and new opportunities to address the needs of seniors.
The AAA7 recognized the hard work and vision of the individuals recognized to provide senior services and support senior initiatives in Lawrence County. Mentioned was the expansion of the congregate meal program by the Ironton-Lawrence County CAO in the Chesapeake area; the operation of the Sybene-Chesapeake Senior Center with the leadership of Darlene Green; the support of the Lawrence County Commissioners with the offer to build a new senior/community center and EMS station on land at the fairgrounds; and the ribbon cutting and open house for the newest independent senior living apartments in Rome Township, Proctor’s Landing, by the Ironton-Lawrence County CAO.
• Advocates of the Year Award: The Area Agency on Aging District 7 “Advocates of the Year Award” was presented to Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging representatives including Executive Director Larke Recchie and Chief Policy and Operating Officer Beth Kowalczyk.
Both ladies were recognized for their tireless effort and work with advocacy surrounding the state budget and programs currently provided through the Area Agencies on Aging network throughout Ohio.
• Legislator of the Year Award: The Area Agency on Aging District 7 “Legislator of the Year Award” was presented to State Representative Ryan Smith.
Representative Smith, who serves as Chairman of the Finance Committee, was recognized for his hard work and countless hours working on the budget and meeting with individuals who were advocating for a number of issues. He was also recognized for his support of Area Agencies on Aging and his care and concern for important issues in his district.
• Trailblazer of the Year Award: The Area Agency on Aging District 7 “Trailblazer of the Year Award” was presented to Holzer Health Systems.
The Trailblazer Award is one that is presented to individuals, businesses or organizations that are recognized as pioneers – those that have blazed a trail to guide others with unique and innovative ideas or programs. This year’s award recognizes a hospital partner that the AAA7 has worked with for many years.
Holzer Health Systems was first presented with the Trailblazer Award in 2014 for their work with the AAA7 on the Community Care Transitions Project (CCTP), which helped to reduce all cause re-admissions and provide seamless transition for patients being discharged from the hospital.
After the federal demonstration project ended in January 2017, Holzer stepped up to the plate to partner with the AAA7 on a new project to continue the successes achieved through the CCTP. “Care Coordination/Short-Term Case Management” carries the same concept and goals that serves as a win-win project for both the hospital and the AAA7.
In addition, Holzer was recognized for another venture with the AAA7 - a pilot project in the Emergency Department that helps provide patients with information, community referrals and long-term care consultations.
• Caregiver of the Year Award: The Caregiver of the Year Award was presented to Connie Howie of Scioto County.
Informal caregivers are those unpaid individuals such as a spouse, partner, family member, friend or neighbor who are involved in assisting others with activities of daily living or medical tasks. Sixty-five million caregivers make up 29 percent of the adult population providing this care in the United States.
A Gallup survey in November 2012 found 72 percent of caregivers were caring for a parent, stepparent, mother-in-law or father-in-law, with 50 percent of these caregivers being employed full-time. Working caregivers often must rearrange their work schedules, decrease their work hours or take unpaid leave to care for their loved ones.
The Caregiver Support Program at the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) was created in 2001 through Older Americans Act funding to assist informal caregivers with information about caring for themselves and their loved ones, providing respite services and linking caregivers to other needed services.
• Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteers: Volunteer Ombudsmen were recognized for their work with visiting nursing homes on a regular basis to help lessen the isolation and loneliness many residents experience and to provide an essential voice for residents, providing advocacy and assistance for those who have concerns about their care.
Volunteers recognized included: Sharon Bell, Carol Carter, Chelsey Collier, Joanne Elliott, Sharon Hallam, Jeanette Hayburn, Dena Morris, Edie Mullen, Deborah Neal, Betty Nehus, Bobby Sampson, Lavon Shields, William Shipley and Sharon Stout.
• Wellness Coach Volunteers: Wellness Coach Volunteers help others in their hometown or county discover ways to live with their chronic diseases and become empowered to take better care of themselves through classes and workshops that discuss chronic disease, diabetes and falls prevention.
Volunteers recognized included: Jean Barnes, Cher Bellar, Judy Bright, Libby Brisker, Kim Brown, Elaine Cady, Daniel Charlebois, Etta Charlebois, Penny Crabtree, Don Davis, Barbara Jean Dean, Lillian Elkins, Gail Erhardt, Gregory Ervin, Brittany Farley, Patty Fleming, Cindy Goodman, April Greer, Mary Grote, Shelley Lyons, Rick Marriott, Dee Meddock, Lyvette Mosley, Denise Neu, Terri Pearson, Dawn Richards, Ashley Salyers, Marti Sauer, Angie Shivley, Patty Snyder, Nancy Stegbauer and Valerie Stewart.
• Art Show and Essay/Poetry Contest Volunteers: The AAA7 appreciates the assistance of RSVP of the Ohio Valley, who helps provide volunteers to host gallery hours at the AAA7 Annual Senior Citizens Art Show that is held each spring.
Volunteers recognized included: Joan Arrowood, Shelia Arrowood, Judy Blue, Bill Bond, Connie Bond, Jane Bragg, Dennis Crabtree, Penny Crabtree, Martha Detty Foster, Diana Evans, Doris Evans, Hazel Fields, Gladys Flowers, Chuck Hampton, Theresa Hampton, Bonnie Harris, Virginia Horn, Carolee Lewis, Mary Maxson, Rushie McAllister, Lavon Shields, Irena Skaggs and David Summers.
Also recognized were winners at this year’s Art Show, including: Pat Parsons of Gallia County – “Victor Potts Best of Show Award” in the Amateur Category; William Franklin Keck of Jackson County – “Victor Potts Best of Show Award” in the Professional Category; Cheryl Collier of Highland County - “Mary Peck Friend of Animals Award”; Dennis Crabtree of Jackson County – “People’s Choice Award” – Belinda Sininger of Adams County for “Best Overall Essay”; and Charles A. Murray of Gallia County for “Best Overall Poem.”
• Outstanding Seniors (as selected by each county Senior Center): Adams County – Helen West; Highland County – Sue Thornhill; Jackson County – Rollie Fetherolf; Lawrence County (Ironton Senior Center) – Ronald Remy; Lawrence County (Sybene-Chesapeake Senior Center) – Opal Cecil; Pike County – Larry and Joan Teeters; and Ross County – Glenn and Sherry Conaway.
The Area Agency on Aging District 7 was pleased to host another successful Appreciation Brunch to extend its thankfulness and appreciation to all the individuals and groups who make the district so special.
Your local Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis in ten counties in Southern Ohio including Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. These services are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, other federal and state resources, as well as private pay.
The AAA7’s Resource Center is also available to anyone in the community looking for information or assistance with long-term care options. Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., the Resource Center is a valuable contact for learning more about options and what programs and services are available for assistance.
Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY: 711). Here, individuals can speak directly with a trained staff member who will assist them with information surrounding the programs and services that are available to best serve their needs.
The Agency also offers an in-home assessment at no cost for those who are interested in learning more. Information is also available on www.aaa7.org, or the Agency can be contacted through e-mail at info@aaa7.org. The Agency also has a Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/AreaAgencyOnAgingDistrict7.
During the special event, several individuals and groups throughout the Agency’s ten-county district were recognized for their service and dedication to not only the Agency as a whole, but more importantly, the communities and seniors served by the Agency. The Area Agency on Aging District 7 serves the following counties: Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton.
The Agency was very pleased to have Ohio Department of Aging Director Stephanie M. Loucka present as a special guest and guest speaker for the event.
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During the event, a special commendation by the Ohio House of Representatives was also presented to AAA7 Executive Director Pam Matura for her many years of service. The presentation was made by State Representative Ryan Smith.
Special awards that were presented by the Area Agency on Aging District 7 at the event to individuals or groups included the following:
• William A. Jenkins Award (Outstanding contributor to our southern Ohio aging network): This year’s Area Agency on Aging District 7 “William A. Jenkins Award” was presented to Darlene Green, Director of the Sybene-Chesapeake Senior Center in Lawrence County.
The AAA7 presents the award annually to an outstanding contributor to the southern Ohio aging network. The announcement of the recipient of the award is kept secret until the day of the Appreciation Brunch. The award is named in memory of William A. Jenkins, a native of Gallia County, who helped build the aging network in southern Ohio through the Area Agency on Aging District 7.
During the award presentation, Nina Keller, Assistant Director of the AAA7, acknowledged Green for her many years of dedicated service to the aging network and seniors in Lawrence County, including her long-tenured work at the Sybene Senior Center, her organization and help to provide a place at the Chesapeake Community Center for seniors living in the eastern end of Lawrence County and her work with starting Senior Day in Lawrence County at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds each May, just to name a few.
As Keller mentioned when presenting the award to Green, “Her dedication to helping provide and make possible senior center services in the eastern end of the county has made a difference for so many.”
• Community Partnership of the Year Award: The Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) presents the “Community Partnership Award” to groups and individuals who work together to support positive endeavors and programs for the aging network in our district. This year, the Agency recognized some individuals in Lawrence County for the work they have been involved in to enhance senior services.
Recognized were the Lawrence County Commissioners, including Bill Pratt, Freddie Hayes, Jr., and DeAnna Holliday; the staff and administration of the Ironton-Lawrence County Area Community Action Organization (CAO), represented by Mike Payne and Melinda Nance; and Darlene Green, current Director of the Sybene-Chesapeake Community Center.
Lawrence County is one of the three largest counties in the region served by AAA7, and providing adequate services throughout such a large county is challenging. With such a large geographic area and large senior population spread through the area, it is essential to continuously look for partnerships and new opportunities to address the needs of seniors.
The AAA7 recognized the hard work and vision of the individuals recognized to provide senior services and support senior initiatives in Lawrence County. Mentioned was the expansion of the congregate meal program by the Ironton-Lawrence County CAO in the Chesapeake area; the operation of the Sybene-Chesapeake Senior Center with the leadership of Darlene Green; the support of the Lawrence County Commissioners with the offer to build a new senior/community center and EMS station on land at the fairgrounds; and the ribbon cutting and open house for the newest independent senior living apartments in Rome Township, Proctor’s Landing, by the Ironton-Lawrence County CAO.
• Advocates of the Year Award: The Area Agency on Aging District 7 “Advocates of the Year Award” was presented to Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging representatives including Executive Director Larke Recchie and Chief Policy and Operating Officer Beth Kowalczyk.
Both ladies were recognized for their tireless effort and work with advocacy surrounding the state budget and programs currently provided through the Area Agencies on Aging network throughout Ohio.
• Legislator of the Year Award: The Area Agency on Aging District 7 “Legislator of the Year Award” was presented to State Representative Ryan Smith.
Representative Smith, who serves as Chairman of the Finance Committee, was recognized for his hard work and countless hours working on the budget and meeting with individuals who were advocating for a number of issues. He was also recognized for his support of Area Agencies on Aging and his care and concern for important issues in his district.
• Trailblazer of the Year Award: The Area Agency on Aging District 7 “Trailblazer of the Year Award” was presented to Holzer Health Systems.
The Trailblazer Award is one that is presented to individuals, businesses or organizations that are recognized as pioneers – those that have blazed a trail to guide others with unique and innovative ideas or programs. This year’s award recognizes a hospital partner that the AAA7 has worked with for many years.
Holzer Health Systems was first presented with the Trailblazer Award in 2014 for their work with the AAA7 on the Community Care Transitions Project (CCTP), which helped to reduce all cause re-admissions and provide seamless transition for patients being discharged from the hospital.
After the federal demonstration project ended in January 2017, Holzer stepped up to the plate to partner with the AAA7 on a new project to continue the successes achieved through the CCTP. “Care Coordination/Short-Term Case Management” carries the same concept and goals that serves as a win-win project for both the hospital and the AAA7.
In addition, Holzer was recognized for another venture with the AAA7 - a pilot project in the Emergency Department that helps provide patients with information, community referrals and long-term care consultations.
• Caregiver of the Year Award: The Caregiver of the Year Award was presented to Connie Howie of Scioto County.
Informal caregivers are those unpaid individuals such as a spouse, partner, family member, friend or neighbor who are involved in assisting others with activities of daily living or medical tasks. Sixty-five million caregivers make up 29 percent of the adult population providing this care in the United States.
A Gallup survey in November 2012 found 72 percent of caregivers were caring for a parent, stepparent, mother-in-law or father-in-law, with 50 percent of these caregivers being employed full-time. Working caregivers often must rearrange their work schedules, decrease their work hours or take unpaid leave to care for their loved ones.
The Caregiver Support Program at the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) was created in 2001 through Older Americans Act funding to assist informal caregivers with information about caring for themselves and their loved ones, providing respite services and linking caregivers to other needed services.
• Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteers: Volunteer Ombudsmen were recognized for their work with visiting nursing homes on a regular basis to help lessen the isolation and loneliness many residents experience and to provide an essential voice for residents, providing advocacy and assistance for those who have concerns about their care.
Volunteers recognized included: Sharon Bell, Carol Carter, Chelsey Collier, Joanne Elliott, Sharon Hallam, Jeanette Hayburn, Dena Morris, Edie Mullen, Deborah Neal, Betty Nehus, Bobby Sampson, Lavon Shields, William Shipley and Sharon Stout.
• Wellness Coach Volunteers: Wellness Coach Volunteers help others in their hometown or county discover ways to live with their chronic diseases and become empowered to take better care of themselves through classes and workshops that discuss chronic disease, diabetes and falls prevention.
Volunteers recognized included: Jean Barnes, Cher Bellar, Judy Bright, Libby Brisker, Kim Brown, Elaine Cady, Daniel Charlebois, Etta Charlebois, Penny Crabtree, Don Davis, Barbara Jean Dean, Lillian Elkins, Gail Erhardt, Gregory Ervin, Brittany Farley, Patty Fleming, Cindy Goodman, April Greer, Mary Grote, Shelley Lyons, Rick Marriott, Dee Meddock, Lyvette Mosley, Denise Neu, Terri Pearson, Dawn Richards, Ashley Salyers, Marti Sauer, Angie Shivley, Patty Snyder, Nancy Stegbauer and Valerie Stewart.
• Art Show and Essay/Poetry Contest Volunteers: The AAA7 appreciates the assistance of RSVP of the Ohio Valley, who helps provide volunteers to host gallery hours at the AAA7 Annual Senior Citizens Art Show that is held each spring.
Volunteers recognized included: Joan Arrowood, Shelia Arrowood, Judy Blue, Bill Bond, Connie Bond, Jane Bragg, Dennis Crabtree, Penny Crabtree, Martha Detty Foster, Diana Evans, Doris Evans, Hazel Fields, Gladys Flowers, Chuck Hampton, Theresa Hampton, Bonnie Harris, Virginia Horn, Carolee Lewis, Mary Maxson, Rushie McAllister, Lavon Shields, Irena Skaggs and David Summers.
Also recognized were winners at this year’s Art Show, including: Pat Parsons of Gallia County – “Victor Potts Best of Show Award” in the Amateur Category; William Franklin Keck of Jackson County – “Victor Potts Best of Show Award” in the Professional Category; Cheryl Collier of Highland County - “Mary Peck Friend of Animals Award”; Dennis Crabtree of Jackson County – “People’s Choice Award” – Belinda Sininger of Adams County for “Best Overall Essay”; and Charles A. Murray of Gallia County for “Best Overall Poem.”
• Outstanding Seniors (as selected by each county Senior Center): Adams County – Helen West; Highland County – Sue Thornhill; Jackson County – Rollie Fetherolf; Lawrence County (Ironton Senior Center) – Ronald Remy; Lawrence County (Sybene-Chesapeake Senior Center) – Opal Cecil; Pike County – Larry and Joan Teeters; and Ross County – Glenn and Sherry Conaway.
The Area Agency on Aging District 7 was pleased to host another successful Appreciation Brunch to extend its thankfulness and appreciation to all the individuals and groups who make the district so special.
Your local Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis in ten counties in Southern Ohio including Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. These services are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, other federal and state resources, as well as private pay.
The AAA7’s Resource Center is also available to anyone in the community looking for information or assistance with long-term care options. Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., the Resource Center is a valuable contact for learning more about options and what programs and services are available for assistance.
Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY: 711). Here, individuals can speak directly with a trained staff member who will assist them with information surrounding the programs and services that are available to best serve their needs.
The Agency also offers an in-home assessment at no cost for those who are interested in learning more. Information is also available on www.aaa7.org, or the Agency can be contacted through e-mail at info@aaa7.org. The Agency also has a Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/AreaAgencyOnAgingDistrict7.