Area Agency on Aging honors senior heroes
Cowlitz and Wahkiakum residents who serve older populations are recognized
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January 11, 2024
Above: Kelly Patterson, a retired community outreach specialist for Wahkiakum Health and Human Services was honored for her service on Monday, receiving a Cowlitz/Wahkiakum County Senior Hero Award from the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington. From left to right, Christina Marneris AAADSW Community Services Manager, Kathy Briggs AAADSW Advisory Council, Kelly Patterson, Pearl Blackburn AAADSW Advisory Council, Cathlamet Town Council member Robert Stowe, and Mike Reardon AAADSW Executive Director. Photo by Diana Zimmerman. Below: AAADSW Executive Director Mike Reardon presents the Community Hero Award to American Legion Barr-Johnson-Hill Post #111. Photo by Ian Brandon.
For the second year, the Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington will honor "senior heroes," residents who have served older adults "with excellence and compassion," according to a press release. County, city, and civic leaders will gather to honor recipients who have been nominated by community members.
2023 Senior Hero Award Winners
Caregiver of the Year – Kelly Patterson. Kelly regularly works with the senior community in Wahkiakum County, many of which do not have family living nearby. She brings people together to connect common interests, including the community garden, book club and weekly senior luncheons at the Hope Center. She takes time to listen to their needs and assist seniors with options and choices to make their life easier. When a senior needs help in Wahkiakum County, the answer always is "Ask Kelly."
Community Hero Award – American Legion Barr-Johnson-Hill Post #111. Located in western Wahkiakum County, the American Legion Post #111 consists of veterans and an auxiliary unit. Over 90 percent of the veterans and all of the members of the auxiliary are seniors. Yet they are a guiding force for providing services to seniors and veterans in the county. When Rosburg Hall-where they regularly gather for meals and special events-needs repairs, the Legion is always there to help perform the work. The Legion also provides a communications network within the community for timely awareness of seniors in need of assistance.
"All of these honorees serve older adults with compassion and excellence in Cowlitz or Wahkiakum Counties," said Mike Reardon, executive director of AAADSW. "It's an honor to present these awards to our 2023 senior heroes. Our honorees truly make a positive difference in the lives of seniors in the community."
The AAADSW connects older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers who serve adults to a full range of community resources designed to offer choice, improve quality of life and respect independence. Requests for information, assistance, and general inquiries may be directed to 360-577-4929. To learn more, please visit http://www.HelpingElders.org. 1338 Commerce Avenue, Suite 309 | Longview, WA 98632 | 360-577-4929 | Toll Free: 800-682-2406
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