Aging Unbound is theme of Older Americans Month

May is the nation's observance of Older Americans Month. The 2023 theme is Aging Unbound and explores diverse aging experiences. Join us in thinking about aging – and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.

AAADSW Advisory Council

Exceptional individuals comprise the AAADSW Advisory Council. They are powerful advocates for seniors, adults with disabilities and family caregivers. Their expertise, passion and commitment are monumental. Their highly creative and collaborative approach allows them to get stuff done!

Our Advisory Council members:

• Identify needs of older adults and adults with disabilities and family caregivers in their communities,

• Advise on services to meet those needs and

• Advocate on behalf of the people they represent.

Caroline Walton-Wahkiakum

Caroline has been volunteering since high school. With the Red Cross Club, she visited older adults at nursing homes. Her club members would make placemats, cards and baked goods for the older adults.

During Christmas, they would sing carols for residents. Caroline was elected president of the club and selected by the District Red Cross to attend leadership camp at the University of San Diego in La Jolla. There she learned how to make a difference volunteering.

Caroline loves the town and community of Cathlamet. She is a member of the GFWC Cathlamet Woman's Club. She, along with other members, has a common goal of community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer services. Caroline is serving her second term as Club President.

Caroline once assisted a woman with limited mobility to relocate to another home. With several other members of the Woman's Club, Caroline, under the direction of a community coordinator, helped the woman get settled and organized. The woman was kind and had an inner strength that Caroline found admirable. This woman's inner strength, perseverance, independence and sharp intellect is what Caroline found to be characteristic of the women who settle in Cathlamet. Caroline also shared that her love of God, family, community and country drives her to continue volunteering.

Dennis Reid-Wahkiakum

Dennis is 75 years-old and his professional experience includes 10 years in the Navy, 15 years with USDA, 13 years as a bank loan officer and 12 years as a PUD Commissioner.

Dennis has been the Commissioner for Public Utilities District 3 for the past 12 years. During the holiday season he is the Town of Cathlamet's Santa and visits Wahkiakum Elementary School and makes other Santa appearances. This photo was taken in his Santa outfit trying not to be late for the 200 children waiting patiently for his arrival.

He served as the Skamokawa Cemetery Commissioner. During his tenure he was able to get electricity and benches installed at Fernhill Cemetery. He is a quiet, thoughtful man that goes about the community helping wherever is needed.

Dennis' other volunteer experiences include:

• Wenatchee High School Advisory Board,

• Wenatchee Valley College Tree Fruit Advisory Board,

• Wenatchee YMCA Vice-President,

• Skamania Cemetery Commissioner,

• Wahkiakum Youth Football Coach,

• Girls Youth Basketball Coach,

• Heritage Bible Church Clerk.