Front row, from left, Teresa Carr, Administrative Assistant/PR Adams County Senior Center; Elaine Cody ABCAP Supervisor; Barbara Bond, Clinical Supervisor AAA7; Katrina Brown Team Leader/Case Manager AAA7; and Tina Lightcap, Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Manager AAA7; Back row, from left, Back row, from left. Commissioner Barbara Moore; Alvin M Norris – Executive Director ABCAP; Mary Stout, Executive Director Adams County Senior Citizens Center; Nina Keller Executive Director AAA7; Commissioner Diane Ward; Jenni Lewis Director Community Outreach AAA7; Commissioner Ty Pell. (Photo by Patricia Beech)

By Patricia Beech-

The Adams County Board of Commissioners, on Monday, April 29, issued a proclamation declaring May “Older Americans Month” in Adams County.
“Adams County is committed to strengthening our community by connecting with and supporting older adults and their families,” the Proclamation read. “We urge every resident to take time during this month to recognize older adults and the people who serve them as essential and valuable members of our community.”
The Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. (AAA7) recognizes the accomplishments of senior citizens during Older Americans Month with a new theme announced each year by the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA).
The 2019 theme for the month – “Connect, Create, Contribute” – encourages older adults and their communities to: Connect with friends, family, and services that support participation; Create by engaging in activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment; and Contribute time, talent, and life experience to benefit others.
“During this month, we celebrate older Ohioans throughout our 10-county district and the many contributions they make to our communities,” Nina Keller, Executive Director for AAA7 told the Board of Commissioners. “The ODA and AAA7 are focused on developing strategies and programs that will provide seniors with opportunities to live full and satisfying lives.”
Older Americans Month, sponsored by the US Administration on Aging, was established in 1963 to acknowledge the contributions of past and present older citizens.
Every President since John F. Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking the entire nation to pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities.
Staff from the Adams County Senior Citizens Center, the Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. (AAA7), and ABCAP were present for the reading of the proclamation on Monday.
Mary Stout, Director of the Adams County Senior Citizens Center informed the Commissioners that the 2019 All-County Senior Citizens Day will be held Tuesday, May 21, at the Wayne Township Community Center in Cherry Fork.
The event is hosted by the Adams County Senior Citizens Council, Inc. and the Peebles Senior Citizens Club.
The free day-long event begins at 8 a.m. and features a carry-in meal, entertainment, speakers, a cake auction, and door prizes.