Greene County Council On Aging Celebration

Fade in … it is 10am on May 18th in the Assembly Building at the Greene County Fairgrounds. Seventy-one tables are set with a unique gift basket centerpiece and the new Directory of Services at each place. A total of 550 individuals, from 50 to 99, are visiting and making the rounds to the twelve sponsor tables. Four buffet lines are prepped for lunch, GCCOA and senior center staff and volunteers are encouraging our guests to take their seats, and MC Tony McIlvaine is at the podium with jokes in hand!

This was the scene for the much anticipated Annual Senior Citizens Day Celebration last month. And while we "celebrate" seniors every day of the year, this is an extra special day devoted to honoring the seniors of Greene County.

Tony McIlvaine, with more than 15 years with us, did another wonderful job as the Master of Ceremonies and is still smiling! Membership Chairperson Judy Baker offered her appreciation to all those attending! She went on to present prizes to a number of the seniors, including Ruth McGlaun and Don Kitzerow as the oldest woman and man in attendance; Wilford & sights Louise Jones as the longest married couple; Jane Mills as the individual living in Greene County the longest; Miriam Benning as the most recent retiree; Fran Schrack as teaching school the longest and having the most pets; Veteran Paul Turner for serving the longest on active duty; Paul Evans for having the most farmland; and Judy Ireton for playing the most musical instruments!

The Leadership Awards were presented to nominees from each of the ten senior center/groups for their contributions and commitment. This impressive group included Barbara Dillingham of Clifton, Doris Evans of Bellbrook, Phyllis Evans of Yellow Springs, Sophia Gregory of Beavercreek, Myra Marker of Bowersville, Sharon Neff of Spring Valley, Sophia Neuhart of Fairborn, Leonard Nelson of Jamestown, Kenneth St. Clair of Cedarville, and Jim and Deloris Willis of Xenia.

Tom and Barb Zajbel were honored as the 2010 Outstanding Senior Citizens, presented in conjunction with the Area Agency on Aging, PSA-2. This award recognizes seniors sharing of their time and talents for the
Greene County community. To all of our award winners, THANK YOU!