Senior Citizens Banquet date announced

VW Council on Aging news

In 1963, through cooperation with the National Council on Senior Citizens, President John F. Kennedy established May as Senior Citizens Month. This year’s theme in Ohio is “I am a Golden Buckeye and I unleash my Power by….” .

In support of this theme and to celebrate Senior Citizens Month, the Council on Aging is holding its annual Senior Citizens Banquet. The banquet will be Tuesday, May 14, with doors opening at 10:30 a.m.

While in the past the Senior Banquet recognized a senior king and queen, this year’s banquet will recognize Senior Stars. This day will be a chance to recognize those seniors who continue to volunteer their time for various causes throughout the Van Wert community.

“It is our belief that seniors who volunteer show not only an active investment in the lives of others, but really make a significant impact on the Van Wert community,” said Council on Aging Executive Director Kevin Matthews. “Seniors who volunteer really make or break many charitable organizations, as, without seniors volunteerism, these organization would not have the necessary individuals to help out, (and) the Council on Aging is one of these organizations.”

Volunteerism does not have to be exclusive to any one area, Matthews added. It can be volunteering at the hospital or the local school system or anything that helps out communities or individuals.

To nominate an individual for an award, fill out a simple one-page application. Applications can be picked up at the Senior Center or can be downloaded from its website at www.vwcouncilonaging.com). The only criteria is that the volunteerism must have occurred since a person has turned 60 or an activity that started prior to 60 and that the person still volunteers for.

“With all of the great senior volunteers, we are hoping to get quite a few nominations and winners of the award will receive a nice engraved medallion to commemorate the event,” said Matthews.

Tickets for the event are $9 and includes a catered meal by Bob Evans, along with great entertainment from Alan “The Music Man” Seibert. Seibert performed last year and had a great upbeat style that the crowd just loved.