Nominations Sought for Living Legacy Awards

By Stephen Pierce

Solano County Public Communications Officer

There is still time to nominate a senior for Solano County’s Living Legacy Award and honor them for their legacy of a better community.

The Senior Coalition of Solano County, in partnership with various senior-focused groups, established the Living Legacy Awards program in 2010 to honor older adults who are making significant contributions to their communities.

“Our lives have all been touched by remarkable people who have chosen to give of themselves in one capacity or another.  It is often the smallest of acts, in quiet unseen places, that make the greatest difference. A smile. A helping hand. A listening ear,” said Rochelle Sherlock, coordinator for the Senior Coalition of Solano County

Nominations are due Friday, April 27 and should be submitted to rochelle_sherlock@comcast.net or mailed to Senior Coalition c/o ODAS; 275 Beck Ave – MS 5-110; Fairfield, CA 94533

Nominations are being requested for individuals age 60 or older as of May 1, 2012 who meet the following categories and criteria.

Community Spirit – This award is given to an older adult from each of the seven cities for outstanding service, volunteerism, community connection and spirit. This award recognizes older adults who give of their heart, talent and resources to make their neighborhoods, communities, and society a better place. Nominees can be individuals who volunteer with organized efforts (e.g., volunteering through church or a non-profit) or through their day to day actions (e.g., caring for a neighbor or picking up trash in a neighborhood without being connected to “organized” efforts). Ideal nominees would have demonstrated tremendous commitment to service, volunteerism, cooperation and hard work, shown exemplary compassion and generosity, and inspire others.

Social Innovation – This award is given to an older adult who has worked tirelessly and effectively to advocate for, and implement, social change efforts (e.g., policy, systems improvement, program development, etc.).  This award recognizes individuals with high ethical values, a commitment to positively improving society, and strong leadership.

Exceptional Caregiver – This award will be given to an older adult who has shown immense dedication and compassion in their role as a caregiver. This includes, but is not limited to the following:

·         grandparent raising grandchildren

·         foster/adoptive parents raising foster/adoptive children

·         Senior caring for a spouse or other family member

·         In-Home Caregiver

·         Day Care Provider

·         Other

Intergenerational Influence and Impact – This category has two awards.

·         An older adult or group of older adults who has demonstrated outstanding service and commitment, and made lasting contributions to younger generations.

·         An individual or group (no age requirement) who has demonstrated outstanding service and commitment and made lasting contributions to seniors

Generative Age and Productivity – This award will be given to an older adult who continues to produce, create, contribute value, and/or give rise to new ideas and new possibilities either through continued work in their profession, through a second career, or independently through hobbies or entrepreneurial activities (e.g., arts, music, engineering, science, construction).

Nominations should include the following:

·         Nominee’s full name

·         Nominee’s date of birth

·         Nominee’s address, phone number and email (if available)

·         The category(ies) for which you are nominating the person

·         A written description of why you are nominating this person, which should include the length and frequency of service, the impact the person has made and the variety of contributions.

·         Your name and contact information for follow-up

Nominees will not be informed that they have been nominated for the award unless the committee has chosen the individual to receive the award.

The 3^rd Annual Living Legacy Awards ceremony will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 23 at the Ulatis Cultural Center, 1000 Ulatis Drive in Vacaville.  The event is sponsored by the Senior Coalition of Solano County in partnership with Solano County, the Vacaville Commission on Aging, the Area Agency on Aging, the cities and numerous other community groups.