United Way Area Agency on Aging held its annual Senior Celebration to honor senior citizens in Jefferson County during Older Americans Month. The event, with 750 lively seniors representing over 25 communities, took place at the Boutwell Auditorium.
Birmingham Mayor, Randall Woodfin, gave welcoming remarks and spoke about the great memories he made with seniors while going door-to-door during his campaign. As an encouraging word to attendees, Woodfin said, “No one in this room is done yet. You’ve still got many miles to go.” Other speakers included Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson and United Way Area Agency on Aging Director Helen Anderson.
The celebration featured numerous entertainment acts including singing by Susan Lawrence, Chad Cooper, and the Homewood Senior Center Choir, comedy by Patrick Washington, and line dancing by the Fairfield Swinging Seniors. Attendees also received a free lunch and gift bags with items like hygiene kits, blankets, and word finds.
Awards were given to senior center members who go above and beyond to give back and shed a positive light in their community. The 2019 honorees were Bobbie Blaylock, James Oden, Valarie Johnson, Jeraldine Craig, Gwendolyn McCruter, Joanne Casey, Rev. Samuel Wyatt, Otis Jerigan, Gloria Jerigan, and Mary Turner.
Although the awards and gifts are a plus at the Senior Celebration, it is not what keeps guests coming back. Jean Jett, Warrior Senior Center Assistant Director, said, “The reason we come to this event is for the fellowship. Our seniors love coming to meet others in the area and represent our community.”
Under the direction of the Alabama Department of Senior Services, the United Way Area Agency on Aging (UWAAA) of Jefferson County, implements a wide range of programs and provides counseling and information about available resources to senior citizens, people with disabilities and caregivers. Through a comprehensive and coordinated system, UWAAA is enhancing lives in meaningful ways – from providing hot, nutritious meals and monitoring long-term care facilities to training caregivers and helping individuals take full advantage of their Medicare benefits. For more information visit www.uwaaa.org or call 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463).