The AOASCC Annual Meeting for 2023 was a huge success. Over 200 people attended the event held at the Race Brook Country Club in the town of Orange. The attendees included staff, volunteers, Board members, and community partners.
This year’s theme was Community Voices where some of our clients and caregivers shared their stories. One of our clients, Yvonne Harrison, expressed how she was able to raise her children in her home despite losing her vision, with the help of our agency. Another caregiver, Denise Torniero, who uses our Respite program, shared a story about being able to spend quality time with her parents.
One of our volunteers, Barbara Joyner spoke about the satisfaction of helping people, and how rewarding volunteer work is. She explained how accompanying clients to the doctor’s appointment is more than just a ride. It is about building relationships. She reminded us that we are all getting older and that we should all support each other.
Melissa Lang, CEO and President of the AOASCC said, “All of our programs are person-centered. It is important that we give older adults a voice in our community. The stories we heard today reinforce how the work we do truly serves our community and improves lives.”
AOASCC presented awards to three of our organization’s partners in recognition of their valued contribution to the community. The Outstanding Partner Award was presented to Wallingford Senior Center’s Bill Viola. Under his leadership, they partnered with us in providing mental health services and programs for older adults who experienced grief, loss, and social isolation.
Gus Keach-Longo, CEO and President of The Tower at Tower Lane, was awarded Outstanding Community Champion. He was recognized for his work in the administration of the housing level complex, ensuring inclusivity and engagement for residents, developing programs to prevent hoarding crises, and political advocacy. We value his ongoing partnership with our agency.
Ted Yatsinko, who could not attend, was given a Community Inspiration award. His family, who attended the event, received the award on his behalf. Ted participated in our Art of Aging event from its inception ten years ago and was the first artist to share his artwork, serving as an inspiration to others to participate. The Art of Aging has since become one of our most popular events. Beverly Kidder, VP of Community Programs, reminds us that, “Age does not limit creative processes, and older adults continue to remain a contributing, and strong fabric of our community.”
Although Ted could not be there, through his family, he gifted our agency a painting with a handwritten note on the back to recognize our supportive staff. This touching gesture evoked an audible emotional response from the audience.
The event ended with enthusiastic applause and a vision for stronger growth next year.