SE4A Spotlight Newsletter - 2024 February Edition

SE4A Spotlight Newsletter February 2024

SE4A President's Address:

Dear SE4A Members:

Since we came out of the horrible COVID pandemic, the Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging (SE4A) has hosted two successful conferences in Amelia Island, Florida (2022) and Asheville, North Carolina (2023). What sets us apart from conferences such as USAging, NANASP, ASA, and other nationally known conferences throughout the United States? SE4A is a regional conference that focuses on programs, while others may focus more on policy. It pulls together AAA Directors and staff members, and State Unit on Aging Directors and their staff members. It enables us to share innovative ideas, to network with others in our region, to learn from each other and from regional speakers, exhibitors and sponsors. We move our conference from state to state each year so that all in our Southeastern region have an opportunity to attend. Each state has the occasion to showcase their strengths, their programs, and their experiences.

Mark your calendars for October 20 – 23 to join SE4A in Gulf Shores, Alabama for the 2024 conference. The Alabama conference committee has been working for many years planning this event. We are planning for a more casual event, so no ties, jackets, or high heels!

In the meantime, do your best to attend our national conferences. They also work very hard advocating on our behalf and hosting worthwhile conferences to help lead us into the future.

Each month, a member state of SE4A hosts an informative webinar, which is free to any member. Look for emails describing the various topics throughout the year.

I wish you all a happy and healthy 2024 and hope to see you in Gulf Shores, Alabama!

Sincerely,

Tim Womack

SE4A President

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SE4A Webinar Series

Join us for the February 29 Session on Zoom! The SE4A Webinar Series has been developed to offer monthly tools and training in a virtual Zoom format to our member/non-member network.

Each month, one SE4A member state will select a presenter to host the webinar on a different topic that is applicable to all and impacts our aging network.

Registration is open for our Thursday, February 29 webinar hosted by the state of Florida to be held at 12:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time). A zoom link will be sent out by email the day prior to this event.

Join us on Thursday, February 29 for a webinar highlighting the topic:

"Replacing the Stigma of Aging with Humor & Wit"

Description:

"Aging is not for sissies," declares the vibrant 78-year-old playwright, Linda Goldman. (And boy, does she mean it!) She is rewriting the script on aging with the heartwarming stories of her peers and impacting communities one critical topic, one empowered audience at a time. SAGES Theater will unveil their groundbreaking work in sunny Tampa Bay, Florida and dive into the art of igniting conversations on aging topics that most people shy away from. Join thousands of seniors reclaiming their well-deserved place in the spotlight through "Plays with Purpose," showcasing the true value, vitality and insight of aging. Learn how you can join the movement to help the golden years shine brighter than ever!

Presenter: Christine Hamacher, CEO & Artistic Director for SAGES Theater Inc.

Click Here to Register Today

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2023 SE4A Award Winners

The below list highlights our 2023 SE4A Award Winners recognized for their achievements at the August SE4A conference in Asheville, North Carolina. We are thankful for these individuals and organizations and the impact they have in our network.

Pictured: SE4A President, Tim Womack with Representative Donna White, winner of the 2023 Aging Impact Award.

SE4A Scholarship Award –This award recognizes those students who are pursuing a career in gerontology or geriatrics who maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA, attend an accredited university within the SE4A region and show financial need.

Breanna Johnson – University of Tennessee Sarah Kelley – East Tennessee State University

Lifetime Membership Award –This award honors AAA Directors who have left their positions and who have dedicated their time and energy to SE4A. They served on the SE4A Board five or more years, served as a Chair for a Committee or as an officer for SE4A.

Kathy Whitaker –Tennessee Roger Joe Evans –Tennessee Susan Segrest –Alabama

Memorial Conference Scholarship Award –To honor those SE4A Board members who have served in the past and provided leadership, vision and a love of learning to others in the Aging network by sponsoring an attendee at the annual SE4A Conference.

Dr. Althea Taylor Jones –North Carolina

Outstanding Community Service Award –This award is presented to a religious institution, service agency, organization, civic club or government department who has made positive contributions to the lives of older adults within their community.

Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama

Corporate Partnership Award –This award honors an AAA or business whose partnerships have made a positive impact on the quality of life of older adults.

Genworth Financial –Virginia

Positive Images of Aging Award –This award recognizes an organization who has presented a positive image of older adults and whose platform has made a significant impact within that network.

Tennessee Federation for the Aging (TFA)

Outstanding Volunteer in Aging –This award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution through volunteering his or her time in the Southeast aging network.

Charles Hewgley – Tennessee

Aging Impact Award – Local, Regional, National Recognizing individuals from local, regional and national networks, this award reflects the outstanding leadership and immeasurable impact they have shown on the quality of life of older persons.

Representative Donna White – North Carolina

Jane Kennedy Excellence in Aging Award –This award recognizes outstanding contributions of an individual or organization that promotes the safety, welfare, and well-being of older persons in the Southeast region.

Anna Rice– North Carolina

Farewell to an amazing SE4A Board member:

Many thanks to Jennifer Williams who served our Board of Directors as an alternate for the Commonwealth of Kentucky for almost four years. We offer Jennifer our congratulations as she has officially retired from her position as the Aging Director of the Green River Area Development District in Owensboro Kentucky.

Jennifer worked for the organization and the Aging programs for her entire career of 32 years. Jennifer was hired as an Aging Case Manager and then moved on to various roles within the department. Most recently, she served as the Aging Director for the last seven years.

We wish Jennifer the best as she begins her new adventures.

2024 SE4A Officers

President: Tim Womack, SC

First Vice President: Sarajane Melton, NC

Second Vice President: Chelsea Crittle, MS

Secretary: Charlotte McHenry, FL

Treasurer: Aaron Bradley, TN

Immediate Past President: Anne Wildman, KY

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