A tradition that began in the late 1980s will be renewed again this year as Chatham-Kent holds its 31st annual Senior Expo and Achievement Awards on Friday, June 15 beginning at 9am at the Blenheim Recreation (Arena) Centre.
Chatham-Kent Councillor Karen Herman, the Senior Expo committee chairperson, said, “The main objective of this special day is to thank the many Chatham-Kent Older Adults for their contributions to our communities as well provide all attendees with exhibitor information for their decision making on required services and lifestyle choices.”
Herman said, “The planning committee members also include Elinor Mifflin, Kathryn Vaneck, Barb Ferren, Bobbi-Jo Ferren, and Jessie Passa as well as local councillors who participate throughout this event. On behalf of the committee we shout out a huge gratitude to the many volunteers and contributors. Without them we could not make this event the fun and informative success that it is.”
“Chatham-Kent is recognized by the World Health Organization as an Age Friendly Community and the contributions by our older adults can’t be measured in just dollars,” she said. “They enrich our lives and our communities in too many ways to count.”
More than 500 people attended last year’s Senior Expo and perhaps one of the most important aspects of this special day is the Nominations for the Senior Achievement Awards. All nominees are recognized by their peers and receive certificates of gratitude from all three levels of government. One honouree will be selected as the Chatham Kent Senior of the Year.
To be nominated for an Achievement Award, a person must be 60 years or older, reside within Chatham-Kent, and contribute their volunteer time for our community. Herman says, “We don’t want any deserving person to be overlooked.”
Nomination forms can be found on the municipal website at: http://www.chatham-kent.ca/local-government/ mayors-office/2018-chatham-kent-senior-achievement-awards or the forms can also be found at CK Senior Centers, CK Municipal Centres, and CK libraries.
