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Senior Friends abound
by Julie Sessa

Everybody needs friends, and the seniors of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties have many.

The Area Agency on Aging presented its Senior Friend Awards to Fortuna Police Chief Kent Bradshaw, Southern Humboldt's Patti Rose and Humboldt Senior Resource Center's GoldenAires. The awards were part of the AAA's 20th Anniversary party held at the River Lodge Nov. 14. Outgoing AAA Board President Jim Anderson presented a first-time President's Award to Humboldt County Supervisor Bonnie Neely.

Carol Johnson of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program presented Chief Bradshaw his award by reading him his "Rights"-his rights to the Senior Friend Award, that is. From 1992 to 1995 Bradshaw was an active member in Fortuna's Project CARE (Community Action to Reach the Elderly) by reviewing senior services and finding ways to improve them. He initiated the RU OK? Program in Fortuna. This program involves a computer making daily check-in calls to seniors living alone. Bradshaw has recognized the value of senior volunteers to help meet department needs. In 1993 he expanded the volunteer police to include Senior Citizens on Patrol (SCOP).

Patti Rose has worked on critical issues for seniors in Southern Humboldt for many years, mainly in the areas of home health care and low cost senior housing. There are many "Patti" fans. George Egan refers to her as the "one who does everything" when it comes to the Senior Housing Project set to begin construction in March 2001 after four years of determined efforts. Carol Evans offered her reflections about Patti's dedication to details in responding to home health care recipients' wants and needs, making them feel special. Presenter Marianne Nix noted that every time AAA has needed a special insight or extra effort on behalf of a senior, Patti Rose has been there.

The GoldenAires have been singing together for five years. Starting with just six people, the ensemble now rings with 24 voices, ages 61 to 95. As Senior Friends, they are noted for bringing their talents around the county to places such as Eureka Inn, Humboldt Senior Resource Center, Adult Day Health Service sites, senior living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, churches, service organizations and the Humboldt County Fair. A member of the GoldenAires sums up the experience by saying, "We get a lot of joy out of the reception we get, knowing we give people joy." Singing standard and show tunes from yesteryear, they strike a chord with young and old alike. The GoldenAires, directed by Shad Windbigler, also sang Happy Birthday to the Area Agency on Aging.

Some organizations and individuals are, by the rules, excluded from receiving Senior Friend Awards. This year, AAA broke its own rules and recognized the following organizations for their outstanding support for seniors over the years-Humboldt Senior Resource Center, Del Norte Senior Center, Food for People, K'ima:w Medical Center, North Coast Opportunities, St. Joseph Home Care Humboldt County, Healy Senior Center, Legal Services of Northern California, Humboldt County Public Health, and Adult Day Health Care of Mad River.

The first ever President's Award for Excellence was presented to Supervisor Bonnie Neely who has worked to improve services for older adults and their families for more than a decade. As part of the 1989 delegation that traveled to Washington, DC she accepted a national award for Humboldt County's exemplary system of senior services. Supervisor Neely has encouraged service coordination and the development of care options that include geriatric mental health systems, coordinated in-home services, elder abuse protocols, alternative housing, and caregiver support services. "You are to be commended for your leadership, compassion, vision and advocacy on behalf of older adults," Jim Anderson praised Supervisor Neely.

The Senior Friend Awards each year recognize outstanding service to seniors in our community by an individual or by an organization. Senator Wes Chesbro was the keynote speaker at this year's festivities. He serves on many committees that focus on services in rural communities and has been an advocate for seniors for many years.
Julie Sessa is a staff member of the Area Agency on Aging. See more photos on page 14.