PROCLAMATION OF MAY 2015 AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

RESOLUTION NO. ____ - 15

PROCLAMATION OF MAY 2015 AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

            WHEREAS, President John F. Kennedy formally proclaimed May 1963 as Senior Citizens Month, which was later renamed Older Americans Month, in honor and celebration of the contributions of older adults to their communities and nation; and

            WHEREAS, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Older Americans Act in July 1965 in order to meet the diverse needs of older persons in the United States, thus establishing the Administration on Aging within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and calling for the creation of State Units on Aging. The Older Americans Act provides a nationwide aging services network and funding to help older adults live with dignity in the communities of their choice for as long as possible; and

            WHEREAS, the Administration on Community Living of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has established the 2015 Older Americans Month theme to be, “Get into the Act.” By promoting and engaging in activity, wellness and inclusivity, more Americans than ever can “Get into the Act;” and

            WHEREAS, the 2015 Older Americans Month will honor the 50^th anniversary of the Older Americans Act and focus on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others; and

            WHEREAS, the older adults of Sauk County and throughout the nation are a growing population with evolving needs.  The number of baby boomers reaching traditional retirement age continues to rise, a fact that spotlights the need for increased attention to the needs of older adults; and

            WHEREAS, the older adults of Sauk County play a vital role within their communities through their contributions of experience, knowledge, wisdom, and accomplishments; and

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sauk County Board of Supervisors, met in regular session, does proclaim May 2015 to be Older Americans Month and urges everyone to take time to honor our older adults and those people who serve and support them as powerful and vital citizens who greatly contribute to our communities.

For consideration by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, February 17, 2015.

Respectfully submitted,

AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER COMMITTEE:

__________________________________                __________________________________

David A. Riek, Chair                                                     David Moore

__________________________________                __________________________________

Tut Gramling                                                               Carol Held

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Thomas Kriegl

Fiscal Note:  No Levy Fiscal Impact               MIS Note:  No Information System Impact