A DCHS CONNECT FEATURE

May 18, 2023: The Alexandria Commission on Aging (COA) held its annual Excellence in Aging Awards Program at City Hall on May 9, 2023.  The COA, which advocates for the needs of older residents in Alexandria, honors one organization and several individuals — regardless of age — who have provided service to older Alexandrians or contributed to advancing issues and projects that favorably affect older Alexandrians. Winners were recognized in four categories.

ANNIE B. ROSE LIFETIME AWARD
Presented to an individual who has served seniors for at least 10 years. This year’s winner was:

Mary Lee Anderson of Senior Services of Alexandria. Mary Lee is an outstanding advocate for older Alexandrians. Since 2013, she has served as Executive Director of Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) and volunteered on the Commission on Aging. Among her many leadership accomplishments, she and her team were instrumental in getting clients vaccinated during the pandemic. She successfully expanded Meals on Wheels to include weekends -- a model adopted nationally, developed Groceries to Go and an annual Senior Law Day event. SSA also implemented the Senior Ambassador program in which there are 120 Senior Ambassadors who provide outreach to the community.

LOIS VAN VALKENBURGH EXCELLENCE IN AGING AWARD  
Presented to an individual resident with at least one year of service to seniors. This year’s winner was:

Jackie Barbarito of Goodwin Living. Jackie broadened outreach to promote understanding of the ways to support people with dementia. With the Commission on Aging, she co-founded Dementia Friendly Alexandria and facilitates its Action Team, which offers training to prepare people and organizations to engage more knowledgeably and compassionately with those who have dementia.  

EXCELLENCE IN AGING AWARD FOR AN ORGANIZATION 
Presented to an organization that has made an outstanding contribution to Alexandria seniors. This year’s winner was:

The Alexandria Health Department's Long-Term Care (LTC) Team. They partnered with healthcare teams throughout the pandemic to offer essential information and supplies to keep Alexandrians safe and healthy. LTC worked with local businesses and organizations – including senior living communities - to provide official guidance, personal protective equipment and strategic plans that helped protect the health of older adults, a population that was among the most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19.

PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS
Presented to City government employees who have advanced, improved or otherwise contributed to making Alexandria a more livable community for all ages during the course of their jobs. This year’s winners were:

Kay Mendenhall- Kay has been a City employee for 33 years. She was an integral part of the transition from the City's Switch Board to Call Click Connect and then to Alex311. With her in-depth knowledge of the City’s protocols and hundreds of services, she has been an invaluable resource. At 87 years of age, Kay has faced many challenges; however, she continues to help residents daily, including older Alexandrians, by connecting them with resources and providing the most accurate information on City services.

Evelyn Quiles, DCHS, Workforce Development Center 

Evelyn is an expert in the employment of older adults and overcoming the challenges of ageism and skill gaps. Through her leadership in the Fifty Plus Program, Evelyn prepared and placed numerous older Alexandrians in meaningful employment, thereby helping them be more connected to community, enjoy improved economic benefits, and be able to mentor and share knowledge with younger people.

Natalie Talis, Alexandria Health Department, Population Health Manager- Natalie worked with partners to address the needs of those most vulnerable to COVID, including older residents of the city. She enlisted partners who could assist in community outreach and participate in arranging transportation for those who needed it. Due to her public health leadership, Alexandria has one of the highest vaccination rates in Virginia

To learn more about the City's Aging and Adult Services, please visit alexandriava.gov/aging.