TOWSON, MD—The National Council on Aging’s National Institute of Senior Centers is honoring the outstanding work of senior centers with the 2021 Programs of Excellence Awards. Seven Oaks Senior Center, Ateaze Senior Center, and Parkville Senior Center are three of the 14 programs receiving recognition for innovative, creative, and replicable programs for older adults.

The Programs of Excellence winners and honorary mentions are chosen by a national committee of senior center professionals. This year’s general categories are: Marketing/Public Relations, Cultural Programs, Health and Wellness, Nutrition, Technology, and Hybrid Programming. This year’s highlighted category is: Addressing Social Isolation.

Seven Oaks Senior Center (Nottingham/Perry Hall) won first place recognition in the Health and Wellness category for their virtual program “Elder Day.” Elder Day was sponsored by Baltimore County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. The day started with a message and greeting from the County Executive, then continued with activities including line dancing, chair exercise, COVID presentation, flower arranging, hair and beauty tips, and a Trivia game. The day finished up with a talent show. Participants could attend the whole day or just join in for the presentations in which they were interested.

Ateaze Senior Center (Dundalk) received honorable mention for “Tech Talk,” a program in the Technology Category. Tech Talk was a partnership between a group of high school students, called Requinity, and the Ateaze Senior Center. Bi-weekly Requinity, alongside BCDA staff, would host a free tech class via Zoom to help bridge the gap of technology and seniors. As time went on, Requinity developed YouTube tutorials to show seniors how to use different technologies. BCDA staff facilitated the backend of the Zoom/Webex and Requinity would answer any questions. Nothing was off the table from how to use Zoom to using your cellphone.

Parkville Senior Center (Parkville) won honorable mention in the Cultural Programs category for its program “Historical Perspectives of Baltimore-a Virtual History.” This program brought our region’s vivid history into the homes of participants during a time of social distancing. Led by Chris Riehl, a tourism industry professional, the program paired Chris’ enthusiasm and knowledge of Baltimore history with the center members’ love of the city and their shared experience of living through part of the history. Program topics celebrated cultural achievements, industry, popular culture, artistic contributions and sports and included: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Fighting for Freedom; Love is in the Air; Lights, Camera, Baltimore!; Play Ball; Erin Go Bragh; and the battle of Baltimore at Ft. McHenry.

“Our staff continue to excel in their creativity and innovation,” said Laura D. Riley, Director of the Baltimore County Department of Aging. “They are often recognized nationally and locally for the diverse programming that they offer in-person and online. We are honored to receive these Programs of Excellence awards, and hope that other senior centers across the country will be able to replicate these programs to benefit their members.”

Additional information about BCDA’s senior centers and their programs for older adults can be found at https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/aging. Additional information on the National Institute of Senior Centers can be found at https://www.ncoa.org/NISC.

Photo via Pixabay