CARIBOU, Maine – During their May 19 business meeting, the Aroostook County Commissioners voted to proclaim May as Older Americans Month.
The Aroostook Agency on Aging had requested support from elected county leaders as part of a nationwide effort to recognize the contributions older citizens make as volunteers, employees, employers, parents, grandparents, mentors and advocates.
Joy Barresi Saucier, executive director of the agency, addressed commissioners Paul Adams, Norm Fournier and Paul Underwood during the teleconference meeting. She cited examples of how county government, such as the sheriff’s department and emergency management staff, have fully supported efforts to expand and expedite relief efforts to older residents and their caregivers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We take our mission to improve the quality of life and promote the well-being of older people in our communities very seriously, especially during a time of crisis. And it’s good to know Aroostook County and its individual cities and towns do too,” Barresi Saucier said.
In addition, she gave a brief financial update to the commissioners and invited them to weigh in on the Agency’s 2020-2024 Area Plan on Aging draft document which will be presented to the public for comment in June.
Ryan Pelletier, county administrator, agreed the relationship between the county and the non-profit service organization was mutually beneficial.
“Aroostook County government appreciates everything that Aroostook Agency on Aging does for our communities and our older residents. We are proud to proclaim May as Older Americans Month in Aroostook County in honor of these residents and the outstanding commitment they continue to make in our region,” he said.
Commissioners voted unanimously to proclaim May as Older Americans Month in Aroostook County
A full copy of the full proclamation is included on Aroostook Agency on Aging’s website www.aroostookaging.org.
