National Seniors' Group Recognizes Local Individuals and Organizations with Awards For Exemplary Service to Seniors

Washington, D.C.-- The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare has selected four individuals and three organizations to receive the 2004 Salute to Leaders in Aging Awards for significant service to seniors and their families. The awards ceremony will take place at the headquarters of the National Committee in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 2004 beginning at 1:00 P.M. Honorees include:

• Fair Hill Center, Cleveland OH - Service to Seniors Award - for an organization that connects people and organizations, and provides educational opportunities and services to foster successful aging.
• Taking Care of Mom and Dad, Baltimore MD – Service to Seniors Award for developing a user-friendly compact disk that provides answers to caregivers in need.
• Duane J. Etienne, Indianapolis IN – Service to Seniors Award for an individual – for establishing a high standard of excellence in leadership, financial management and innovative programming in his community.
• Lance Robertson, Stillwater OK – Caregiver Award – for his commitment as a family caregiver in addition to his professional contribution in developing caregiver programs within the State of Oklahoma.
• Andrew Carle, Washington DC – Mentor Leadership Award – for developing and implementing the nation's first undergraduate and graduate curricula dedicated exclusively to the field of assisted living administration.
• Seniors in Service, Tampa FL – Distinguished Seniors Award for an organization- for providing volunteer services and opportunities through programs such as Foster Grandparent Program, Senior Companion Program and Bill Payer Program.
• Martha Eaves, Atlanta GA – Distinguished Seniors Award for an individual- for her tireless effort to advocate for services to vulnerable older Georgians and their families.

The Salute to Leaders in Aging Awards are presented annually in May as part of the National Committee's observance of Older Americans Month.

“Each year, as we review the Salute to Leaders in Aging Awards nominations, we are reminded of the many outstanding contributions made by individuals and organizations alike to improve the quality of life for seniors in need,” said Barbara B. Kennelly, president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. “We are pleased to recognize the winners of this year's awards for their tremendous commitment to helping others at the community level.”