For more information read our article in SeniorHealth Magazine online.
2008 Successful Aging Forum Review
If you were among the 1,100 folks who came out for the 2008 Successful Aging Forum you were part of one excellent event.
Smiles and excitement were everywhere as Naomi Judd – country music super-star, six-time Grammy winner, nurse, wife, mother and grandmother extraordinaire kicked off the event with an ‘up close and personal’ keynote address. When we say ‘up close and personal,’ that’s exactly what it was. Ms. Judd stepped off the stage and mingled with the audience making an impression on everyone with her friendly hugs, witty comments and down-to-earth personality. She reminded everyone that we all go through different trials and tribulations in our lives, but what’s important is that we all must know ‘our own story’ and we need to tell that story so others can learn and be inspired. Naomi proclaimed, “get ready to be grateful for life and all it has to offer because it’s never too late to make an impact on yourself and someone else.” Ms. Judd definitely made an impact on everyone at the forum. She put her words into action when she made a phone call to one of our seniors who could not get a ticket to the sold out event!
It was a fabulous day as seniors poured into the exhibit hall to visit our 60+ exhibitors. That time was followed by Naomi’s heart-felt keynote address.
During lunch the 2008 Senior Hero Award was presented to Ruby Holland Walden, who has spoken up for the disadvantaged, fought for the rights of the disenfranchised, and given support and encouragement to the down trodden. One of her greatest endeavors was bringing the first Headstart program to Suffolk through the STOP organization. As the recipient of the 2008 Senior Hero Award, Ms. Walden received a trophy and a trip for 2 to Cancun, Mexico.
Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia was also recognized at the Successful Aging Forum as the 2008 Outstanding Senior Organization. Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia is committed to working for the good of the seniors of our community through advocacy, education, information and a wide variety of services that have helped the elderly of Hampton Roads for over 35 years.
The Successful Aging Forum Board of Directors is proud to recognize all of the nominees for this year’s Senior Hero Award.
Senior Hero Award Nominees
Dr. Steven Atiyah
Shirley S. Barondess
Ken Bowers, Jr.
Dorothy Faulkner Buffkin
Mary Jean Eley
Carol Hogwood
Goldie Jackson
Robert M. “Bob” Lane, Jr.
Mildred Maye
Norma Elaine Phillips
Mattie Pinkham
Juanita Reed
Sarah Russell
Barbara Seltzer
Iness E. Taylor
*Ruby Holland Walden
Betty A. Williams
Senior Organization Award Nominees
M.E. Cox Center for Elder Day Care
Norfolk Senior Olympics Committee
Norfolk Task Force on Aging
Portsmouth Task Force on Aging
Peninsula Task Force on Aging
Respite Care Volunteers of Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church
*Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia
