Meg Burmeister presents the 2023 Humanitarian Hero award to the NEKCOA Senior Companions for their service to the disabled and older residents of the NEK. Pictured are (l-r) Meg Burmeister, NEKCOA Executive Director; Felicity Norko, NEKCOA Senior Companion Program Coordinator; Susan Brill; Natalie Fuller; Christine Elder; Jeannine Richards; Joan Wollrath; and Wade Hudson.
Vermont Business Magazine The NEK Council on Aging held its 2023 Annual Meeting on November 16th at the St. Johnsbury Meal Site and Meals on Wheels (St. Johnsbury House). The meeting was open to the public and attended by an estimated 55 people including Vermont Lt. Governor David Zuckerman and Beth Stern representing the office of Senator Bernie Sanders and representative Chip Troiano.
The meeting began with a welcome from the Council’s Executive Director, Meg Burmeister and an address from Board President, Susan Gordon, who thanked staff and volunteers.
“I was pleased to attend a recent NEKCOA community listening session at the Groton Library where representatives of the Council offered solutions so a neighbor could remain in her home,” said Gordon. “It is very rewarding to work with an agency that continues to have such an impact in the communities they serve.”
Evan Hammond, Board Treasurer, led the nomination and approval of the new slate of officers for the Board of Directors. They are Susan Gordon, President; Lisa McCrae, Vice President; Evan Hammond, Treasurer; and Nancy Hogue, Secretary. Board members selected to a second term are Evan Hammond, Nancy Hogue, and Lisa McCrae. New members of the Board were nominated and approved. They are Ross Farnsworth of St. Johnsbury, Janel Henrichsen of Lyndonville, Erin Kelly of St. Johnsbury, and Jennifer Olsen of Albany. The Board extended their appreciation to Kris Lance for her service on the Board.
Guest speaker, Anna Guest, from the Maine Council on Aging and Project Manager for the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging (TSLCA), offered a presentation entitled “Disrupting Ageism: Taking Age-Positive Action.” The presentation highlighted the work done in Maine and throughout New England to combat ageism and the discrimination of older Americans. She provided helpful tools to reframe phrases or language that promotes ageism.
“Anna highlighted how harmful everyday phrases, or tone of voice can be when addressing our older friends and neighbors,” said Meg Burmeister, NEKCOA Executive Director. “She spoke of the benefits of aspirations and that age positive views improve both longevity and quality of life. Anna shared examples of the inequities that compound a negative view of aging which is very engrained in our culture and challenged us to speak out and change the conversation.”
The Council honored the NEKCOA Senior Companions as the 2023 Humanitarian Heroes. The award celebrated and recognized their dedication and service to older Vermonters. The Senior Companion program is a federally supported program that brings neighbors to neighbors supporting wellbeing of our older neighbors. Their compassion and dedication of peers is a remarkable gift to those served.
The meeting concluded with the recognition of staff for years of service: Kelly Sawyer, who is retiring, for 20 years; Lucy LeMay and Jodi Lessard for 15 years; and Karen Desrochers and Megan Durocher for 5 years.
A copy of the 2023 NEKCOA Annual Report is available at www.nekcouncil.org.
Source: 11.21.2023. St. Johnsbury, VT - The NEK Council on Aging
