Published: May 12, 2008 10:38 am         

Honor Day to fete Limestone senior citizens on May 23

May is Older American Month and, to celebrate, the annual Senior Citizens Honor Day will be held on Friday, May 23, at Mexia Civic Center. “You Make a Difference” is the theme of the event, and our senior citizens will be honored with awards and recognition, says Colleen Longbotham of the County Extension Service. Registration will begin at 9 a.m.

The partnership of the Senior Citizens Task Force of Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Mexia State School Foster Grandparents Program will team together to celebrate accomplishments and inspirational support that many of our seniors in the community have provided.

A highlight of the day is the announcement of Outstanding Senior Citizen for Limestone County. Churches and civic and social organizations are invited to nominate a senior from their group who is 60 years of age or older and a resident of Limestone County. The two categories are “Outstanding Senior Citizen” and “Inspirational Senior Citizen.”

In addition, the Foster Grandparents Program will recognize its Senior Heroes for the assistance they provide to children of the community in need. According to Larry Lynch, Director of Foster Grandparents, “It is an honor and a privilege to be associated with a group of people who have given so much to Country, Family, and Community. I hope this special day can express, in small part, our appreciation for all they have accomplished in the past, and for the difference they continue to make in our communities.”

During Senior Citizens Honor Day, there will be entertainment and a catered luncheon at no charge. The meal and door prizes are provided by donations from businesses and residents as well as the Foster Grandparent Program.

Members of the Senior Citizens Task Force are Larry Lynch, Director of Foster Grandparents Program; Anita Battreall, Foster Grandparents Program; Ann Vinson, Limestone Senior Director; Judy Speer, Mexia Insurance Services; Velma Ransom, Marcie King and Michelle Slaughter of Mexia, Mildred and Claude Monk of Tehuacana, mailto:c-longbotham@tamu.edu and Colleen Longbotham, County Extension Agent-FCS, advisor.

For information on nominating an individual for Senior Citizens Honor Day or any questions, please call the Extension office at 729-5314 or Larry Lynch at Foster Grandparents at 562-1326, 1331 or 1336.

Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas cooperating.

“We seek to provide reasonable accommodations for all individuals with disabilities for this program. Please contact the Limestone County Extension office at 254-729-5314 no later than May 19,” Longbotham reminds.