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Agency on Aging celebrates 30 years

By Mike Bockoven

Grand Island Independent, August 13, 2003

To recognize 30 years of serving Central Nebraska, those at the Midland Area Agency on Aging wanted to celebrate proudly and publicly.

On Friday, they will do just that as the group will hold a celebration at the Adams County Fairground in Hastings. DiAnna Tuttle, administrative assistant with the agency, said the event isn't just for the population they serve but for anyone who might need to know more about them.

"We're hoping a lot of senior citizens who participate in senior center activities will be able to attend," Tuttle said. "Also, we hope the public gets a little better idea of who we are and what we do."

The event will include remarks from special guests, refreshments and entertainment by acts from many of the counties served by the agency. The Midland Area consists of Adams, Clay, Hall, Hamilton, Howard, Merrick, Nuckolls and Webster counties.

The Agency on Aging is responsible for developing and executing programs for senior citizens, not only in larger urban areas but in villages and rural areas as well.

Adams and Hall were the first counties to become a part of the agency, with other counties following over 30 years.

Currently the group provides services such as home-delivered meals, help with household chores, legal services, transportation, legal advice, phone reassurance and respite/attendant care, among others.

Tuttle said the event isn't just a chance to promote the agency but to collect ideas from the public, staff, directors, board members and those who are served by the agency who attend the event.

"We know there is a large number of people who aren't being served," Tuttle said. "This event will serve to let people know what we do and what our goals are for the future."

The meeting will also serve as a networking opportunity between counties in the Midland area, Tuttle said. The hope is the event will not be just a celebration but a launching pad for new ideas and actions to better serve the elderly in Central Nebraska.

"There have been some articles that have come out and some attention has been made, but we wanted a main event of sorts," Tuttle said. "The important thing was to get all our agencies involved. We've grown so much over the 30 years, we wanted to make sure everyone had the chance to share ideas."

The 30th anniversary celebration for the Midland Area Agency on Aging will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15 at the Community Building on the Adams County Fairgrounds in Hastings. For more information, call (402) 463-4565.