05.17.12 Howard County Commission on Aging Honors Winners at Annual Recognition Awards Ceremony
May 17, 2012
Media Contacts: Kevin Enright, Director, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Shelley Garten, Office on Aging, Dept. of Citizen Services, 410-313-6538, TTY: 410-313-5927
Howard County Commission on Aging Honors Winners at Annual Recognition Awards Ceremony
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County’ s Commission on Aging honored award winners last night at its annual Recognition Awards Ceremony at the Bain Center in Columbia. The program spotlights outstanding achievements by individuals and organizations that exemplify the Commission’s mission to promote successful aging in Howard County.
“There are so many people who give back to Howard County in meaningful ways, but this special group of honorees has consistently uplifted our community through their dedicated service, programs, and overall generosity,” said County Executive Ken Ulman. “I especially want to thank the Commission for organizing this annual event and for their continued commitment to Howard County’s seniors.”
This year’s award winners are:
Civic Engagement Award: Lyn Fatzie – Lyn Fatzie has a long history of service to Howard County residents. Lyn has been active as a member and chairperson of the Columbia Association’s Senior Advisory Committee for the past 12 years, a long time member of Transportation Advocates of Howard County, was one of the early organizers of Neighbor Ride, a Columbia Association Senior Events Shuttle coordinator and served on the Transportation Committee for the County’s Commission on Aging. In the early 1990’s, she became active in the County’s Office on Aging’s SPRING program. As a facilitator with SPRING’s Low Vision Group, Lyn epitomizes the programs philosophy of fostering a positive outlook and supporting a thriving aging process. Lyn deserves this recognition for her continuous volunteer service, positive outlook and meaningful contributions.
Benchmark Award: Columbia Association – The Columbia Association (CA), guided by its Senior Advisory Committee, offers many programs and services geared towards Howard County’s older adult population. These programs include the WINN (When if Not Now) exercise program, group fitness and exercise classes, tennis, golf and swim programs, watercolor and ceramics classes, gallery receptions, international and multi-cultural programs, seminars about retirement and tours of “over 55” housing facilities. CA also sponsors a Senior Event Shuttle, which gives free rides to groups of four or more seniors to local cultural events. CA’s programs help Howard County’s older adults live healthier and happier life styles, and remain socially engaged in their community.
Benchmark Award: Howard County Police Department, Community Outreach Senior Liaison Program – The Howard County Police Department Community Outreach Senior Liaison Program was established in 2007 to develop, implement, evaluate and update programs for County seniors. The Program’s Senior Liaison, PFC Holly Burnham, developed a “Prescription Drug Safety,” “Life is a Highway” and “Arm Yourself with Knowledge” presentations for County senior centers, 50+ communities, community association meetings and assisted living facilities. The Program also works in partnership with the TRIAD community policing initiative and the Elder Abuse Awareness program with the County’s Office on Aging Ombudsman Program. The Police Department has also collaborated with AAA Mid-Atlantic, local occupational therapists and the Office on Aging to offer the “CarFit Program,” a 12-point evaluation which determines how well an older driver “fits” their personal vehicle. The Community Outreach Senior Liaison Program has consistently offered unique and innovative programs to promote the safety and well-being of Howard County’s senior population.
Award for Excellence in the Arts: Toby Orenstein – Toby Orenstein is the founder of the Columbia Center for the Theatrical Arts (CCTA), the Young Columbians and Toby’s Dinner Theatre. Since CCTA’s founding in 1972, Toby has remained a dynamic and integral part of Howard County’s arts community. She has been recognized for her contributions to the theatre, her mentorship of young artists and her role in arts education and philanthropy. She has been inducted into the Howard County Women’s Hall of Fame, the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame and was named a “Marylander of Distinction” by Maryland Life Magazine. Additionally, Toby’s fundraising efforts have benefited the Howard County Aids Alliance, the Carson Scholars Fund and the Howard County Arts Council. Toby is an outstanding role model in the arts community.