In tribute to seniors, the Larimer County Office on Aging held their annual Older American Month Awards ceremony on May 14. Ginny Riley, Director of the County’s Human Services Department, presented several awards for the senior volunteer of the year, family caregiver of the year, and a special 25 year service award. The annual senior volunteer award was named after Stan Ulrich, an outstanding senior volunteer, who served on the county’s Aging Advisory Council for 20 years before passing away in 2013. Over 80 people including Stan’s wife and daughter attended the ceremony.
Betty Moseley, a dedicated volunteer, received the Stan Ulrich Senior Volunteer Award. Betty started the first respite care service at the American Baptist Church, managed Elderhaus’s Adult Day Care, instrumental in promoting state legislation for seniors, formed the Senior Network (formerly Continuum of Care Coalition), besides being a founding board member and past chair for the Foundation on Aging.
Rich Shipman, another outstanding volunteer, received the annual Family Caregiver Award. Rich began his volunteer caregiver services with his family, taking care of his mother’s two older sisters, his cousin and her husband, helped a close friend, who died of Huntington’s disease, and currently helps two family friends stricken with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. He also helps his 100 year old mother on a weekly basis with doctor appointments, shopping, and yard work in Denver. Rich has been active in the Fort Collins Aspen Club, helping other seniors by coordinating trips and teaching Memory Fitness classes.
Nancy Wallace, a local elder law attorney, received the county’s 25 Year Service Award. Nancy has managed the county’s Senior Law Project for 25 years, providing legal services to older adults. She operates the county’s project from her office (Wallace & Kling) in Fort Collins. Nancy has helped countless seniors, their families, and other attorneys with living wills, powers of attorney, landlord/tenant issues, and Medicaid issues. She was the first woman to be awarded the prestigious Professionalism Award in 1995 by the Larimer County Bar Association. In addition, Nancy has served on multiple county commissions and committees besides being past president of this Bar Association. Our thanks to these recipients for their outstanding services!
(Pictured above, Awards Recipients (l-r) Ginny Riley, Nancy Wallace, Betty Moseley, & Rich Shipman)