Bay Aging was honored to welcome Senator Mark Warner to Daffodil Gardens II, their newest service-enriched rental community, for a significant visit discussing Bay Aging’s impactful role in the community. During his tour of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, Senator Warner made a special stop at Bay Aging to express his unwavering support. This visit marked the Senator’s return to Bay Aging, highlighting the ongoing transformative leadership of President and CEO Kathy Vesley.
During his visit, Senator Warner commended Bay Aging for its exceptional entrepreneurial approach to serving the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and beyond, and expanding the Veteran Directed Care program, which has garnered both local and national recognition. He personally congratulated Kathy Vesley for her recent National Award in Aging Leadership and her 25 years of dedication to Bay Aging, which have been pivotal in achieving this recognition.
“We were thrilled to have Senator Warner visit us again and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our team,” said Kathy Vesley, CEO of Bay Aging. “His support and recognition inspire us to continue our mission of providing vital services to the community.”
A key highlight of the visit was Senator Warner addressing the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA), crucial legislation that supports a wide range of services for older adults. The OAA provides essential funding for services that help the nation’s seniors remain healthy and independent, including meals, job training, senior centers, health promotion, benefits enrollment, caregiver support, transportation, and more. The OAA is due for reauthorization in Fall of 2024. Audience members were pleased to hear Senator Warner passionately highlight the critical importance of supporting services for older adults and actively responded to the Senator’s request for community feedback to ensure the legislation effectively addresses their needs.
Jimmie Carter, Chairman of Bay Aging’s Board of Directors, remarked, “Senator Warner’s visit underscores the importance of our mission and the hard work of everyone involved with Bay Aging. His recognition of our efforts, and his dedication to reauthorizing the Older Americans Act are deeply appreciated. We are committed to continuing our work in partnership with the community to ensure that older adults receive the support and services they need.”
Senator Warner openly expressed his gratitude to a full room of local partners and attendees, including representatives from other Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), the Community Service Board, Health Department, various county officials, and clients, for their invaluable contributions. Their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in enhancing the quality of life for older adults and caregivers in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. The Senator emphasized the importance of championing housing, transportation, and the Older Americans Act alongside aging services for the region. This focus is particularly crucial given that the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions have a higher percentage of adults aged 60 and older—30.6% for the Middle Peninsula and 40.1% for the Northern Neck—compared to the national average of 22.9%. (data from American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2022, Table S0101).
Now, more than ever, the community must come together to advocate for the reinstatement of the Older Americans Act and ensure that aging services continue to thrive in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. Let’s spark discussions, exchange stories, and champion the cause of dignity and support for older adults. Contact your local representatives today and join us in creating a future where every senior lives with independence, respect, and the care they deserve.
For more information about the event or how to contact your local senator, please reach out to Bay Aging’s Administrative Coordinator, Peter Mertens, at (804) 758-2386 ext. 1201.
