The 34th Annual Conference on Aging, hosted by the First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability took place on Tuesday, May 7th, with over 225 in attendance. This year's Conference theme "Powered by Connection" brought together speakers and experts on issues affecting our region's senior population at the MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center for a full schedule of events. Topics included VA Caregiver Benefits and Financial Strategies for Older Adults, to name a few.
A highlight of the day was the recognition of the Kathy Whitaker Excellence in Aging Service Award honoree. The award, designed to recognize an outstanding volunteer in support of seniors or aging initiatives, was created by the First Tennessee Development District Board of Directors in 2022 to recognize Kathy Whitaker's service to the region.
This year's honoree, Charlene MacIntyre, a long-time volunteer for the Jonesborough Senior Center in was selected for her passion for serving others, which can be measured in the hundreds of lives she's impacted. Her efforts include volunteering for the Jonesborough Senior Center, MyRide, Senior Center Advisory Board, Boones Creek Opry and Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
Upon retiring and moving to Tennessee, Charlene, in her own words, "wanted to make her time count", and began to volunteer in the community. "She and her husband joined the Jonesborough Senior Center and soon after, began volunteering at our reception desk. She then became a MyRide driver, and then went on the Advisory Board," explained Mary Regen with the Senior Center and Charlene's nominator. To date, Charlene has volunteered weekly for over five years, through MyRide has given 831 rides since 2019, driven 5,000 miles, and donated 602 hours to MyRide.
"It is easy to see why Charlene was selected as this year's honoree." said Kathy Whitaker, " She exemplifies servant leadership. She may be from Connecticut, but she adopted us, and we've adopted her due to her volunteer spirit."
In addition to MacIntyre, the Area Agency also recognized volunteers that support initiatives such as the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, MyRide, Public Guardian, and SHIP programs.
The date and theme for the 2025 Conference on Aging will be announced early next year.
For questions about this or other District news, please contact Kathleen McLaughlin,
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