City Proclamations: October 4, 2016

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
October 11, 2016 11:26 a.m.

National Red Ribbon Week in Fernandina Beach

Fernandina Beach Mayor John Miller has declared the week of October 23-31, 2016 as “National Red Ribbon Week” in the city. This annual event designed to raise awareness for substance abuse and violence prevention began in 1988 following the kidnapping, torture and brutal murder of legendarily successful Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in 1985.

Michael Spath and members of the Young Marine Corps accepted the proclamation. Three Young Marines in fatigues stood at attention before the audience and explained the program’s genesis and activities. They also explained how they foster and prevent substance abuse throughout the community.

Mayor Miller thanked the Young Marines for their efforts to help young people lead active, drug free lives.

National Senior Center Month

Ms. Janice Ancrum, Executive Director of the Nassau County Council on Aging, accepted a Proclamation from Fernandina Beach John Miller declaring September “National Senior Center Month.”

In 1965, Congress passed the Older Americans Act to establish senior care grant programs for communities to provide critical social services for older adults and those training in the field of aging. For over 40 years the Nassau County Council on Aging has managed two facilities, one in Fernandina Beach and one in Hilliard. These facilities deliver critical services to more than 2,000 Nassau County seniors in five major categories: Meals on Wheels, Home Health Services, NassauTRANSIT and Adult Day HealthCare.

Council on Aging staff and Volunteers significantly enrich the lives of local senior citizens by offering many services to help them maintain their health and independence while living in their own homes.

Janice Ancrum thanked the commissioners for their recognition, support and partnership. She said, “Your dollars make it possible for seniors to come together for peer-to-peer socialization, meals, and education.” She thanked City Manager Dale Martin for working with the Council on Aging to provide transportation via the Island Hopper. She spoke to the efforts of her staff and volunteers to prepare seniors for the pending hurricane.