Corte Madera Honors Our Nonagenarians and Centenarians

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Summary

For two years running, Age-Friendly Corte Madera (AFCM) has organized an annual celebration of residents ninety years old and older to which family, friends, and the broader community are invited. This year (2016) the honorees were acknowledged as living links to our town’s history as the Town observed the one hundredth anniversary of its founding. The gathering in the Community Center (built by some of the honorees in 1952) was designed to be festive and evocative. A local musician played period music on the piano while attendees had their picture taken. Before the formal program began, vintage Life Magazines and trivia questions at each table stimulated reminiscing and conversation.The Central Marin Police Captain offered congratulations and updated the community on the status of the R-U-OK telephone program to check in on seniors. The Mayor handed out certificates from both the Town and State Legislature, and shook each honoree’s hand while his or her short biography was read aloud. Attendees also viewed a video greeting from our Congressman. The event brought smiles all around, particularly for the honorees and their families. The Mayor voiced his gratitude at having the opportunity to engage with residents on a happy occasion. Age-Friendly Corte Madera partnered with Town staff (Administration, Parks and Recreation), the Corte Madera Chamber of Commerce, the Centennial Committee, the Central Marin Police Authority and community volunteers to make it all happen. In the first year 11 honorees were celebrated. This year there were 23, with similar increases in family and community attendees. As the pool of nonagenarians and centenarians increases and outreach improves each year, attendance is likely to continue to grow. The goal will be to maintain the warmth and intimacy of the event as participation increases.