Glenmeadow asked the question, “Do you know someone in our region who redefines what it means to be over 60?” and the response was an overwhelming YES! In preparation for their first ever Age of Excellence Awards: Celebrating Success over 60, they asked the community to nominate deserving individuals who merit celebration for making significant contributions to their communities, pursuing new adventures, or demonstrating an unwavering spirit of excellence. In total there were over thirty worthy individuals nominated.

“As a first time event we were not sure how many nominations we would receive,” commented Dr. Kathy Martin, Glenmeadow President and CEO. “The overwhelming response continues to remind me that our region is rich with people who are making a difference, including shaping our perceptions of what it means to get older. Thank you to all who submitted a nomination and thank you to our panel of community leaders for taking on the difficult task of selecting the honorees. Celebrating these achievements is such a privilege.”

The Age of Excellence Awards honor the ways that those over 60 show us all that age is just a number. The nominees come from diverse backgrounds and have incredibly varied stories, but the commonality is each is known for their vast wisdom, resilience, and invaluable contributions to our region. Thank you to these community leaders for their guidance in helping select the soon-to-be-announced, inaugural class for the Age of Excellence Awards:

Diana Szynal, President, Springfield Regional Chamber

Jane Martel, Attorney

Jim Leyden, Director, Longmeadow Adult Center

Kristine Allard, Vice President of Development & Communication, Square One

Paul J. Marchese, ChFC, Executive Vice President, St. Germain Investment Management

Xiomara Albán DeLobato, Vice President and Chief of Staff, Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC)

The honorees will be announced in the middle of August – stay tuned to Glenmeadow’s social media for the reveal. They will then be recognized at the Age of Excellence Awards ceremony, on September 4, 2024, at The Carriage House at The Barney Estate. The evening will bring together honorees, their families, friends, and supporters to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of these community members. Tickets are available for purchase online.

The evening is made possible, in part, by various generous supporters including Platinum Sponsor, Valley Communications Systems, Inc. Additionally, thank you to Brenda Garton-Sjoberg, who will serve as the event emcee. Brenda is a distinguished full-time faculty member in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts at Western New England University and former award-winning evening news anchor at WWLP-TV 22. She will bring a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to this role and draw upon her remarkable career, that like many of our nominees, included various forks in the road all leading to a tremendous impact in our community.

In addition to a night honoring older adults in our community who embody the vigor and purpose that come with age and experience, the event is a fundraiser to support Glenmeadow, including the $10.5m renovation project that is aligned with what is important to current and future Glenmeadow residents. This event is intricately tied to Glenmeadow’s “Next Chapter” campaign theme, serving as a platform to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of older adults as they redefine life in their later years.

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the incredible individuals who inspire us all. For more information on the Age of Excellence Awards, visit the event website or contact Meghan Rothschild at 413-218-4994 or meghan@chikmedia.us.

Glenmeadow is a non-profit community in continuous operation since 1884, providing senior lifestyle options including independent living, assisted living, respite care and at home care services for those 62 and older who seek an exemplary wellness-based lifestyle, grounded in a vibrant community where everyone belongs.

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