WSASC Awards

Professional Award
A nominee for this award will have held a senior center position and demonstrated through their work efforts, performance, and concern that clearly excel beyond normal duties. This extra effort can be in the area of legislation, professional or community involvement, creative programming, etc. The diligence of this nominee must have provided other senior center staff or agencies with real inspiration and motivation.

New Professional Award
This nominee must be a “rising star” who has newly arrived on the scene of Senior Services. This person has shown tremendous energy, a great rapport with seniors, and the openness and willingness to work in harmony with others.

Organizational/Advocate Award
An agency or organization nominated in this category will be a community entity that has provided assistance for a much-needed service at their local senior center. This organization will have clearly demonstrated support for their senior population and center. This community support should be highly valued by senior center staff and participants.

Best New Senior Program/Activity Award
A program/activity nominated in this category should represent an innovative new direction for senior centers. The program/activity must benefit the current group of senior center participants and also attract newcomers to participate.

2009 Award & Grant Winners

CONGRATULATIONS to all Award Winners!

Professional of the Year: Vince Guerrero

Not only is Vince Guerrero known for being an “uber-professional” in the City of Pasco, but he also represented the Association incredibly well as both the Chairperson and the Conference Chair. There are very few people that would take on the large dual role of leading the Association and putting on the Conference, and Vince was absolutely willing to do whatever was needed. Vince can be counted on in any circumstance, even when he’s thrown his back out and is lying on the floor handling a situation over the phone. He is always polite and businesslike, and a pleasure to work with.

Rising Star New Professional: Stephanie Watson

Stephanie is an exemplary employee who is dedicated to her positions at the Sinto Senior Center.  She performs several jobs, including the CHOICE Program Supervisor, fill-in Senior Nutrition Manager, Travel Escort and Fund Raising Volunteer. Her ability to change hats between all these positions, and two populations for that matter, is amazing to many, and she does it without even blinking an eye.  Her dedication goes far beyond the 25+ hours she puts into the center each week.  She is definitely an asset for the senior center, the City of Spokane, and for the seniors and developmentally disabled clients that she serves.

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2008 Award & Grant Winners

CONGRATULATIONS to all Award Winners!

Best New Senior Center Program/Activity Award

The Bicycle Club, Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park and Recreation District

Best New Senior Center Program/Activity Award - A program/activity nominated for this award, should represent an innovative new direction for senior centers.  The program/activity must benefit the current group of senior center participants and also attract newcomers to participate.

The Award this year goes to a program that believes it is meant to be another adult fitness experience and challenge but on wheels.  There are four skill/or interest levels. It is run by and for its members.  There are no paid staff and all of its members are encouraged to assist with club trips and planning.  All members are to wear helmets on their rides and act in a safe manner in accordance with local motor vehicle laws.    Every member signs a Participation Waiver and receives an Equipment Check and Safety list.  This program promotes Healthy Living Choices through Individual Progress within a Group Activity.

The Washington State Association of Senior Centers is happy to award the 2008  Program/Activity Award to the Bicycle Club, sponsored by the Senior Programs Division of the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District.

2008 New Professional Award

Rising Star Jennifer Robinson, University Place Senior/Community Center

2008 New Professional Award - Rising Star The nominee must be a "Rising Star" who has newly arrived on the scene of senior services. This person has shown tremendous energy, a great rapport with clients, and the openness and willingness to work in harmony with others.

We have two recipients this year.

The first will be introduced by Kristy Dunn & Sheri McConnaughey, former Board Members.

Congratulations Jennifer Robinson, University Place Senior/Community Center

2008 New Professional Award

Rising Star Sara Thiessen, Senior Services for South Sound

Our next recipient, according to her co-workers, is a "breath of fresh air, new ideas, astounding energy and just flat-out a beautiful way to think outside the box."  As a new Activity Coordinator, she is a great "Think Tank" and  has introduced many new ideas and programs that have succeeded.  In working with people, she wants to know what makes them tick, what they did for a living in the workplace, and how she can connect them with others at the center.  Under her leadership, she has done a marvelous job with the volunteers that run the Senior Boutique and it has excelled.  She has brought the boutique to the community through fashion shows and on the road twice.  Her compassion and love for others is shown each and every day.  She is active in making positive change not only at the Olympia Center, but in the community at large  as an active and vital member of the Heartsparkle Players.  This is a local non-profit organization that specializes in Playback Theater.  Their monthly performances benefit a different non-profit organization each month.  These performances not only benefit the non-profit, it can be healing for the person whose story is chosen for the playback.  She is considered a blessing to her seniors and others who come in contact with her every day.

Congratulations to Sara Thiessen, A Rising Star from Senior Services for South Sound!

2008 Professional Award

Steve Bell, Hillyard Senior Center

A nominee for this award will have held a senior center position and demonstrated through their work efforts, performance and concern what clearly excels beyond normal duties. This extra effort can be in the areas of legislation, professional or community involvement, creative programming, etc. The diligence of the nominee must have provided other senior center staff or agencies with real inspiration or motivation.

We have two Professionals for this year's award

Our first nominee for the Professional Award, is known as Mr. Sunshine because he guarantees that it won't rain on his trips.  Most of the time he's 97% right. He has done a superb job as Activity Director for his Center for the past five years.  Just recently he entertained 100  ladies for the Mother's Day Tea and he got the guys to serve.  There was a Hat Contest and he performed a skit showing the difference between an English Tea and a Redneck Tea. His "dedication to the Center, staff and seniors is a hundred miles beyond the call of duty and his job description".  He has nearly doubled the bus tour income and provides excellent customer service to everyone that he is around.  He is a giver, never asking for anything in return and would do anything asked of him to better serve the senior population at his Center. Because of his last name and to show a token of their love and respect, the seniors are always bringing him a bell.  It's reported he is on his third display cabinet. His Director is proud to call him "one of the finest employees I've ever had!"

Congratulations Steve Bell, of the Hillyard Senior Center.

2008 Professional Award

John Fiskum, Kent Senior Activity Center

Our second nominee for the Professional Award, has worked at his Center since December, 1988.  He began his career as a part time Recreation Program Assistant working primarily with sports programs for seniors.  In September, 1990 he was promoted to full time Parks Program Coordinator.  Through the years he has done a remarkable job in bringing his Center to the forefront in active programming for seniors.  He has developed a thriving fishing program which include day, overnight and extended fishing trips throughout the Northwest and Mexico as well as a large fly tying group.  He developed a very popular ski program with extended ski tours that generally attract up to 90 participants.  He helps organize some of the general day trips and works with Center special events.  Through his continued work and efforts in providing innovative and active programs for senior participants, the Center has seen a definite upturn in the participation of men as well as younger seniors.  His programming has the right amount of appeal for those looking for high energy programs as well as those needing something a little less active.  His engaging personality and genuine care for the Center's participants make him a favorite with the seniors.

Congratulations John Fiskum, of the Kent Senior Activity Center