The Maui County Office on Aging is seeking nominations for Maui County’s 53nd Annual Outstanding Older American Male and Female of Maui County. The recognition program is held each May in conjunction with Older Americans Month to recognize elders across the nation for their extraordinary efforts and contributions to society.

The deadline to submit nominations is 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 1.

Nominees for the awards must be 65 years of age or older and a resident of Maui County. Any individual, club or organization may nominate candidates for the award. Previous winners are not eligible for nomination.

Nomination forms will be available through the Maui County Office on Aging, by calling 270-7755, online at www.mauicountyadrc.org, or by emailing rae-ann.pagatpatan@co.maui.hi.us. Completed nomination forms should be submitted to the Office on Aging, J. Walter Cameron Center, Attn: OOA Committee, 95 Mahalani St., Room 20, Wailuku 96793.  Completed forms may also be faxed to 270-7935 or emailed to rae-ann.pagatpatan@co.maui.hi.us. 

The awards will be presented virtually on Thursday, May 5, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Information on viewing options/platforms will be provided later.) The annual program recognizes older Americans for their contributions and emphasizes the overall positive outcomes in helping others.

This year’s theme is “Age My Way.” The awards event is an opportunity for everyone to recognize the various vital and positive roles older adults play in our communities – as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it. This year, the focus will be on how planning, participation, accessibility, and making connections all play a role in aging in place – emphasizing that what each person needs and prefers is unique.

Wendell Crockett was the first individual in Maui County to receive the distinction of Outstanding Older American in 1968.  Last year the, Maui County Office on Aging presented the awards to Dr. Mary Trotto of Kihei and former County Council Member Robert Carroll of Hana. To date, more than 100 men and women have received this distinction for their outstanding contributions to Maui County.

For more information, call Rae-Ann Pagatpatan at the Maui County Office on Aging at 270-7755 or visit www.mauicountyadrc.org.