Elder Watch group, county recognize seniors

Submitted

Elder Watch of Anderson County recently recognized winners of a student poster contest promoting care and support for senior citizens.

Rhiana Prince, who attends school in Oak Ridge, was one of the many students who participated in the local organization’s contest. Prince recently visited the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton to be recognized by Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank.

During her visit, Prince and Elder Watch of Anderson County board member David Vudragovich also received a proclamation from the county mayor on behalf of Elder Watch of Anderson County. The document proclaimed June 15, 2013, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Anderson County. On the night of June 15, Elder Watch of Anderson County “painted” the Anderson County Courthouse in purple light to mark the importance of the day.

“Rhiana is a ray of sunshine and I’m very proud of her participation in the contest,” Frank said. “Her project was outstanding, and I’m happy to see young people like her be involved in our community. Our children are never too young to make a difference in the world.”

“I have enormous respect for David Vudgragovich and all the members of Elder Watch,” Frank said. “Stepping forward to address problems takes time, energy, and courage. I am enormously thankful we have so many people willing to give extra time to protect our seniors. I hope they know their efforts are appreciated.”

Elder Watch of Anderson County is a coalition of local individuals who help increase awareness of services—Meals on Wheels, tracking bracelets for dementia patients, property tax breaks, utility assistance, and more—available to the county’s senior citizens as well as to their families. Elder Watch of Anderson County members also try to alert others of ongoing scams that could target seniors. The local coalition is part of a national organization.