*This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
1994.09.23 : Celebration of Older Women

Contact: Moya Benoit Thompson     (202) 401-4541
Friday, Sept. 23, 1994


        SHALALA TO KICK OFF AOA'S CELEBRATION OF OLDER WOMEN

     HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala will kick off the Administration
on Aging's "Celebration of Older Women" which will recognize women
who have made significant contributions to society.  This
celebration will take place at a special reception on Tuesday, 
Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C.

     Shalala will be joined by Assistant Secretary for Aging
Fernando M. Torres-Gil who has made the contributions, needs and
concerns of older women one of the Administration on Aging's top
priorities.  

     "The event marks the administration's continuing commitment to
improving the quality of life for women," said Secretary Shalala. 
"We are honored to celebrate the lives of these older Americans who
symbolize the countless women who make invaluable contributions to
society in areas of public and community service, intergenerational
caregiving and successful aging."   

     Women to be honored at the ceremony include:

     -- U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, D-Md. 
     -- Congresswoman Constance A. Morella, R-Md. 
     -- Maya Angelou, author and poet
     -- Elizabeth O'Connor, founder of senior housing facility,      
        Sarah's Circle, Washington, D.C.  
     -- Mary Barrosse, member, Virginia Intergenerational Network
     -- Guadalupe A. Reyes, founder of El Valor Foundation school    
        for disabled children, Chicago, Ill.
     -- Elizabeth and Sarah Delany, centenarian sisters, New York  
        City
     -- Ann Sue Kao Lai, founder of the Taiwanese-American           
        Affiliated Committee on Aging, El Monte, Calif., and 
     -- Maggie Kuhn, founder of the Gray Panthers.

     "The ceremony marks the debut of the Administration on Aging's
Older Women's Initiative which is designed to promote strategies for
successful aging throughout the lifespan," said Torres-Gil.  "It is
our intent that through this initiative we may better educate and
inform older women at the grass roots level about issues which
affect their lives in distinctive ways, such as income security,
housing, domestic violence, health care, health promotion and
caregiving.  In addition, we hope to reinforce the capacity of women
to continue to make significant contributions to their communities
throughout the life cycle."

WHEN:          Tuesday, Sept. 27, 1994
               4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
          
               Remarks:  5 p.m.
               
WHERE:         Congressional Room
               Capital Hilton
               16th and K Streets, N.W.
               Washington, D.C.
                                        
                                 ###