*This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated. 
1991.05.08 : Older Americans Month

Contact: Bill McPherrin (202) 245-7110
May 8, 1991

       Joined by Peruvian Ambassador to the United States Roberto
MacLean, HHS Commissioner on Aging Joyce T. Berry, Ph.D., today
launched 1991 Older Americans Month at the Rosemount Day Care
Center in Washington, D.C., where she honored Mrs. Maria
Fernandez, a foster grandparent at the center.  The Foster
Grandparent Program is administered by ACTION.
       Commissioner Berry and Ambassador MacLean presented Mrs.
Fernandez, a native of Peru, with a commemorative Older Americans
Month poster which features her portrait with one of her
students.
       The theme of this year's Older Americans Month is 
"Older Americans:  Our Most Valuable National Resource."
       Commissioner Berry said:  "Mrs. Fernandez represents the
many older Americans who unselfishly serve their communities as
volunteers and caregivers.  She demonstrates the talent, energy
and contributions that older people can and do make in every
community across the country."
       Mrs. Fernandez became a foster grandparent five years ago
and now spends her time with a group of 20 4-year-olds at the
Rosemount Center.  The youngsters call her "Abuelita," which
means grandmother in Spanish.  Her favorite activity with the
children is taking part in playground games that involve running,
jumping, skipping and playing ball.

                                ###