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Catonsville Senior Center Receives a Programs of Excellence Award from the National Council on Aging
Posted February 6, 2012
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National Award Highlights Community Success Stories for Older Adults
Catonsville Senior Center, one of the Baltimore County Department of Aging's twenty senior centers, has received national recognition from The National Council on Aging (NCOA) for its "Developing Photographers - Senior Edition" program. The program won first place in the Expressive and Creative Arts category of NCOA's National Institute of Senior Centers' 2011 Programs of Excellence Awards.
After taking the ten week course, students learned the basics of taking photos with a point and shoot digital camera and displaying them in a professional manner. Offered one hour a week, the students learned simple techniques for improving their picture taking skill, as well as making use of the photos they had taken. Students took "field trips" around the park surrounding the senior center searching for the perfect shot and subjects. They also learned how to properly and aesthetically frame their photos. At the end of the semester, the student's work was displayed throughout the senior center for all to view.
Director Nicole Sheehan says this class was different because "it allowed the students to complete a creative project from inception to showcase. At the end of the class, the students were able to feel confident in using a new technology involving downloading pictures and editing them for print. They were able to use their creativily throughout the session, ending with the finishing touches of framing. The students gained a sense of accomplishment by hearing members compliment their work that was on display."
Catonsville Senior Center is a member of the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC), a program committed to supporting and strengthening the nation's 11,000 senior centers. NISC offers best practices, professional development, advocacy, research, and national standards and accreditation.
"Senior centers play a vital role in helping older adults to stay healthy and connected to their community," said Jim Firman, president and CEO of NCOA. "We congratulate Catonsville, and staff Nicole Sheehan, Director, and Grace McDowell, Assistant Director, on its innovative programs for older adults which serve as a nationwide model to assist seniors across the country."
For more information about Catonsville Senior Center, please visit www.baltimorecountymd.gov/catonsville or call 410-887-0900. Further details in regard to other Baltimore County Department of Aging senior centers or programs can be found at 410-887-2594. For more information on the National Institute of Senior Centers, visit www.ncoa.org/NISC.
About NCOA
The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults-especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged-and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org |www.facebook.com/NCOAging | www.twitter.com/NCOAging.
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