Pittsboro, NC – The North Carolina State Demographer’s Office indicated that in 2022, Chatham County was home to the 10th-highest percentage of population over the age of 65.
With explosive growth on tap in Chatham, that number only stands to increase exponentially in the coming years. For the county to realize its full potential, the 28% of its residents which fall into that category will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping its future.
Given that age does not have to be a limiting factor in authoring a meaningful contribution to the cultural, civic and community discourse, the Chatham County Council on Aging is launching an effort recognizing the best of these efforts with the inaugural “6 over 60” award.
Nominated by the public and identified by a five-member selection committee, six award winners will be saluted during a luncheon on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center in Pittsboro. The event will be the culmination of “We Love Seniors” month in Chatham County, a month-long celebration of older adults that is unique to Chatham.
Nominees must be 60 years of age or older – the initial age of entry into Council on Aging services – as of January 1, 2023. They must have made, or continue to make, meritorious contributions to Chatham County. Award winners must live in Chatham County, or spent the majority of their life and career in Chatham.
The selection committee will consider, in no particular order, the number of nominations an individual receives as well as the merit and quality of their work in the Chatham County community.
Current employees of the Council on Aging and the News + Record will not be eligible for the award.
Beginning Wednesday, January 4, an online nomination portal will be available here.
The public may submit nominees through Friday, January 20. In addition to online nominations, the public may send nominations and supporting documentation to jimmy.lewis@chathamcountync.gov or by mail to the Chatham County Council on Aging at 365 Highway 87 North, Pittsboro, NC 27312 “ATTN: 6 over 60.”
Award winners will be notified on or before Thursday, February 2.
For more information regarding the 6 over 60 program, contact Jimmy Lewis, Council on Aging Grants and Communications Specialist, at 919-542-4512 or email jimmy.lewis@chathamcountync.gov