| (LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services (DAABHS) will partner with the Arkansas Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to host the 23rd Biennial Silver Haired Legislative Session on August 14th and 15th at the State Capitol in Little Rock. Delegates will serve as legislators in this non-partisan session by writing, debating, and voting on bills addressing issues critical to older Arkansans. All bills passed in the session will be given to legislators of the next General Assembly. Legislators may consider introducing the bills in the next session. “We always look forward to the Silver Haired Legislature being in session, as it plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing the most significant issues impacting seniors in Arkansas,” said DAABHS Director Jay Hill. This session has been held every other year since 1978 and is one of about 30 similar sessions held throughout the country. In conjunction with the Silver Haired Legislative Session, DHS recognizes outstanding senior Arkansans who have served their communities and enhanced the lives of fellow Arkansas seniors. This year’s class of outstanding older Arkansans will be inducted into the Senior Arkansans Hall of Fame at 6:00 pm on August 14th at the Wyndham Riverfront hotel in North Little Rock. The Senior Arkansans Hall of Fame was created by the 78th General Assembly to honor the significant contributions of older Arkansans. The inductees were chosen using the following criteria: (1) They are a citizen of Arkansas; (2) They are at least 60 years old or older; and (3) They have performed outstanding volunteer contributions or services, which have promoted, improved, and enriched the quality of life for Arkansas seniors. The inductees will have their names added to two perpetual plaques alongside the names of all members of the Senior Arkansans Hall of Fame. One plaque is located in the Governor’s Office at the State Capitol and the other is housed at DHS central office in Little Rock. The individuals inducted into the Senior Arkansans Hall of Fame for 2024 are: • James Word – For the past 45 years, Mr. Word has provided many services to the elderly of Southeast Arkansas. Mr. Word was one of the seven original employees of the Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas and also served as a case manager for the home-bound elderly, Ombudsman, Director of Older Workers Program, and Housing Director for the Housing program. Between 2009 and 2014, he served three terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives before term-limiting out. His steadfast commitment to his community has been evident as he continues to work diligently to this day. • Brenda Denise Tate – Ms. Tate received the Clayton Castleman Public Service Award in 2023, presented by the Little River Chamber of Commerce. She also received a Certificate of Recognition in 2024 from the Little River District Baptist Association in Ashdown for her 40+ years as an Elementary Teacher with the Ashdown School District and for her service to the Cedar Springs Baptist Church. • Barbara Lewis – Approximately fifteen years ago, Ms. Lewis opened The Caring Place of Magnolia. It is an adult respite program designed to provide social interaction and stimulating exercise opportunities for those with early memory loss and dementia. Throughout the years, The Caring Place has been a haven for many people with Alzheimer’s disease and a true blessing to their caregivers. Ms. Lewis is also actively involved in many other areas of civic work in her community. To learn more about the Silver Haired Legislature, or about the Senior Hall of Fame, please visit our website here, or contact your local AAA. |
