The Lake County Council on Aging recently recognized numerous community members during its “Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation” at Lake Metroparks Pine Ridge Country Club in Wickliffe. Master of Ceremonies Cameron Zwagerman presented accolades in several categories, including the “Senior Citizen Hall of Fame Award,” which was awarded to 99-year-old volunteer Mike Bonelli for his work with the Council at its Painesville Nutrition Site. Bonelli, officials noted, became a volunteer for the agency at the age of 93. Lake County Council on Aging Board Member John Thomas, left, with Lake County Probate Court Judge Mark Bartolotta and Council on Aging CEO Joe Tomsick in Wickliffe during the agency’s recent annual meeting. (Submitted) Since 1994, the Council has presented the “Helping Hands Award” to honor community partners or individuals who “go above and beyond in helping the organization fulfill its mission of improving the quality of life for older adults in Lake County.” This year, the agency confirmed, five individuals were presented with the award, including: • Nancy Brunner Sanden, who covers any of the 13 meal routes from the Mentor Nutrition Site • The S.N.P.J. Farm Board, for its active contributions to community projects and for engaging seniors in worthwhile projects as volunteers • Sarah Grenier, for her work with the Lake County Job and Family Services Adult Protective Services Unit • The Rotary Club of Mentor, which has supported numerous Lake County organizations and several initiatives with the Council • Meals on Wheels volunteers from Eastlake-based manufacturer ENPAC, who, for over nine years, have dedicated thousands of hours to delivering meals to homebound seniors Officials added that an additional highlight of the event was the presentation of the “Ruth A. Densmore Senior Advocate Award” to Donna P. McNamee, “in recognition of her lifelong commitment to advocating for seniors and individuals with disabilities.” According to the agency, the honor acknowledges McNamee’s remarkable dedication, leadership, and service in Lake County and beyond, as her tireless efforts and extensive contributions have spanned decades. Her service also includes 23 years on the Laketran Board of Trustees, where she “has played a pivotal role in ensuring that the transit agency’s Dial-a-Ride program continues to provide vital services to seniors and individuals with disabilities.” Moreover, McNamee’s leadership “has been instrumental in developing accessible transportation solutions, including Laketran’s senior center transportation partnership with the Lake County Board of Commissioners Senior Services, which helps combat senior isolation by offering free transportation to senior centers.” Her advocacy has also been critical in securing funding for these essential services through her involvement with Friends of Laketran and Laketran levy campaigns. In addition to her local impact, officials noted, McNamee’s work has been recognized on a national level, when, in 2018, she was honored with the “Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Award” from the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials for outstanding contributions to the transportation industry. Her leadership also extends to various national and statewide initiatives, including serving on the American Public Transportation Association Executive Committee and the Ohio Department of Transportation’s 21st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force, where she has worked to shape policies affecting seniors and people with disabilities. Officials added that McNamee’s work, drive, and promotion of inclusive opportunities to “improve quality of life” has earned her numerous accolades, including induction into the National Hall of Fame for Persons with Disabilities and the Lakeland Community College Alumni Hall of Fame. “Donna McNamee’s work has made a profound impact on the lives of seniors in our community,” said Council Board President Shannon Cianciola. “Her advocacy has not only improved access to critical transportation services but has also empowered countless individuals to live with greater independence and dignity.” Describing her service as a “labor of love,” McNamee added she’s “tremendously honored that the Council on Aging has recognized the work I’ve done for over 40 years for the benefit of seniors and people with disabilities, namely through education, employment opportunities, and health care.”