Dignity and Respect in the News!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 28, 2011

Onorato Announces Third Annual “Senior Celebration in the Park”


PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato today announced the Third Annual “Senior Celebration in the Park” will be held at the South Park Fairgrounds from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11. The celebration is part of Older Americans Month, which was first proclaimed by President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

“We are proud to acknowledge and pay tribute to the older adults in Allegheny County for enriching and strengthening our community,” said Onorato. “Seniors are our one of our greatest community resources and serve as role models for younger generations. This event will provide attendees with free health screenings, live entertainment, prizes, resources and a day of fun.”

Morning refreshments and enhanced boxed lunches will be provided at no cost to attendees. ACCESS Transportation will provide free rides to the event from all 58 Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging senior centers in Allegheny County. Additionally, accessible parking will be available in designated areas. Free shuttles will transport seniors from the parking areas to main exhibits and activities at the celebration. Seniors are encouraged to wear adequate sun protection.

This year’s theme is “Back to the Swingin’ ’60s” and will open with a spectacular dove release by the National Aviary. Participants will enjoy: early 1960s music and memorabilia; live music by the Pittsburgh Doo Wop Big Band; line-dancing lead by Pittsburgh’s dancing D.J., Roland Ford; and a “Celebration Idol” contest.

“We are pleased to have an opportunity to share information about the programs and services available in Allegheny County in such a fun and entertaining venue,” said Allegheny County Department of Human Services Director Marc Cherna. “We anticipate more than 2,500 seniors will once again participate in this day of recognition.”

Advanced registration is required through any DHS Area Agency on Aging senior center or by calling the DHS Event Line at 412-350-3428. The registration deadline is May 4.

Senior Celebration in the Park is made possible through the generosity of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dignity and Respect Campaign, Fifth Third Bank, DHS Area Agency on Aging, and the County’s departments of parks, public works and special events.

For more information, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/seniorcelebration .

D&R on WPXI!

Set your DVR! The Dignity and Respect Campaign is going to be highlighted on WPXI - Impact

Program will air: This Saturday(4/23) at 5:30am on Channel 11 or WPXI, Sunday (4/24) at 1:30pm PCNC, Tuesday (4/26) at 3:30pm PCNC.

Featuring Community Partners:

• Melanie Harrington CEO, Vibrant Pittsburgh & Chair, Dignity & Respect Campaign - Pittsburgh,



• Jennifer Roupe Director of Communications, Shadyside Academy

Connect with the D&R Campaign and see photos from the taping on Facebook!

D&R at Linkage Summit on Leading Diversity

April 4th - 6th, the Dignity and Respect Campain is a sponsor of the Linkage Summit on Leading Diversity! Now in its 12th year, the Leading Diversity Summit is the nation’s premiere diversity event and plays an integral role in creating and sustaining inclusive work environments that enable organizations to operate more effectively in a global marketplace. Linkage prides itself on the quality and depth of the program and remains committed to showcasing a collection of the most vital tools, strategies, and best practices available in the diversity field.

"If professionals could only attend one conference on diversity and inclusion, Linkage’s summit would be the only one I recommend. " - Manager, Diversity Consulting and Inclusion Strategies, Toyota Motor Sales