Dear Seniors,
Happy Summer! It felt so good to kick off the season with all of you at the Mayor’s 12th Annual Senior Symposium. But what made this event even more special was the confirmation I received just two weeks prior. On June 15, 2023, the Council confirmed me as the new Director for the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) and I want to take a moment to express my absolute gratitude and appreciation.
First and foremost, I am incredibly grateful to our Mayor, Muriel Bowser, for her remarkable leadership and for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading DACL and advocating for all of you. It is an honor that I do not take lightly. I would also like to extend my thanks to the DACL staff, my community, my family, and my friends who have supported me throughout this journey. Your encouragement and belief in me have been instrumental.
To all the seniors who showed up and showed out at my confirmation hearing, those who testified in-person, virtually, and those who submitted written testimony, I cannot express enough gratitude. Your support meant the world to me, and I am humbled by your presence. I also want to acknowledge those who could not be there but sent me well wishes. Your kind words filled me with joy and reinforced my commitment to serve.
As we embark on this new journey together, I want you to know that serving you is an absolute honor. My dedication to older adults, adults with disabilities, and those who care for them remains unwavering. However, I cannot do this work alone. The team at DACL and I rely on your involvement and input to make a meaningful impact. Therefore, when we cross paths this summer, I encourage you to connect with us. Let’s talk about what’s working and what’s not working. Share with us the things that are great and the things that are not so great. By staying engaged and keeping the conversation going, we can ensure that DACL, as well as the entire District Government, better serves YOU!
Once again, thank you for your unwavering support throughout this journey. I eagerly look forward to the great work that lies ahead, and I am committed to making a positive difference in the lives of seniors and adults with disabilities in our community.
In Service,
Charon P.W. Hines
Introducing our Queen Cerise Elaine Turner, 2023 Ms. Senior DC
This year, DACL, in partnership with Seabury Resources for Aging and the DC Seniors Cameo Club, hosted the 2023 Ms. Senior DC pageant! Nine talented District women, including the first hearing impaired contestant, competed for the title of Ms. Senior DC 2023, sharing their talents and philosophy of life with the District.
On Saturday, June 3, Ms. Cerise Elaine Turner was crowned DC’s newest queen! Congratulations to Ms. Turner and all of this year’s contestants!