During the City of Cleveland’s Senior Day on May 24, Ward 8 Councilman Michael D. Polensek honored Collinwood Branch Manager Caroline Peak as the Collinwood Senior of the Year.
2017 marked the 28th annual Senior Day hosted by the Cleveland Department of Aging. More than 2,100 seniors gathered at Cleveland Public Hall for the event, which featured an information fair, entertainment, and remarks from Mayor Frank G. Jackson and City Council President Kevin Kelley. Additionally, each City Council member honored a senior in his or her ward at the event. Cleveland Public Library congratulates Ms. Peak for being named Senior of the Year in Ward 8, recognition that speaks to her professional and personal involvement in her community.
“It was quite an honor,” Ms. Peak said. “I plan to embrace this opportunity to build a platform around senior services. I’d like to add some action behind the title of Senior of the Year—to educate people in Collinwood and beyond about how we can better help seniors.”
Aside from her work as Manager of the Collinwood Branch, Ms. Peak is active within her community. She serves as secretary on the board of the Cleveland Housing Network, serves on the board of the Collinwood Neighborhood Catholic Ministries, and is a member of Health Improvement Partnership-Cuyahoga (HIP-Cuyahoga), to name just a few of her commitments. She hopes to combine her experience within the community and her Senior of the Year title to work more closely with the Department of Aging to advocate for senior services at the Library and within the larger community.
In a letter to Ms. Peak congratulating her on this recognition, Mary McNamara, Director of the Cleveland Department of Aging, pointed out that the Library has long supported Senior Day through planning and financial support, and that Ms. Peak’s community engagement and contributions are particularly appreciated.
“The Councilman shared that your vivacious personality and your commitment for inclusiveness and professionalism in the organizations you are involved in are assets to Ward 8,” McNamara wrote.
The Department of Aging hosts Senior Day every year in May during Older Americans Month. All seniors are welcome to attend this free annual event.