By Hyman G. Darling, CELA, CAP
My term as NAELA’s 30th president is coming to a close. This has been a year of many accomplishments for the Academy and I’m proud to have been a part of them.
Little did I know when I took office in June 2017 that our public policy efforts would consume a significant amount of my time. Nevertheless, with the commitment of many volunteers, we have been able to move forward with other priorities and pursue the needs of members and our clients. It is these members who devote so much time and energy that brings the reputation of NAELA to the forefront. You can be part of this by volunteering yourself. For more information on how to volunteer, visit www.NAELA.org/Volunteer.
One of the favorite parts of my duties as president is to visit State Chapters and deliver the message of who NAELA is and what benefits are provided to the members. I was fortunate to have visited many Chapters, from Rhode Island to Oklahoma and many in between, during my tenure. It was a pleasure to meet so many fellow NAELAns, and renew my connection with many who have become my friends over the years. We are indeed a family.
In closing, I am so proud to serve you as president. It is an honor to represent NAELA at conferences, writing articles, being interviewed for publications, etc. We are the “go-to” entity that is not only making a name for ourselves, but we are also making a difference.
Thank you for your past commitment and support. I look forward to working with you for the balance of my term in continuing our efforts to assist our elders and special needs clients.
NAELA made a strong showing at this year’s American Society on Aging national conference, presenting as part of the Society’s new Law and Aging track. Working with Past President Becky Morgan, who serves on the American Society on Aging board, NAELA Director David Godfrey, Past President Charlie Sabatino, President Hy Darling, Past President Shirley Whitenack, Former Director Bobbi Flowers, Past President Frank Johns, Past President Gregory French, Past President Stu Zimring, Former Director Julie Fiedler, Members Mike Gilfix and Mark Gilfix, and Executive Director Peter Wacht presented more than a dozen sessions on a variety of topics of importance to the aging community. The experience proved to be a good one as NAELA engaged in a coordinated effort to expand its presence with this 5,000-member organization made up of professionals who are concerned with the physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual aspects of aging. Our thanks to NAELA’s Council of Advanced Practitioners, which supported the Academy’s efforts in this regard by covering the registration fees of NAELA’s presenters.
From left, Pete Wacht, A. Frank Johns, Hyman Darling, Bobbi Flowers, Gregory French, Shirley Whitenack, Becky Morgan, Stu Zimring, Charles Sabatino, Myra Gilfix, and Mike Gilfix.