MNRAAA Announces Jason W. Swanson as New Executive Director

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The Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging’s Board of Directors (MNRAAA) is pleased to announce the hiring of Executive Director Jason W. Swanson.

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Linda Giersdorf, Executive Director of MNRAAA to Retire

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Linda Giersdorf has announced her retirement as the Executive Director of the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging (MNRAAA).

In her 35 years of service to the MNRAAA, Linda has served in a variety of positions advancing from an entry level position to executive director; the position she has held for the past 25 years. Through her work she has demonstrated her commitment to enriching the lives of all people and her passion for older adults, caregivers and all those who serve and support them. Linda has been the chair of the Minnesota Association of Area Agencies on Aging (m4A) since 2014. She has been an active member and former treasurer of the Minnesota Social Services Association (MSSA) and a board member of the Chesley Center on Aging.

“Working on behalf of MNRAAA’s mission to provide advocacy, information, resources and assistance so that older adults can maintain the lifestyle of their choice has been a rewarding career,” Linda said. “I am proud of our Board of Directors and to our talented staff for their commitment to fulfilling MNRAAA’s mission.  It has been my privilege to lead this multi-faceted and amazing organization.”

Linda has played an active role in effecting change throughout her years of service. She has supported and advocated for older adults to thrive in southwest Minnesota and maintain the lifestyle of their choice.  As the executive director for MNRAAA and the chair of m4A, she advocated for the rights of older adults and caregivers with elected officials; focusing her efforts on evidence-based health promotion programs to maintain the health and well-being of older adults and caregivers.

“During her tenure as executive director, Linda has led MNRAAA through both great structural change and the way the organization, and its staff, deliver services to older adults in southwestern Minnesota,” said Bob Roesler, MNRAAA Board Chair.

Linda’s last day will be Friday, October 5, 2018.

A MNRAAA search committee has launched a regional search for her replacement. Visit this page for more information.

About the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging

As the designated area agency on aging for 27 counties in southwest Minnesota, the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging is a catalyst in building communities where older adults live with dignity, mutual respect and shared responsibilities across generations and cultures.

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Every Vote Counts

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Welcome to the Summer Edition of MNRAAA news. I hope you will enjoy reading about recent “happenings” at MNRAAA as well as upcoming opportunities and events.

A significant opportunity will be voting in the upcoming elections. 2018 will be the first election in Minnesota since 1978 that both U.S. Senate seats and the governorship will be on the ballot in the same year. In addition to the Senate seats, Governor and Lt. Governor, Minnesotans will be voting for their member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Secretary of State, State Auditor, Attorney General, State Representative, and Judicial offices. Some Minnesotans will also be voting for their local county officers, city officers, school board members, township officers, et al.

There are several significant dates before we reach General Election Day:

August 14 – PRIMARY ELECTION

  • Vote early by mail or in person from June 29 – August 13
  • Register in advance by July 24 to save time on Primary Election Day

November 6 – GENERAL ELECTION DAY

  • Vote early by mail or in person from September 21 – November 5
  • Register in advance by October 16 to save time on Election Day

To learn about how you can vote early by mail or in person, or who qualifies to have an agent pick up their ballot; how to track your absentee ballot; how to view a sample ballot; where to vote on election day; and a multitude of other election-related information go to the Secretary of State’s website at sos.state.mn.us and click on “Elections and Voting”. If you are unable to access the website, you can call the Senior LinkAge Line® at 1-800-333-2433 for additional information.

To quote the Dalai Lama “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito”. Every vote counts!

Warm Regards,

Linda

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Engage at Every Age

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Welcome to the spring edition of MNRAAA news. I hope you will enjoy reading about what’s happening at MNRAAA and find the updates we’ve included useful and worth sharing with others.

Across the country, older Americans – a rapidly growing population – are taking part in activities that promote wellness and social connection. They are sharing their wisdom and experience with future generations, and they are giving back to enrich their communities. They’re working and volunteering, mentoring and learning, leading and engaging.

For 55 years, Older Americans Month has been observed to recognize older Americans and their contributions to communities. Led by the Administration for Community Living’s Administration on Aging, it offers opportunities to hear from, support, and celebrate our nation’s older adults.

This year’s Older Americans Month theme, “Engage at Every Age,” emphasizes the importance of being active and involved, no matter one’s age. Individuals are never too old (or too young) to participate in activities that can enrich physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

MNRAAA urges all readers to take time during May to observe Older Americans Month and to recognize older adults and the valuable contributions they make, whether it’s providing care to a loved one or neighbor, volunteering at a homeless shelter, providing child care, continuing to be an active member in the workforce – the list could go on-and-on.

Let’s Engage at Every Age!

– Linda

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