GOVERNOR APPOINTS PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR SUMMIT ON AGING

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. George H. Ryan today announced the formation of a 16-member committee to begin planning for a Governor's Summit on Aging scheduled for the fall of 1999.

"The 60-plus population is growing at an unprecedented rate, and the numbers will become even larger as the baby boomers reach their senior years and as life expectancy increases," Ryan said. "Our ability to deal with our aging population is dependent upon the policies we put into motion today."

The governor pledged to convene a "Governor's Summit on Aging" during his gubernatorial campaign.

The focus of the Summit will be on economic opportunities and challenges faced by seniors, their service needs, the roles undertaken by existing organizations and the coordination of services for aging citizens.

"The Summit findings will be extremely helpful in expanding partnership efforts that involve businesses, as well as groups associated with health, housing, employment, transportation and social services," said Illinois Department on Aging Director Margo E. Schreiber.

Schreiber will Chair the Summit on Aging Planning Committee, which is composed of representatives from major associations and groups involved in coordinating services for older persons in Illinois.

The members are:

Lois Ganyard, of Macomb, Coordinator of the State Legislative Committee for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP);

Dennis Bozzi, of Orland Park, Executive Director of Life Services Network of Illinois;

John M. Eckert, of Springfield, Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois;

Melinda Finks, of Shelbyville, President of the Association of Illinois Senior Centers;

Stuart Gaines, of Rockford, Public Policy Chair of the Alzheimer's Association, Illinois Chapter Network;

Rosemary Gemperle, Executive Director of the Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly, Inc. in Chicago;

General John Johnston, of Springfield, Director of the Illinois Department of Veteran's Affairs;

Bill Kempiners, of Springfield, Executive Director of the Illinois Health Care Association;

Barbara Kolaski, of Yorkville, Executive Director of the Illinois Council of Case Coordination Units/Elder Abuse Agencies;

Jonathan Lavin, of Skokie, President of the Illinois Coalition on Aging;

Jennifer Moore, of Chicago, President of the Illinois Association of Community Care Program Homecare Providers;

Robert J. O'Connor, of Aurora, Chairman of the Illinois Council on Aging;

Michael O'Donnell, of Bloomington, President of the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging;

Ellen Rogers, of Sycamore, President of the Illinois Association of Nutrition Project Directors;

Marge Sodemann, of Springfield, Policy Assistant to the Governor for Aging and Local Government; and

Elaine Wright, of South Holland, President of the National Caucus and Center of Black Aged in Chicago.

Members of the Governor's Summit on Aging Planning Committee were named today during an Older Americans Month reception at the Governor's Mansion.