LAS VEGAS – Foundation Assisting Seniors is excited to announce the three finalists for the 2020 Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year. This statewide award recognizes and honors a senior citizen for his/her significant contributions made at local and/or state levels, specifically in support of senior citizens of Nevada.
Fran Almaraz was nominated by Nevada Assemblywoman, Susie Martinez for her extraordinary commitment towards helping the senior community. Almaraz advocates for retirees and seniors in her position as the vice president of Southern Nevada Teamster Retirees, vice president of the Nevada Alliance for Retired Americans, along with her current role as member of the Nevada Silver Haired Legislative Forum.
Sparks resident, Marsy Kupfersmith is a member and secretary of the Senior Coalition of Washoe County and is on the board of Friends of Washoe County Library. Kupfersmith also serves as an ambassador for Senior Outreach Services, which is affiliated with Sanford Center for Aging at the University of Nevada, Reno. Kupfersmith’s focus on advocating for affordable senior housing in the community has been recognized by local government, with her nomination coming from Mayor of Reno, Hillary Schieve and Sparks City Councilman David Abbott.
The third finalist, Thelma Manning-Hall, has empowered her fellow senior citizens to find their voices and contribute to their local community in a meaningful way. Manning-Hall has been active in Senior Eagles in Action Ministry at the Mountaintop Faith Ministries in Las Vegas, Nev., and served in the Bereavement Ministry. Representative Steven Horsford nominated Thelma for her ongoing commitment to seniors.
The winner will be recognized at the Foundation’s Annual Gala on October 16, 2021. For more information or to purchase tickets to the event, call The Foundation at 725-244-4200 or visit FoundationAssistingSeniors.org.