The Coalition for Older Adult Health Promotion (COAHP) (lincolncoahp.com) celebrated the commitment of local professionals, volunteers, and students at its Awards Luncheon, held on Friday, Oct.17th at Eastmont Living.

This year’s event recognized outstanding service to Lincoln’s older adult population Kaye Jesske of Bridge to Better Living. For more information on COAHP, visit lincolncoahp.com. CONGRATULATIONS ON THEIR GRAND CANYON ECHO DENTAL CAPITOL EYE CARE & OPENINGS LINCOLN 40TH & YANKEE HILL RD LINCOLN with three major awards, including the creation of a new honor. Shelly Troyer received the Professional of the Year Award, Bert Quinlan was named Volunteer of the Year, and Renee Pickerel was the first-ever recipient of the Career Achievement Award. The luncheon also featured a presentation by keynote speaker Michele Magner, MBA, an Inspired Caring Coach. Professional of the Year Award: Shelly Troyer – The

Professional of the Year Award was presented to Shelly Troyer, Licensed Massage Therapist with HoriSun Hospice. Shelly has provided two decades of service, bringing comfort and healing to older adults, children, and their families. Over this time, her quiet reliability and natural calmness have not only offered physical relief but also created a space for patients to share their deepest worries, fears and grief, embodying the spirit of compassionate, holistic care.

Volunteer of the Year Award: Bert Quinlan – Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Bert Quinlan. Bert has selflessly dedicated his time to the Alzheimer’s Association, turning his experience of caring for his late wife into a powerful cause to educate and support others. His deep knowledge and genuine companionship make him an extraordinary volunteer who offers in valuable insight and comfort to families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Also nominated for the award were Bede Bolin and Kate Stoltenberg. Since his retirement from the University of Nebraska Department of Gerontology, Bede continues his service as COAHP Board Legislative Chair and volunteer with the Seniors Foundation of Lincoln. As a retired U.S. Army Officer, he also volunteers with HoriSun Hospice, providing companionship to veteran patients. Despite being a full-time college student with a job, Kate Stoltenberg is an exceptional volunteer with HoriSun Hospice whose compassionate presence brings comfort to patients and families. She is beloved for her dependability and willingness to wholeheartedly engage in all her responsibilities, from providing bedside companionship to supporting projects.

Career Achievement Award: Renee Pickerel – A new award was established to recognize an individual whose career dedication has significantly advanced the field of senior health. Renee’s remarkable 36-year career has spanned nearly every corner of senior healthcare, from hospice and home health to assisted living and memory care. She embodies the people-first spirit of senior health promotion, a selfless leader and mentor who has built a culture of trust and support for residents, families and staff.

Scholarship Recipients: The COAHP honored two students who were awarded scholarships for their dedication to improving services for seniors. Meghan McDonald is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with plans to attend UNMC for Intensive Care Medicine. Meghan is a Clinical Conduct Associate at Celerion and volunteers at Horisun Hospice, where her interactions with patients solidified her passion for senior care. Shrimai Raghuvanshi, a hospice volunteer with HoriSun Hospice, has shown extraordinary compassion to patients and families. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a focus on Cellular Biochemistry, Shrimai’s deep respect and empathy for the senior community inspire her goal of entering medical school to improve the quality of life for older adults.

COAHP continues to promote communication and coordination among organizations that serve older adults in southeast Nebraska, remaining dedicated to enhancing services and support for aging populations. The coalition, which has over 160 members, is currently led by president Kaye Jesske of Bridge to Better Living.

For more information on COAHP, visit lincolncoahp.com.