- Details
- Category: Agency
- Hits: 1356
As part of our 2023-2026 Strategic Area Plan process, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) will host focus groups in the eight counties of our Planning and Service Area (PSA). The eight counties are Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union.
These small group conversations will offer residents the chance to share their thoughts about aging in their county, what services they currently use, and what they and others might need in the future. Focus group input will assist COAAA in the development of a coordinated service system to meet the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities and help them continue to live independently at home and in their community.
COAAA will hold one in-person and one virtual session in each county to accommodate as many participants as possible. Space is limited, so please register in advance for one of the sessions.
Please note that for in-person sessions we will require participants to be distance and masked in the room and throughout the focus group conversation.
Virtual sessions will be held using Zoom.
Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have questions or need more information.
Delaware County in-person focus group: Wednesday, February 23, 2022 from 9:30-11 am
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coaaa-in-person-focus-group-in-delaware-county-tickets-265319617117
Delaware County virtual focus group: Wednesday, March 9 from 9:30-11 am
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlc-GqqT8vG9HGXlP1whWBbk_Ax2YSfDcj
Fairfield County in-person focus group: Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 1:30-3 pm
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coaaa-in-person-focus-group-in-fairfield-county-tickets-265290760807
Fairfield County virtual focus group: Wednesday, March 9 from 1:30-3 pm
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIufu2rqz4qGN086e7kI90KbFbpZ7KV4XuS
Fayette County in-person focus group: Tuesday, March 8 from 9:30-11 am
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coaaa-in-person-focus-group-in-fayette-county-tickets-265331442487
Fayette County virtual focus group: Tuesday, March 15 from 9:30-11 am
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqc-GuqDsoGNwhufjA4OxkHAjRNKnRHp4l
Franklin County in-person focus group: Wednesday, March 23 from 1:30-3 pm
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coaaa-in-person-focus-group-in-franklin-county-tickets-269039583637
Franklin County virtual focus group: Tuesday, March 29 from 9:30-11 am
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpc-Cgqz4jH93OG3TVPCPu_jKowq2jsdUw
Licking County in-person focus group: Tuesday, February 22, 2022 from 9:30-11 am
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coaaa-in-person-focus-group-in-licking-county-tickets-261431818607
Licking County virtual focus group: Monday, March 7 from 1:30-3 pm
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUocOigrTIoGNT6q0UL-DcaC3YUVoIk_0y9
Madison County in-person focus group: Thursday, March 3 from 1:30-3 pm
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coaaa-in-person-focus-group-in-madison-county-tickets-265328022257
Madison County virtual focus group: Thursday, March 17 from 9:30-11 am
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvceGtpzwtE9d3vbgfwVbUHWOCjEfJ3_M0
Pickaway County in-person focus group: Wednesday, March 16 from 1:30-3 pm
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coaaa-in-person-focus-group-in-pickaway-county-tickets-265332967047
Pickaway County virtual focus group: Tuesday, March 22 from 9:30-11 am
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkdeyhpjsuG9MY2yRhIcF-F1ZT0WR-BPpQ
Union County in-person focus group: Tuesday, March 1 from 9:30-11 am
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coaaa-in-person-focus-group-in-union-county-tickets-265324090497
Union County virtual focus group: Thursday, March 10 from 9:30-11 am
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrc-qorD4iH9ByezEYCexeEe5IztpUQSP9
- Details
- Category: Agency
- Hits: 24792
News & Notices
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding
As of November 1, 2021, there are no updates on when Request for Proposals (RFPs) for ARPA funding may be released. Please continue to check back for updates.
Home Energy Assistance Program
Assistance to help pay home energy bills is available to income-eligible Ohioans through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
The HEAP Heating Assistance Program from the Ohio Development Services Agency helps income-eligible Ohioans maintain utility service. The program runs through May 31, 2022.
Strategic Area Plan 2019-2022
COAAA is pleased to share our approved 2019-2022 Strategic Area Plan, which describes emerging and priority issues as well as goals, objectives, and strategies for the next four years. Full details can be found in the plan narrative and goal documents. which can be found in the About Us section.
COAAA in the News
Rising inflation taking a toll on seniors on fixed incomes, ABC6, 4-19-22
Local Agency’s Sole Purpose is Helping Aging Loved Ones, NBC4, 12-2-21
11 volunteers recognized for service by Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, NBC4, 10-6-21
Home health care industry 'in crisis' leaves people scrambling to find help for loved ones, Columbus Dispatch, 10-2-21
Addressing Real Issues for Caregivers of Loved Ones, Daytime Columbus on NBC4, 6-30-21
‘A lot of frustration’: Online vaccine scheduling process is challenging for seniors, those who help them, WBNS-10TV, 2-17-21
Wellness Wednesday: Navigating Ohio’s Vaccine Signup System, All Sides with Ann Fisher on WOSU Radio, 2-10-21
Creating Second Responders for Our Aging Population, Daytime Columbus on NBC4, 2-4-21
COAAA Overview and Services, Aging in Full Bloom podcast, 1-27-21
Central Ohio agency assisting elderly find vaccine locations, WSYX ABC6, 1-15-21
Daytime Columbus: COAAA Reaching More Seniors to Help Them Stay in Their Homes, NBC4 WCMH-TV, 9-28-20
Briefs: Aging organization wins pandemic grant, Newark Advocate, 4-25-20
Help on the way for Central Ohio seniors impacted by coronavirus, ABC6 WSYX, 4-1-20
COAAA Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), www.coaaa.org, 3-16-20
Ohio Department of Health Opens Call Center to Help with COVID-19 Response, News Release from ODH, 3-6-20
Home-sharing program aims to help elderly property owners, WSYX ABC6 On Your Side, 1-30-20
Platform Promises Access to Untapped Supply of Affordable Housing, Columbus Underground, 1-3-20
Daytime Columbus: Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Connects Seniors with Needed Resources, NBC4 WCMH-TV, 10-29-19
Columbus council’s OKs modest funding for eviction prevention, but ‘it’s a start,’ officials say, Columbus Dispatch, 10-28-19
Crucial help from volunteer group allows elderly residents to remain in their German Village homes, Columbus Dispatch, 10-1-19
COAAA and Nesterly launch homesharing program, 9-12-19
Columbus Launching Transportation Initiatives For Hilltop Seniors, WOSU-89.7, 8-28-19
Age-Friendly Mobility Projects Unveiled, WCBE-90.5, 8-27-19
One in three seniors is lonely. Here are ways to combat the isolation, stay healthy, Columbus Dispatch, 7-7-19
For some older Ohioians, getting home-delivered meals can be a challenge, Columbus Dispatch, 7-5-19
Ohio’s population ages fast as services try to keep up, Columbus Dispatch, 6-20-19
Ohio Relies Heavily on Volunteers to Handle Aging Adults' Affairs, Public News Service, 6-10-19
Caring For The Elderly In 2019, All Sides on WOSU-89.7, 5-29-19
Five Innovative Ways Cities Are Improving Life for Seniors, Wall St. Journal, 5-22-19
Columbus Neighborhoods: Intergenerational Living, WOSU, 4-25-19
City Grant Will Help Keep Seniors In Their Homes, WCBE-90.5, 2-12-19
Keep an eye on elderly neighbors during cold snap, NBC4 WCMH-TV, 1-29-19
Letter: Volunteers, staff made gift drive a success, Columbus Dispatch, 1-16-19
COAAA seeking nominations for Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, Record Herald, 1-16-19
Support of villages can benefit elderly, Toledo Blade, 1-5-19
SourcePoint launches caregiver support group, Delaware Gazette, 1-4-19
How to talk to loved ones about dementia around the holidays, Columbus Dispatch, 12-10-18
Adopt A Senior Season of Giving, NBC4 WCMH-TV, 12-4-18
Love in a box: Program allows central Ohioans to adopt a senior for the holidays, Columbus Dispatch, 11-22-18
Columbus Announces Plans For Senior Living 'Village' In Hilltop, WOSU-89.7, 10-30-18
More Ohioans now required to report suspected elder abuse, Columbus Dispatch, 9-28-18
- Details
- Category: Agency
- Hits: 13006
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone submit a nomination? Yes. Nominations are submitted by friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, volunteers, clubs, businesses, government, elected officials and non-profit organizations. The individual or married couple nominated must live in the 8-county central Ohio area (Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway or Union) but the nominator(s) may live outside the eight counties. Self nominations are not accepted.
How can I check if someone is already in the Hall of Fame? A list of past inductees appears on the website under Hall of Fame Inductees.
Can I nominate a group, club, agency or organization? No. The Hall of Fame only recognizes individuals.
What information should I include in the nomination? Be as descriptive as possible. A resume or list of activities or memberships is not enough information for the committee to make a selection. Tips for preparing a winning nomination:
- Write your nominee's inspiring story to touch the hearts of readers.
- Describe your nominee's life since reaching the age of 60 and how he/she is a role model for active involvement in the community.
- Be detailed and use complete sentences; your story is the only basis for selection; it will be used for the inductee's page in the program.
- Include some dates / length of time for your nominee's involvement in activities.
- optional - Enhance your nomination with letters of support from others who know the nominee (maximum of three letters).
- Recognize your nominee for unpaid efforts (not a job).
- Please do not send certificates, news clippings, photos, resumes or memorabilia.
- No posthumous or self-nominations, please.
Can the nomination be a surprise? No. Obtaining advance permission from the person you wish to nominate is required in case he or she will not be available for the portrait sitting in early April, the ceremony the third week in May, or in case the person does not want to accept the recognition.
How are the winners chosen? Nominees are evaluated for their special contributions to the community after reaching the age of 60, for positively influencing others as role models, and for leading lives not defined by age. Their achievements may demonstrate commitments to formal organizations, including volunteerism, community service, leadership, church and charitable work, or informal efforts such as caregiving and giving a helping hand to neighbors. The selection committee is comprised of COAAA staff, a representative of the City of Columbus Recreation & Parks Department, and a member of the COAAA Advisory Council.
Will I receive notification when winners are announced? Yes. Letters are sent to all nominees and nominators. If your nominee is selected for induction, you will also receive a phone call or e-mail message offering you the opportunity to deliver the good news personally and be the first to congratulate your nominee.
What is required of the winners? Winners must be available for a professional portrait sitting in early April and be willing to participate in the Hall of Fame Ceremony at the Martin Janis Center, Columbus, on the third Wednesday in May at 1:00 p.m.
How are the winners recognized? Inductees receive a personal recognition on stage from their county commissioners and other dignitaries, an individual portrait by a professional photographer, and a Hall of Fame lapel pin. The keepsake program distributed at the ceremony dedicates a full page to each inductee's story and photo. Friends, neighbors and family celebrate with their inductees at the professionally catered reception immediately following the ceremony. Throughout the year, monthly issues of the Senior Times feature a quarter-page Hall of Fame 'spotlight', with one spotlight devoted to each inductee. A number of local newspapers also cover Hall of Fame news in May with an interview of the inductee from that community.
Do I need an invitation to attend the Hall of Fame ceremony and reception? No invitation is necessary. The event is open and free to the public.
Can I bring a group to the ceremony and reception? Yes. Groups are welcomed and encouraged to attend. No invitation or reservation is necessary. The only requirement is for buses or vans to park in the overflow parking section after delivering passengers to the entrance. On-site staff will direct buses and vans to the appropriate parking area.
Where is the Hall of Fame located? The permanent home of the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame is the Martin Janis Center, 600 E. 11th Ave., Columbus. The 'wall of fame' displays plaques with the names and counties of the inductees for each year of the Hall of Fame, along with a display case of group photos from the most recent ceremonies. An historical album provides an alphabetical cross-reference of all inductees, as well as a printed program from each ceremony for the past 14 years. Each program features profiles and photos of the inductees for that year.
Is there a nomination form for the Outstanding Service to Seniors Award? No. There is no external nomination or formal selection process for this award.
- Details
- Category: Agency
- Hits: 38225
This page is for internal staff and employees of COAAA.
Some links provided are to websites of our agency partners and hosted solutions.
- Details
- Category: Agency
- Hits: 26580

General Information
Nominees are evaluated for their significant contributions to the community after reaching the age of 60. Those selected for induction are role models for leading vibrant, meaningful lives and enriching the quality of life for others. Their compelling stories demonstrate lifelong commitments to causes, organizations and communities.
Inductees receive a Hall of Fame lapel pin, a framed portrait from a professional photographer, and a personal recognition on stage from county commissioners. A professionally catered reception with family and friends follows the ceremony.
The legacy of the Hall of Fame is to preserve and foster an appreciation for those remarkable individuals who helped to shape the future of our communities. More than 450 individuals have been inducted in the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame since 1975
Any individual or organization may nominate a resident of Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway or Union County. Nominees must be 60 years of age or older and a legal resident of Ohio for the past five years or longer. A married couple may be nominated for one award if both have been equally involved in the same activities and both meet the eligibility criteria.
2020 Hall of Fame
The 45th annual Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame was an invitation only event held on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at The Gallery of Champions banquet venue in Columbus.
2019 Hall of Fame
The 44th annual Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame recognized the accomplishments of 13 older adults on Wednesday, May 15, at the Martin Janis Center in Columbus. The Soriano Duo performed and Colleen Marshall of NBC4 hosted the recognition program. A reception followed with solo piano entertainment by Rick Soriano.
Learn
GENERAL INFO
For any questions, please contact the Hall of Fame Coordinator at 1-800-589-7277.