Nomination Deadline Fast Approaching! 5 Over 65 Celebration Recognizes Community Contributions

February 25, 2026

Contact: Ellen Phipps, Executive Director                     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ephipps@agingtogether.org
540-829-6405
PO Box 367
Culpeper, VA  22701

Nomination Deadline Fast Approaching! 5 Over 65 Celebration Recognizes Community Contributions

Aging Together is seeking nominations for the annual 5 Over 65 Celebration later this year, which honors one person over age 65 from each of our five counties who has demonstrated positive impact in their community. 

The event, previously known as “5 Over 50,” was renamed and its eligibility criteria updated to reflect significant demographic changes. As Americans are now living longer, the population of older adults - both nationally and within our region - has grown considerably. As of 2026, life expectancy is a record high at 79 years. This shift means more individuals are not only living longer but are also experiencing healthier, more active lives. As a result, the group of older adults who are actively contributing to their communities has expanded, prompting Aging Together to adjust the event’s focus and name to better honor this vibrant and impactful segment of the population.   

Aging Together acknowledges that communities become stronger when they actively recognize the valuable contributions of older adults. Older individuals consistently create a positive community-wide impact.  “Everybody knows of at least one person who is making valuable contributions and providing selfless service to their communities, but we don’t know who you know, so sending in a nomination is a wonderful way to recognize those heroes,” notes Ellen Phipps, Executive Director of Aging Together. 

Phipps emphasizes the importance of honoring older adults who dedicate themselves to supporting others, while also challenging and dispelling inaccurate stereotypes associated with aging. By nominating someone, citizens from each county in the region can play a vital role in this effort. Public nominations are essential for Aging Together to properly celebrate those who truly deserve recognition for their meaningful contributions. 

Aging Together is asking the public to submit nominations for 5 Over 65 and send them in by March 27, 2026. 
The general criterion for consideration requires that the person:
• Is age 65 or older
• Lives or works in one of the five counties of our region (Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange or Rappahannock) - One person per county will be chosen (or one couple)
Other ways potential nominees you know may contribute positively to their community include:
• They have job or career experience that is passed on through mentorship and leadership in the workplace
• They provide hours of support to organizations through volunteerism
• They have spearheaded programs or projects that have changed their community for the better
• They contribute in a variety of meaningful ways within their community.

Full criteria and nomination forms are available on the agency’s website: www.agingtogether.org / or email info@agingtogegther.org for one to be mailed. All nominations must be submitted by March 27, 2026 to be considered.

Aging Together will be honoring the 5 chosen individuals at their annual 5 Over 65 Celebration and Annual Meeting on August 27, 2026 at Fauquier Springs Country Club.

(The 2025 recipients were: Culpeper – Sharon Welch Clark; Fauquier – Karen White; Madison – Carlyle Weaver; Orange – Mary Jane Atwater; Rappahannock – Barbara and Matthew Black. Past years’ recipients may be viewed on Aging Together’s website.)