Amherst Senior Citizens Foundation announces award winners for 2013

Robert Meiss and Gloria Polich will be honored for their dedication to the aging community of Amherst at the 20^th anniversary celebration in November

The Amherst Senior Citizens Foundation has announced the winners of two awards honoring individuals whose positive contributions have helped to improve the welfare and vitality of local senior citizens. Robert R. Meiss was selected as the 2013 Senior Community Leader Award winner, and Gloria Polich was selected as this year's recipient of the Senior Citizens Volunteer Award.

"We're thrilled to be able to recognize two community members who have dedicated much of their lives to helping our local senior citizens lead fuller and more independent lives," said ASCF Executive Director Dal Giuliani. "Both Robert and Gloria exemplify the values and mission of the Amherst Senior Citizens Foundation, and we're honored to name them the Senior Community Leader and Senior Citizens Volunteer of the year."

Meiss has spent his more than 30-year career working for and overseeing senior care and rehabilitation facilities throughout Western New York. Most recently, the East Amherst-resident served as president and CEO of Beechwood Continuing Care, where he oversaw Beechwood Homes, Blocher Homes, Asbury Pointe, and the Beechwood/Blocher Foundation. In addition to his professional leadership, many local community organizations have benefitted from Meiss' insight and experience, including the Western New York Alliance for Person Centered Care (now the University at Buffalo Institute for Person-Centered Care), which he founded in 2008. Others include LeadingAge New York, LeadingAge Western New York, Network in Aging of Western New York, United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, Legal Services for the Elderly and Disabled of Western New York, as well as the Amherst Senior Citizens Foundation. Meiss earned his B.S. in management from Canisius College and his M.P.A. in health administration from the State University of New York at Brockport. 

Polich's interest in and dedication to volunteering to help local seniors dates back to her time as coordinator of volunteers for the Amherst Center for Senior Services, a role she held and excelled at for 25 years. Upon retiring in 1999, Polich has continued to volunteer regularly for the Amherst Center for Senior Services and Amherst Meals on Wheels. She also provides leadership to AMOW as a member of its board of directors. Her many community service endeavors include service to Christ the King Church, Aging for Everyone Task Force, the Amherst/ Buffalo chapter of the Kiwi Club, Habitat for Humanity and Bornhava, a local school dedicated to educating young children with developmental disabilities.

Both Robert and Gloria will be recognized during the ASCF's 20^th anniversary celebration, which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. at the Transit Valley Country Club. For ticket, sponsorship and program advertising information, call 716-636-3055, ext. 3125, or email [email protected]. To learn more about ASCF, visit www.amherstseniors.org.

The Amherst Senior Citizens Foundation Inc. was organized in 1992 to raise funds and provide financial support for services and activities that enhance the lives of senior citizens in Amherst. ASCF provides financial support for both basic needs, including meals and transportation, as well recreational and educational activities. The foundation conducts its operations from the Center for Senior Services in the heart of the Amherst community.

To learn more about ASCF, and the many programs it funds, visit its website at www.amherstseniors.org.