CATHEDRAL DEANERY — Gene McClory, coordinator of the Caregiver Assistance Network (CAN) for Catholic Social Services of Southwestern Ohio, has been named the recipient of the 2008 Outstanding Senior Citizen Award by the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA).

COURTESY PHOTO

Gene McClory

The Caregiver Assistance Network, or CAN, offers support and other resources for family and volunteer caregivers through support groups, education, and other related services.

McClory was nominated for the award by Kathleen Donnellan, executive director of Catholic Social Services of Southwestern Ohio, and fellow staff members Rod Huber, director of Family Services and Margaret Iannaci, caregiver specialist.

"Gene has done an outstanding job as the coordinator of our Caregivers Assistance Network during his 12 years of service to CSS," said Donnellan. "Under his guidance, the program has blossomed and flourished into one of our most valuable programs, impacting the lives of many of the senior citizens living in our community. Gene is a big reason for the success of that program. He is very deserving of this award."

In typical fashion, McClory was very humbled and incredibly appreciative of the award and the fact that the staff would consider him for such an honor.

"I am very grateful to the Council of Aging for the recognition and honor they have given to me through the Outstanding Senior Citizen Award," he said. "I feel that this recognition offers me the opportunity to express my appreciation to Catholic Social Services for conceiving and planning the Caregiver Assistance Network, to the Council on Aging and others for financial support over the years, and to the dozens of volunteers who work with us in the program caring for caregivers. I deeply appreciate the personal satisfaction of continuing to be of service during the fourth quarter of my life."