News & Events
In 2018, the Optimal Aging Committee, a subcommittee of the VCAAA’s Advisory Council, established the LEGACY Awards to recognize the contributions of Ventura County residents who dedicate their lives to helping older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers, to live optimally.
We are now accepting nominations for the 2023 LEGACY Awards!
The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, September 1, 2023. The winners will be announced in November.
Nomination categories are:
– Business/Organization
– Dementia Friendly Business/Organization
– Community Member or Volunteer
Please email your completed nominations to roger.horne@ventura.org.

LEGACY began as a publication of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging. It was established to highlight the life stories of residents throughout Ventura County who continue to make a difference in their community.
2022 LEGACY Award Recipients:
Dementia Friendly Business/Organization – Camarillo Health Care District
Business or Organization – Gables of Ojai
Community Member or Volunteer – Bill Cunneen
2021 LEGACY Award Recipients:
Dementia Friendly Business/Organization – Ventura County Credit Union
Business or Organization – Senior Concerns
Community Member or Volunteer – Valerie Shackelford
2020 LEGACY Award Recipients:
Dementia Friendly Business/Organization – GO Access
Business or Organization – SK Homecare Caregivers
Community Member or Volunteer – Paulette Ozar
Community Member or Volunteer – Martin Benedict Davis
2019 LEGACY Award Recipients:
Dementia Friendly Business/Organization – Conejo Valley Senior Concerns
Business or Organization – FOOD Share
Community Member or Volunteer – Harlene Roen
2018 LEGACY Award Recipients:
Optimal Aging: Excellence in Media – Andrea Gallagher
Optimal Aging Innovation Award – Sue Tatangelo
Optimal Aging: Excellence as a Dementia Friendly Advocate – Dr. Erik Lande
Optimal Aging: Excellence in Advocacy and Leadership – Toni Olson
Optimal Aging Champions – Gordon and Louise Dilger
Archived LEGACY Publications/Links