The following proclamation has been announced by Richard Johnson, Mayor of Bluffton for the week of May 8-14, 2023.

WHEREAS, the citizens of Bluffton place a great value upon the well being of the senior population; and

WHEREAS, nursing home residents of any age or ablility are themselves living history and are a precious resource; and

WHEREAS, we salute our citizens now residing in nursing facilities and recognize the immeasurable contributions they have made to our society as a truly respected generation that built Bluffton and its surrounding communities into thriving centers of life; and

WHEREAS, the aging of America is placing new demands on long-term care providers and nursing home care is an integral part of America's health care system; and

WHEREAS, nursing facilities offer supportive services that meet the unique personal needs of our older citizens and they advance a mission of responsibility for them - a responsibility that we all share - by helping them live well and age well; and

WHEREAS, Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio is sponsoring many activities in observance of National Nursing Home Week guided by this year's national theme,

"Cultivating Kindness" and invite the citizens of Bluffton to visit Mennonite Home

Communities of Ohio to benefit from the knowledge and experience of their staff, residents, family members and volunteers.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Richard Johnson, Mayor of the Village of Bluffton, do hereby proclaim the week of May 8-14 2023, as

NATIONAL NURSING HOME WEEK

in the Village of Bluffton and encourage each citizen to honor the elderly and disabled residents of nursing homes by visiting or volunteering at a local nursing home to bring the community spirit to the residents and show appreciation to the staff who care for our most beloved citizens on our behalf.

PROCLAIMED this 8th day of May, 2023

RICHARD JOHNSON, Mayor