Gene Hock to Receive Positive Aging Award

TOPEKA – LeadingAge Kansas will honor Gene Hock with the Faye McCoy Positive Aging Award for his promotion and exemplification of positive aging in his senior community and the greater Wichita area. The award will be presented to Hock as part of the Association’s Quality First Awards of Excellence program during their Policy and Leadership Conference on September 27, 2016 in Junction City, KS.

Hock exemplifies positive aging in a number of ways. First he is active in the Catholic Care Center community as the founder and leader of the “Silver Notes”, a campus musical group, co-Chair of the Resident Council, Ambassador for the community’s Masterpiece Living Program, as the resident AV technician, and much more.

“Gene breaks so many stereotypes we often associate with aging,” read his nomination, “he is very tech savvy and provides pro bono tech support on many occasions. He is fit and active, always up for learning new things, meeting new people and is always smiling.”

Hock’s work extends into the greater community as a mentor and coach for the Science Olympiad Team, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School. His encouragement has helped the team win multiple victories over the past several years.

“Mr. Hock could easily say his plate is too full with the oversight of caring for his wife and all of the demands on him in various ways, “says Lisa Smading, Assisted Living Administrator at Catholic Care Center. “Instead, he shows us daily that life really is what you make of it and how you live it, reminding us to stay engaged and enjoy living, however that may look for each of our situations.”

“Gene is a prime example of why we bestow this award”, states Debra Zehr, LeadingAge Kansas president and CEO. “His life inspires people to do better regardless of age.”

The LeadingAge Kansas Quality First Awards of Excellence has honored outstanding volunteers, caregivers and innovative aging services providers for 26 years through a partnership with Central National Bank.

#LK#