March 21, 2013 | by Staff Writer

Montgomery County Honored (Photos)

Montgomery County was honored on Capitol Hill on Thursday, March 21 as “One of America’s Best Intergenerational Communities.” The award recognized four communities that are outstanding places to live for people of all ages. The MetLife Foundation and Generations United presented the award at a ceremony attended by U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen, County Councilmember Hans Riemer, Board of Education President Christopher Barclay and Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships Director Bruce Adams.

Other communities receiving the award are Dunedin, Florida; Itta Bena, Mississippi and Westchester County, New York. The Best Intergenerational Communities awards program was made possible with a grant from MetLife Foundation.

It is a great honor to be recognized for what we offer to residents of all ages. We are a community for all ages—from young children to seniors—and I am pleased that we have been recognized for our efforts to provide a great place to live and work for all generations,” said County Executive Isiah Leggett.

We congratulate Montgomery County for earning this designation. It takes a great deal of effort and forward thinking to create a community where members of every generation want to live. Montgomery County has worked to ensure its residents enjoy a vibrant, meaningful place to live, are treated with respect and caring, and have ample opportunity to work together for the betterment of all,” said Donna Butts, executive director of Generations United.

Our County is honored to be recognized as a national leader in quality of life. As I have said many times before: our diversity is our greatest strength. Montgomery County is so successful because we are a great place for people of all ages. This award underlines how important it is to maintain that balance as we plan the County’s future,” said County Council President Nancy Navarro.

“MetLife Foundation understands the value of programs that encourage generations to work together for the benefit of the entire community. Communities that care for and engage all members—regardless of age—deepen bonds between the generations and set an important example for other communities to follow. We applaud the four communities selected to receive the 2013 Best Intergenerational Communities Award,” explained Dennis White, president and chief executive officer, MetLife Foundation.

“Prior to joining the County Council, I worked in advocacy related positions on behalf of younger people and also seniors, and I love serving in a County that takes pride in building a better future for all generations. This award honors our progress. We actively work to serve our seniors and young families by planning more walkable communities, improving public transportation, providing great recreation services, libraries and health care, boosting affordable housing and valuing inclusiveness,” said Councilmember Riemer.