Out and About in RI: RI Minority Elder Task Force Everyday Heroes Celebration

Photos: Janette Conway, Susan Sweet, Herb Weiss

The Everyday Heroes Celebration was held on October 6th to a packed crowd as awards were made to: Dwight Rockett, Domingas Moreira, Herb Weiss, Vivian Graham and St. Martin de Porres Center.

Here are some photos from the RI Minority Elder Task Force event:

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A special congrats goes to Herb Weiss, RINewsToday’s writer on aging issues. We asked if he would mind if we printed his acceptance speech – and here it is:

I would like to begin by expressing my deep gratitude to the RI Minority Network for this incredible honor. To be the first recipient of the Founders Award is truly humbling, and it is made even more special by being recognized alongside such remarkable individuals as Dwight Rockett, Domingas Moreira, Vivian Graham, and the wonderful team at St. Martin de Porres. Each of you has made invaluable contributions to the lives of older adults in Rhode Island, and I am proud to share this moment with you.

It really means a lot to me to have my long-time friend, Susan Sweet, and founder of this group present my award.

This event—the Every Day Heroes Luncheon—celebrates the people who go above and beyond for our seniors, and I am in awe of the dedication, compassion, and leadership displayed by my fellow honorees. We all know that advocating for older adults takes passion and commitment, and I am inspired by the ways each of you has enriched the lives of those around you.

For over 44 years, I have had the joy and responsibility of writing about aging—about the issues that shape our lives as we grow older and about the opportunities that come with age. Like many of my fellow “age beat” writers and reporters, I have the distinct perspective of being over 70 years old myself. This vantage point informs not just how I write, but what I write, because I know firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with aging.

When I first started writing my Age Beat weekly columns in the Pawtucket Times over two decades ago, I never imagined the journey that lay ahead. Those early articles explored politics, health care, long-term care, and so much more. And though the years have passed, the topics and issues I cover have only become more urgent. I’ve strived to stay informed, to provide my readers with the most up-to-date insights on the Longevity Revolution—what it means to live longer, and how we can do so with dignity, grace, and preparedness.

Through my work, whether in RINewsToday, the Pawtucket Times, the Woonsocket Call, or my books, Taking Charge Volumes 1, 2, and now 3 in the works, I have sought to offer readers practical advice for navigating the later stages of life. From caregiving and retirement planning to end-of-life decisions and everything in between, my goal has always been to empower individuals to take control of their own aging journey. Aging is not something to be feared, but rather embraced as an opportunity to live more fully.

Over the years, I have had the honor of sharing the stories of so many Rhode Islanders over 50 who have shared their wisdom, resilience, and humor. Their experiences may be local, but the lessons are universal. Whether writing about policy debates or spiritual reflection, I have aimed to offer a balanced perspective—one that recognizes both the challenges and the immense potential that come with aging.

To the seniors of Rhode Island, you are my inspiration. Every story I’ve written, every article I’ve published, has been with you in mind. I hope that, through my writing, I’ve been able to shed light on the issues that matter most to you and to provide some guidance along the way.

I accept this award with gratitude, not just for the recognition of my work, but for the opportunity to continue contributing to this important conversation. The work is far from over. The aging population is growing, and with it, the need for thoughtful, informed journalism that addresses the complexities of aging.

Thank you to the RI Minority Network for this award. Thank you to my readers, who have been with me on this journey, and to my fellow writers and advocates who continue to push for greater understanding and appreciation of the richness of aging. And to my wife, Patty, I appreciate your support over the past 29 years of this mission.

Let’s continue this journey together—learning, advocating, and writing about what it means to age boldly and well.”