Clatsop County proclaims May 2025 Older Americans Month and June 2025 Pride Month

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on a unanimous voice vote approved two proclamations recognizing older residents and the LGBTQIA+ community.

The board adopted a resolution proclaiming May 2025 as Older Americans Month and authorized the chair to read and sign the proclamation after a presentation from Dean Donier, director of the Astoria Senior Center. The board then approved a resolution proclaiming June 2025 as Pride Month following a presentation from Adriana Guerrero, board chair of the Lower Columbia Q Center, and Benedetto de Francesco, executive director of the Q Center.

The Older Americans Month proclamation cites the Administration for Community Living and highlights the 2025 theme “Flip the Script on Aging,” calling on communities to challenge stereotypes and “reimagine” aging. Dean Donier told the board the Astoria Senior Center serves more than 500 enrolled members across Clatsop County and offers activities including exercise classes, genealogy sessions, trips and social programming. “Aging isn't something to fear. It's something to respect, support, and reimagine,” Donier said.

In presenting the Pride Month proclamation, Adriana Guerrero described the Lower Columbia Q Center's programming — drop-in days, peer-support groups, youth programs and recovery support — and thanked the board for the recognition. “It just feels really good to be included and feel supported and cared for by the community,” Guerrero said. Guerrero also described upcoming Pride events she said are listed on the Q Center's website, including a gala, a block party and a march.

The board moved and seconded each proclamation and recorded the motions as approved by voice vote. For each resolution the board authorized the chair to read and sign the proclamation on behalf of the county.

Both proclamations call on the community to support access to services named in the texts — affordable health care, transportation, housing and social services for older adults, and visibility, dignity and equity for LGBTQIA+ residents. The Older Americans Month text specifically references work by local providers including the Astoria Senior Center and Northwest Senior and Disability Services and the role of the Administration for Community Living in encouraging supportive environments.

The proclamations do not create new programs or allocate funding; they are ceremonial recognitions intended to raise awareness and direct the county and community partners toward supportive activities and outreach.

The board's consent to both proclamations came as part of the evening's routine business; the chair will sign the proclamations and the county will make the texts available publicly.