VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Clark County Commission on Aging will celebrate two exemplary volunteers at its year‑end meeting on Monday, Nov. 16, by presenting the 7th annual Silver Citizen Award. The honor highlights the vital contributions older adults make to the vitality of the county.

Volunteer extraordinaire Bernie Gerhardt

Bernie Gerhardt, described by staff at the Fort Vancouver Regional Library as a “volunteer extraordinaire,” has devoted more than a decade to the library’s programs. Her service includes leading ESL English Conversation Circles, coordinating Art4Art events, and helping organize the Author and Illustrator Dinner. Beyond the library, Gerhardt has hosted international students through American Field Services, served on the board of the Directors of Volunteer Programs Association, and contributed to the Nonprofit Network Conference, Friends of the Carpenter, and Open House Ministries.

Attorney‑volunteer Ed Dawson

Ed Dawson began a second career as an attorney at age 64 and has been a volunteer with the Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program (CCVLP) since 2010. Dawson provides pro‑bono counsel to teachers, teachers’ unions, and clients of all backgrounds, regardless of income, race, ethnicity, immigration status, or gender identity. He handles unlawful detainer (eviction) cases and family‑law matters, and each month he runs family‑law and housing clinics. Since joining CCVLP, Dawson has logged nearly 1,900 volunteer hours.

Meeting details and public access

The award ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, in the sixth‑floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. The meeting is open to the public and will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing participation by phone or computer. The session will also be broadcast on CVTV Channel 23/323 and streamed online at www.cvtv.org, with replay times available after the meeting.

Commission on Aging’s role

The nine‑member, volunteer‑run Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, implements the county’s Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership on issues affecting older residents. By recognizing volunteers like Gerhardt and Dawson, the commission underscores the importance of community service and intergenerational support.

For more information about upcoming Commission on Aging meetings, visit the county’s website at clark.wa.gov/community‑planning/commission‑aging‑meetings.

Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.