Washington Business and Technology Institute

Important Things that We Should Care for Our Seniors
By Tiffany Chang

"With a rapidly growing senior population, the problems of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation have also growing more serious recently. There are many public and private agencies working to protect the security and dignity of seniors," said Dr. Tony Lei, Member of Las Vegas Seniors Citizens' Advisory Board (LVSCAB). "A project entitled Elder Abuse: An Action Plan to Better Protect Nevada's Elderly published by Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa. It was a joint project betwen the Office of the Attorney General and the Division for aging Services. The plan was released by the Attorney General and Nevad's Division for Aging Services Chief of Elder Rights, Betsy Kolkoski. The project made the following conclusion: Preventing elder abuse in Nevada requires extensive coordination and planning among elder Nevadans and the various state and local agencies, both public and private, which advocate on their belhalf. The Office of the Attorney General and Division for Aging Services have made a specific commitment to coordinate and support the committees in their efforts to prevent and elinimate elder abuse and thereby improve the quality of life for all Nevada's elderly citizens. It is expected that while the committees carry out their goals, additional problems and concerns may be identified and new solutions and recommendations will emerge."
Ms. Betsy Kolkoski has been appointed by Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) as Associate Fellow of Culture Institution and Chairperson of Aging Services Study Committee. Ms. Kolkoski received Juris Doctor degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, Cincinnati, Ohio. She is now Elder Rights Attorney for Nevada's Division for Aging Services. She was appointed by Governor Miller in 1993 to advocate statewide for the rights of Nevada's elders. She provides technical support, education and assistance regarding elder abuse, neglect, exploitation and isolation and reviews policies, laws and regulations affecting elders.
"I am pleased to make the appointment because of Ms. Kolkoski's expertise and integrity to aging services," said President of WBTI, Dr. Tony Lei. "It is our future endeavor to work better for our seniors based on educational and academic research through Ms. Kolkoski's outstanding and dedicated professionalism."
"The need of a study to set up an educational program regarding all aspects of seniors protection ansd benefit is urgent," said Dr. Lei. "A valuable suggestion of a policy mostly comes from the result of effective investigation and research. Appropriate financial and human resources have been needed to ensured the quality of work done by these organizations. It is in need to research the existing resources and identify new ways to create additional resources to adress elder abuse and provide victim and caregiver support."
Dr. Lei points out, "More efforts both from the public and private working for seniors have a multual goal which is to make a great tomorrow and to see it happen to our seniors.
Dr. Lei thanked LVSCAB's decision and Ms. MacKay's arrangement that he had an opportunity to be a representive of the Board to attend the Las Vegas Triad Conference on February 23-24, 1998.
"One of the findings inspired by my attendance of the Conference is: I have recognized that as a tank of thinking and wisdom for the Las Vegas City Council, our Board's effort to dedicate in the study and research of seniors' problems and issues will bring contribution in creating concrete and practical idea and suggestion for the Council. Encouragement of the members' participation in the work of these areas is one of the fruitful effort of our Board's dedication," said Dr. Lei.
On October 26, 1999, the House of Representatives passed a bill to name the $97 million federal building at 333 Las Vegas Blvd. South the Lloyd D. Geroge (sitting left to Dr. Tony Lei in the first row of the picture) United States Courthouse. This is in honoring the jurist who has served as a federal judge in Las Vegas since May 1984 and as a bankruptcy judge for ten years begore that. In 1990, George was named chief federal judge for Nevada.
"Chief Judge George has set a benchmark for cureent and future leaders of Nevada," said U. S. Rep. Jim Gibbons. "This courthouse designation is an enduring gesture to show our appreciation for Judge George's hard work and dedication to the people and judicial integrity of Nevada."
"I cannot think of a more suitable honor to bestow on this beloved Las Vegan who has served the citizens of Nevada with humility, scholarship, compassion, and dignity," U. S. Rep. Shelley Berkley said on the floor of the House prior to the vote.
"Lloyd George is highly respected by his peers as a man of great knowledge and integrity, and he has been instrumental in shaping the federal judiciary in Nevada," said U. S. Sen. Harry Reid.
In November 5-7, 1999, the Fourth Annual Japan Festival in Las Vegas will once again bring to the city the beauty and the elegance of Japanese culture. The Japan Festival in Las Vegas is presented by Japan-American Society of Nevada, a non-profit organization. The goal is to promote intercultural friendship and understanding between Japan and Nevada--a blending of Eastern and Western cultures. The event will be held both in Fremont Street Experience and Charleston Heights Arts Center. The Chairman of the Society is Bob Jitchaku. For information on the Festival please call Japan Festival Hotline at (702)736-1515.
A Formal-Dinner Induction will be held at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino on December 5, 1999 by Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of Las Vegas. The theme of the event will be Using Technology to Promote Your Business. The President of the Commerce is Noli Dazo. More information may be reached by calling (702)383-9558.
Dr. Lei is also First Advisor of the Advisory Board of Seniors United. All of its forums take place on the second Wednesday of each month. They are held at the West Flamingo Senior Center, from 1:00 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. They will be celebrating Christmas and Chanukah in December 8, 1999. Dr. Lei has invited President of Thai Cultural Arts Association of Las Vegas to contribute classical Thai dances to the program in order to promote better enjoyment for our seniors. As several benefits are offering to its members, Seniors United welcome people to apply for membership by calling Maria Manning at (702)456-8148. The President of this organization is Lillian Wallace.
There are several senior citizens centers here in Las Vegas established by its Department of Leisure Services. Their facilities include: Defelt Senior Center, Doolittle Senior, Dula Gymnasium, Las Vegas Senior Center, and Northwest Center. More people are sharing the interest to participate their activities. Dr. Lei encourages people from the Asia, Pacific, and Hispanic communities to enjoy the participation of arts, dancing, music, sports, languages, writing, movie, singing, etc. programs which are set up by Las Vegas Senior Citizens Center. The Manager of this Center is Amy Carver. People who are interested in these programs may contact the Center by calling (702)229-6454.
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