Ray Shares His Story for Older Americans Month

Area Agency on Aging • May 12, 2021

I belong to a Model A Club group nationwide of senior guys like myself, and we try to help each other and message each other about our Model A through a Vintage Ford Forum.

As a soon-to-be 76-year-old senior, I enjoy visiting with my granddaughters and following their sports activities and great accomplishments in school. I keep up with my granddaughters through their chosen careers and goals of which they have done well. To know that they are young Christian ladies gives me great joy. It is a joy visiting with my Mother-in-Law (MOM), who is almost 90-years-old and has taught me many life experiences and Christian values throughout the years. I enjoy connecting with my neighbors, sitting on the front porch in the porch swing with a cool beverage, and visiting daily life experiences. I recently introduced myself to a new senior neighborhood that just purchased the house next door. We visited across our common fence and spoke about our yard projects.


As to building new skills, I am still working as a Real Estate Broker and always learning by taking continuing education courses online in my field. I am a history buff and own a 1931 Model A, which is my hobby. I belong to a Model A Club group nationwide of senior guys like myself, and we try to help each other and message each other about our Model A through a Vintage Ford Forum. I learn something new from my club members every time I connect with them.


Being the oldest sibling of 10 children, I stay in touch with all my brothers and sisters. I keep up with their family, and for years, we had a family reunion that we honored our mother on her birthday. That was an experience that I looked forward to every year.


I find ways to share, connect, and engage through my church and enjoy being a member of our Chamber of Commerce. I recently sold a vacant building downtown which was owned by one church and purchased by another church. Bother churches got blessed as well as the seniors in the community. The purchaser renovated it and turned it into a coffee shop that supports coffee bean farmers in Honduras. I got blessed and got to meet up with some of the local seniors. I also celebrate by participating in different Chamber events throughout the year and meet other seniors in the community.

Ray Sullivent
Christian, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather

Working with our local seniors, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will celebrate Older Americans Month by encouraging East Texas seniors to share their experiences. Together, we can find strength—and create a stronger future. 

Share Your Story!

People raising hands in a bright community hall with colorful tablecloths and folding chairs

Marshall-Harrison County Health District to Host “Navigating Aging” Class

By Marshall - Harrison County Health Department • July 13, 2026
The Marshall-Harrison County Health District invites community members to attend the next Building Healthy Futures class, Navigating Aging, on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 p.m. at the Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office (2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, Texas). Presented by the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, this free educational class is designed to introduce older adults, caregivers, and family members to valuable programs and resources that support healthy, independent living. Participants will learn about the Area Agency on Aging's evidence-based intervention programs, which are designed to promote wellness, prevent falls, manage chronic health conditions, and improve overall quality of life. Attendees will also enjoy a nutritious snack provided during the class. In addition to the presentation, the Area Agency on Aging will conduct a brief community survey to gather input on the types of aging-related classes and services residents would like to see offered in Marshall and Harrison County. Community feedback will help shape future educational opportunities to better meet local needs. "Building Healthy Futures is about connecting our community with trusted resources that support health and well-being at every stage of life," said Jennifer Hancock, Executive Director of the Marshall-Harrison County Health District. "We're excited to partner with the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to learn more about the classes and services they offer." The class is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended by visiting mhchd.org or by contacting the Marshall-Harrison County Health District at 903-938-8338.

Older Americans Month Celebrated Across East Texas

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • June 3, 2026
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
Show More