The Schuylkill County Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance (SEAPA) recognized community leaders and awarded scholarships to local students during its annual Hornbrook Memorial Award Luncheon and Scholarship Presentation.
The event brought together county officials, protective service professionals, and community partners to highlight ongoing efforts to prevent elder abuse and support older residents across Schuylkill County.
SEAPA Chairperson Annetta Whitecavage opened the program, which also featured remarks from Dr. Charlene Lane, Director of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Protective Services, and Donna Wolgemuth, Aging Services Supervisor.
During the program, speakers emphasized the growing challenges facing older adults, particularly in the area of financial exploitation. Lane noted the increasing prevalence of cybercrimes, including social media scams and romance fraud, which can quickly drain retirement savings with little chance of recovery.
Officials also spoke about the importance of dignity and respect for older adults, including in healthcare settings, as well as the need to engage younger generations in preventing abuse and supporting seniors in the future.
Hornbrook Memorial Award Recipients
Two individuals were honored with the 2026 Hornbrook Memorial Award for their service to older residents in Schuylkill County.
Joe Taglieri was recognized for more than 20 years of volunteer service with the Schuylkill County Ombudsman Program. During that time, he regularly visited residents in long-term care facilities, including Tremont Health & Rehab Center and Schuylkill Center, ensuring they were aware of their rights and serving as a voice for their concerns. Taglieri visited thousands of residents over two decades, missing only one scheduled visit. Even after leaving the program, he continued volunteering with the activity department at Schuylkill Center, assisting residents and providing support. Due to health reasons, Taglieri was unable to attend the event.
John Blickley, Director of Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency, was also honored for his work supporting vulnerable populations. In his role, Blickley oversees planning efforts to mitigate the impact of disasters across the county, including the development and maintenance of hundreds of emergency response plans for facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living centers, and day care programs. He was specifically recognized for collaborating with the local ombudsman during a recent situation at a long-term care facility, helping ensure residents maintained a high quality of life.
Scholarships Awarded to Local Students
SEAPA also awarded six $1,000 scholarships through the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation to students pursuing careers that support the prevention of elder abuse.
The 2026 scholarship recipients include:
- Zachary Marcinowski, Nursing, North Schuylkill Jr./Sr. High School (2026)
- Ellie Dunkelberger, Accounting, Tri-Valley Junior-Senior High School (2025)
- Jack Whalen, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, North Schuylkill Junior/Senior High School (2024)
- Gavin DeAngelo, Nursing, North Schuylkill Jr./Sr. High School (2022)
- Braeden Jones, Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations, Minersville Area High School (2023)
- Abigail Garrity, Occupational Therapy, Pottsville Area High School (2024)
Organizers noted that the scholarships are intended to support students entering fields such as healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity, areas that play a critical role in protecting older adults from abuse and exploitation.
Continued Focus on Prevention
SEAPA continues to focus on raising awareness, providing education, and supporting efforts to prevent elder abuse throughout Schuylkill County. The organization works closely with law enforcement, healthcare providers, financial institutions, and community groups to address the evolving challenges facing the aging population.
