The Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington (JCA) has presented Chuck Short with the “Advocate for the Aging” award. “Chuck Short is special assistant to the Honorable Isiah Leggett, Montgomery County executive, but he is also a ‘special assistant’ to older adults who live in Montgomery County,” said David Gamse, CEO of the JCA.
On JCA’s behalf, Leggett and JCA President Sheldon Grosberg presented the JCA “Advocate for the Aging” award to their friend and colleague during JCA’s 41st annual meeting on Sept. 9. Both noted his lifelong passion for human services. JCA has presented the award 10 times since 2002, and Leggett is a past recipient.
Rev. Msgr. John J. Enzler, the president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, was out the country and asked JCA to read a letter that he wrote about Chuck Short’s life philosophy and accomplishments. Enzler said, “…I’ve known Chuck for over 40 years, having first met him when he was involved with programs for youth in his earliest days serving the county. Those youth, some 40 years later, are now aging. It is so appropriate that you are honoring Chuck this evening. You see, it really doesn’t matter what population is being served, young, old, Jewish, Muslim, Protestant or Catholic, rich or poor, Democrat or Republican, male or female, people with special needs or those living with any type of struggle that is beyond their capabilities or control, Chuck wants to help. His gifts of leadership, his call to social justice, his sense of family (among all), and his charismatic and entrepreneurial gifts make this community a better place to live.”
