WV Bureau of Senior Services

Robert W. Jackson Senior Conference

Register Now for the 2025 Conference

The last day for registration is Thursday, May 1, 2025

The 2025 Robert W. Jackson Senior Conference will be held May 20–22, 2025, at Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, West Virginia.

This year's theme is:

Flip the Script on Aging

The Senior Summit is a popular annual event designed for older adults, offering a range of engaging workshops to enhance both creativity and practical skills.

This year, participants can dive into the fascinating world of genealogy, uncovering their family history, or explore their writing talents through creative writing sessions.

The conference also features hands-on workshops in container gardening, providing valuable tips on growing plants in small spaces, and cooking classes that focus on healthy, easy-to-prepare meals.

With a welcoming atmosphere and opportunities to connect with others, this conference is a favorite for seniors looking to learn, share, and enjoy new experiences.  

If you are interested in attending, please complete theregistration form BEFORE the end of the day on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Note that registration checks should be made out to Metro AAA.

We look forward to seeing you in May!


Become a Sponsor

Have your product or service seen by hundreds of West Virginia Seniors from across the state! Sponsorships are available for everything from activities to meals, or become a Silver, Gold, or Diamond level sponsor and have your message front and center for the entire Senior Summit. Submit your Sponsor form today!


Award Nomination

Do you have a shining star in your organization? Give the gift of recognition. Nominations for the Distinguished Leadership Award and the Distinguished Service Award are open!

Use the "Leadership" form to nominate your inspirational team leader or use the "Service" form to nominate your outstanding employee or volunteer.

Nominations are due by April 21, so don't hesitate!


Agenda (still in development)

Tuesday May 20, 2025 Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Thursday, May 22, 2025
10:00 - 12:00 7:30 - 8:30 7:30 - 8:30
Registration BREAKFAST BREAKFAST
     
12:00 -1:00 8:00 - 8:45 9:00 - 12:00
LUNCH/Opening Remarks Registration/Exhibitor Hall Closing/Awards
     
1:15 - 2:15 9:00 - 10:00  
Wildlife Management Fly Tying/Fishing (license needed)  
Geneology Emergency Preparedness  
Beekeeping 101 Estate Planning  
Beginners Cricut (2 hr) 20 ppl Legislature 101  
Woodturning Air Fryer Cooking  
Creative Writing Log Cabin Tour  
Hoard Coins Container Pizza Garden  
  Art Therapy  
  Drumball  
     
     
2:30 - 5:00 10:30 - 11:30  
Outdoor Activities Fly Tying/Fishing  
  Emergency Preparedness  
5:00 - 6:00 Estate Planning  
DINNER Legislature 101  
  Air Fryer Cooking  
7:00 - ? Log Cabin Tour  
BINGO Container Pizza Garden  
  Art Therapy  
8:00 - ? Drumball  
Bonfire/S'Mores    
     
  1:30 -2:30  
  Wildlife Management  
  Emergency Preparedness  
  Estate Planning  
  Legislature 101  
  Air Fryer Cooking  
  Log Cabin Tour  
  Container Pizza Garden  
  Art Therapy  
  Drumball  
     
     
  2:45 - 3:15  
  Ice Cream Social  
     
  3:00 - 5:00  
  Outdoor Activities/Karaoke  
     
  5:00 - 6:00  
  DINNER  
     
  7:00 - 7:30  
  Vespers  
     
  8:00 - 10:00  
  Dance  

Robert W. Jackson Portrait

Robert W. Jackson was a close associate of former Governor Gaston Caperton, and during Governor Caperton's administration, Mr. Jackson was appointed as the first Senior Citizens Coordinator for the state. In this role, he attended numerous county senior citizen picnics, events, and the State Senior Conference. Mr. Jackson was deeply committed to addressing the needs of senior citizens, working tirelessly in both the public and private sectors to effect meaningful changes in policy, planning, and services.

The late Robert W. Jackson was widely regarded as one of West Virginia’s most prominent advocates for senior citizens. In addition to his advocacy work, he was a WWII Navy veteran, a graduate of West Virginia University, a business owner, and an active participant in several organizations and clubs in the Montgomery, WV area.

Mr. Jackson’s distinguished public service included roles as West Virginia Secretary of State from 1977 to 1985 under the Honorable A. James Manchin, as well as serving as West Virginia Treasurer from 1985 to 1989. He also held the positions of Deputy Secretary of State from 1977 to 1984 and Assistant Treasurer of Safekeeping from 1985 to 1986.

Following his passing in 1998, the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services honored his legacy by renaming the senior conference in his memory.

Updated 3/19/25