MALIBU—Carol Moss, a longtime local activist, was named Malibu’s 2017 Older American honoree. She will be recognized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors during the awards program on May 31 inside the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion inside the Music Center Grand Hall.

The decision to nominate Moss was made during the March 13 city council meeting. The council nominates individuals 60 years or older who have performed phenomenal community service.  She is the 18th nomination from the city of Malibu and is a part of the 52nd Group of Older Americans participating in the countywide event, the Malibu Times reported.

The theme of this year’s awards program is “Age Out Loud,” which is aimed to recognize individuals dedicated to community service. This places Moss in the group of other well-known Malibu residents including  Marlene Matlow, Ronald Merriman, Leon Cooper, Anne Payne, Walt Keller and Carol Randall.

“Older Americans are the very fabric of the community, serving as our collective memory and conscience,” said Malibu Mayor Lou La Monte in a statement to the Malibu Times. “Their countless contributions to science, government, the arts, and academia lay the foundations that future generations will stand on, in Malibu, and in every community.”

Moss, leader of CART (Community Assistance Resource Team), moved to Malibu 20 years ago. Five years after moving to Malibu, she suffered from a medical illness that almost took her life. During this struggle, Moss started meditating with a Tibetan woman, who encouraged Moss to teach meditation to others.

For the last 15 years, Moss has welcomed meditation groups into her home irrespective of the group size. She also promotes Buddhist events and decorates her home with Tibetan prayer flags, a gift from the Tibetan princess who is also her close friend.

Moss currently shares her home with two Pepperdine University students and is going to meet the vice chancellor of Pepperdine University to explore housing opportunities for the homeless.