Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Announces its 2014 "Senior Stars"
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2014) -- The University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has recognized eight Kentuckians aged 80 and up (including one married couple) and three centenarians who exemplify graceful aging by remaining engaged in active lifestyles.
These "William Markesbery Senior Stars" and "David Wekstein Centenarians"
awardees were selected from a pool of 32 nominees based on their current level of engagement in society; significant, lasting contributions in professional and/or community life, and service as a volunteer and role model for future generations.
The Senior Star/Centenarian Awards are given in conjunction with the Markesbery Symposium on Aging and Dementia, which takes place in the Bluegrass Ballroom of the Lexington Center in downtown Lexington. The symposium features keynote speakers and faculty of the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging addressing the latest research in Alzheimer's disease and answering questions from the audience regarding aging and dementia.
Following the symposium, a luncheon celebrating the awardees takes place in the Regency Ballroom at the Hyatt Lexington.
The symposium is free and open to the public. To register for the symposium, contact the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging at (859) 323-6040 or shmall2@uky.edu. Luncheon tickets are $25.00 per person and can be purchased by visiting http://www.uky.edu/coa/center-aging-foundation/senior-star-awards, by calling (859) 323-5374 or by emailing lisa.greer@uky.edu.
The awardees are:
Elexene M. Cox, 93, Nicholasville. The Nicholasville High School graduate has worked with the Jessamine Chamber of Commerce, Nicholasville Baptist Church and Rosemont Baptist Church. Most notably, she has written and directed many outdoor productions, including a Paul Sawyer play. She is also the author of three books about the history of Nicholasville.
Carl Smith, 82, Frankfort. Dr. Carl Smith is known as the "Energizer Bunny" of chorale music. As the choral director at Kentucky State University and the director of the chancel choir at First Christian Church, Dr. Smith takes the simplest of songs and making it the most beautiful piece of music you have ever heard.
Mary Jo Holland, 81, Lexington. An inspiration to all as she continues to dance and serve in many capacities, despite having had a stroke, two knees replaced, arthritis and some symptoms of Parkinson’s, Holland has brought joy to thousands of people through community service. She is a founding member of “The Energizers” dance group. Her community contributions range from working at the Opera House to missions in Guatemala to being a volunteer in an Alzheimer’s research program at Sanders Brown.
Willard, 86, and Lucy Kinzer, 85, Prestonsburg. Willard Kinzer began racing cars at age 47, winning a professional title at age 50 and beginning drag racing at the tender age of 79. Owners of Kinzer Drilling Company and Kinzer Cycle Shops, the Kinzers have used Willard's love of racing and hot rodding to help the town raise funds for financing the school through car shows and other events. Willard is on the board of directors of the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.
Bettye Arvin, 84, Lexington. For many years Arvin has worked as a registered nurse in hospitals and physicians offices. For the last 23 years, she has volunteered more than 3,500 hours to the Pastoral Care Department at UK Hospital. Before a move to Lexington, she drove 2 hours each way to serve patients and families at UK Chandler Hospital. She now works one day a week caring for patients on the fifth floor.
Jessie Weaver, 87, Lexington. Weaver is the friendly, helpful Kentucky voice on the phone at the front desk at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging. At a young age of 87, her positive attitude and desire to help others are evident in her interactions with faculty, staff and visitors at the Center.
Kathryn Stephens, 80, Lexington. Stephens' career has spanned more than 50 years, from nursing home co-owner to the first black female nursing home administrator in Kentucky, funeral home director, licensed embalmer, and writer. Her many roles in the community have been featured in local news articles, most recently as the organist and pianist for Pilgrim Baptist Church. She has touched the lives of many hundreds of churchgoers with her passions for music and prayer.
Centenarian Awards
Elizabeth Davies, 103 ½, Barbourville. When asked about the secret to a long, productive life Elizabeth gives these secrets: eat healthy, stay active and don’t worry -- it wastes time. She remembers accompanying her Union Army veteran uncle on daily pilgrimages to the Robert E. Lee monument in town to curse at it, the day her father broke his collarbone when the hand crank of their Model T Ford kicked back, and taking part in back room prohibition parties. Barbourville and Knox County recognized her 100th birthday as “Elizabeth Davies Day.”
Dr. Robert Lam, 101, Lexington. Born in China and trained at the West China Union University School of Medicine, Dr. Lam has served his community and the University of Kentucky since the 1960s. In 2007, the surgeon was awarded the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s Board of Health’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He gives freely of his time to encourage and serve others as a member of Southern Hill United Methodist Church.
Chester Wilson, 100, Lexington. Known for his kind heart and appreciation for everyone and everything around him, Wilson is an inspiration to all who live and work at the Lafayette/Lexington Country Place. Today he continues to attend recreational outings and serve as de facto ambassador for this residential community. He has been a farmer, a golf caddy, and a 31-year IRS employee.