City of Tallahassee, FL
07/30/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/30/2021 11:10
Tallahassee Senior Services Honors Nine Exceptional Citizens
2021 Silver Stars Shine Bright as Role Models for Active Aging
July 30, 2021
Some of Tallahassee's most accomplished seniors were honored at the 19th Annual Silver Stars Gala, held on July 29 at the University Center Club at Florida State University (FSU). Organized by the City of Tallahassee Senior Services, Silver Stars is the community's premier senior recognition event.
'Silver Stars' are people who selflessly contribute to the community and demonstrate successful longevity. This year, nine women and men were singled out for being role models for active aging after age 60.
The 2021 Silver Stars award recipients are: Regie and Pat Ashley, Tom Hart, Rev. Edith Holiday-Austin, June MacDonald, Betty Roberts, Washington Sanchez, Marjorie Turnbull and Judy Westbrook.
Regie and Pat Ashley are 80 and 81 respectively, and have been married for almost 60 years. Volunteering in conjunction with the Alzheimer's Project, the couple has provided much-needed comfort and support over the years to caregivers in Wakulla County.
Tom Hart's zest for life can be found in a library. The 83-year-old former library science instructor volunteers at the Tallahassee Senior Center as the art librarian. He began painting as an adult, and now also volunteers one day a week at a library in Cairo, Ga., teaching others to paint.
Rev. Edith Holiday-Austin is 90 years old and as busy as ever. A longtime educator and the former co-owner of a Frenchtown eatery, Holiday-Austin now provides housing to low-income families, and volunteers with a variety of organizations.
June MacDonald's commitment to service was immense. After a long career as a teacher, she volunteered with the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Auxiliary for more than 30 years and logged over 7,000 hours of service. She was also a docent at the Florida Governor's Mansion and active member of Killearn Ladies Club, Tallahassee Music Guild and her church. She passed away earlier this year at age 100. (posthumously)
Betty Roberts, 85, says her parents' legacy to love and do good is the foundation for all she does. Since retiring from state government, she has stayed active through volunteer work with various organizations supporting senior citizens, teens, women and community beautification.
Col. Washington Sanchez, age 79, a decorated Army Veteran, has a passion for helping others who have served in the military. After a 27-year career that included two combat tours in Vietnam, the Purple Heart recipient struggled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. His cure led him on a mission to help other veterans get treatment. The Florida Veterans Hall of Fame inductee assists homeless veterans by connecting them with essential services.
Marjorie Turnbull, 81, feels her mother's practicality and her father's close mentoring encouraged her to do whatever she chose. She has represented citizens as a member of the Florida Legislature and the Leon County Commission and served on many community boards and committees. Turnbull says her biggest achievement, however, is being a mentor to others.
Judy Westbrook leads an exceptionally active life at 88 years old. Hiking on one of Tallahassee's beautiful greenways or volunteering around town are her go-to activities. She especially enjoys her volunteer work at Second Harvest food bank and W.T. Moore Elementary School.
To read the complete stories of this year's extraordinary Silver Star award recipients, visit TallahasseeSeniorFoundation.org.
The Silver Stars Gala is presented by the Tallahassee Senior Center & Foundation in partnership with Capital Health Plan and other sponsors.
Tallahassee Senior Services is part of the City of Tallahassee's Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Department. For more information on its programs and events, please contact the Tallahassee Senior Center at 891-4000 or visit Talgov.com/Seniors. You can also keep up-to-date by liking the Tallahassee Senior Center on Facebook.
Contact Information
Alison Faris, Communications Department, 850-891-8533