Senior Heroes

Congratulations to the 2012 U.S. State Winners! We have selected these Senior Heroes as the most outstanding senior volunteers from their respective states. Winners will receive a plaque in honor of their dedicated service and public recognition here on the Senior Hero Wall of Fame.

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  Michelle Williams

  Irondale, AL

  March 9, 2012

  Hospice volunteer Michelle Williams has a special gift that allows her to see things many of us can’t see. No, she does not gaze into a crystal ball, or have ESP or a Sixth Sense. But Michelle does have the unique ability to see her hospice patients as they once were. “There was one woman who… read more

  Alabama

  

  2012 Winner

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  Dora Archer

  Anchorage, AK

  March 15, 2012

  Dora is always helping out with what ever needs to be done, there is nothing she won’t do. She spends a couple hours every day going to the apartment residents at Horizon House Assisted Living, encourage them to get involved activities go to breakfast lunch or dinner anything that gets them out of… read more

  Alaska

  

  2012 Winner

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  Ruthie Culver

  Sun City, AZ

  February 1, 2012

  Ruthie folds twelve bags of towels totalling about 1100 during her four hour shift. read more

  Arizona

  

  2012 Winner

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  Doyne Elder

  Little Rock, AR

  March 11, 2012

  Mr. Doyne Elder is the ultimate community volunteer. He has served our school, Bale Elementary, for over 12 years as well as his church, Lakeshore Baptist. In 2000, Mr. Elder began his volunteer work at Bale after seeing a call for volunteers on the LRSD channel. He started working with… read more

  Arkansas

  

  2012 Winner

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  Rose Eldridge

  Norco, CA

  February 24, 2012

  Rose Eldridge dedicates her life to ensuring that the seniors in her community are wholisitically supported. Not only does she work endlessly to represent their best interest during church and town hall meetings, Rose also spends hours each day loading her truck with food and supplies for seniors… read more

  California

  

  2012 Winner

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  Peter Feather

  Denver, CO

  February 2, 2012

  Peter volunteered 15-25 hours a week for over a year as the primary consultant for the development of the Smarts Program (The Smarts Program is a 150 hour paid, professional mentoring internship program for under-served youth in the Denver metro community. To date, the Smarts Program has provided… read more

  Colorado

  

  2012 Winner

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  Ethel Moore

  Waterbury, CT

  February 26, 2012

  A longtime volunteer at Waterbury Day Care, Ethel Moore said she always has someone to hold when she's playing with the babies. Ethel is one of 59 Foster grandparents in the Central Naugatuck Valley Program. Volunteers serve in schools and day cares, helping children with their work, completing… read more

  Connecticut

  

  2012 Winner

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  Patricia Brown

  Lewes, DE

  February 20, 2012

  I would like to nominate Patricia A. Brown to be recognized as an outstanding volunteer. She instills purpose, joy of dance, and fitness amongst our senior population. She teaches tap dancing at the Lewes Senior Center. Patricia produces an annual show in which tickets are sold to benefit the Lewes… read more

  Delaware

  

  2012 Winner

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  Thomas H Fox

  Washington, DC

  March 13, 2012

  Mr Fox has been a long time very committed volunteer with Iona. He has served our community in the broadest range of volunteer responsibilities. Mr Fox is a role model volunteer who does not seek attention and has provided Iona and our community thoughtful support. As a general volunteer,… read more

  District of Columbia

  

  2012 Winner

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  Ray Storms

  Jacksonville, FL

  January 28, 2012

  Most people who’ve retired dream of kicking back and enjoying the “golden years” of their lives, or better yet, spending some of their hard earned money traveling around the world exploring new and exciting things. But then again, Ray Storms isn’t your typical retiree. At 70 years young, he’s chosen instead to focus his efforts and money on helping others less fortunate than himself. read more

  Florida

  

  2012 Winner

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  Bobbie Wakamo

  Atlanta, GA

  March 13, 2012

  Eighty-year-old Bobbie Wakamo can found almost any day of the month rummaging through old clothes and dusty, discarded furniture. Though most of us couldn’t think of anything much worse, Bobbie has been doing this for more than 19 years at the United Methodist Children’s Home in Decatur, GA. … read more

  Georgia

  

  2012 Winner

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  Margaret "Peggy" Sanches

  Kula, HI

  January 27, 2012

  Since 2000 “Peggy” Sanches, has been a senior-citizen volunteer mentor for Kupuna and Keiki Together, Giving Back’s Brain Gym® Intergenerational Mentoring Program (IMP). IMP unites the strengths of senior citizens and children in order to help them improve their cognitive abilities,… read more

  Hawaii

  

  2012 Winner

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  Wade Toombs

  Coeur d'Alene,, ID

  March 2, 2012

  Wade picks up day old food at local stores, used linens at local motels, dental products from several dental offices and distributes them to the homeless, Women' Shelter and Childrens' Village. He collects sealed medicines fot the Dirne Clinic; used cell phones for the Womens' Shelter, and medicine… read more

  Idaho

  

  2012 Winner

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  Doreen Lagoni

  Libertyville, IL

  February 21, 2012

  Doreen began Bear Magic in 1999 in association with the organization Good Bears of The World . Bear Magic is dedicated to providing love and comfort to traumatized children and the forgotten elderly, through the sharing and gifting of Teddy Bears. She tirelessly collects and organizes the… read more

  Illinois

  

  2012 Winner

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  Patricia Rew

  Noblesville, IN

  March 15, 2012

  Agapé Therapeutic Riding Resources, Inc. provides horses, equipment, facilities and helpers for more than 800 riders with physical, mental, or emotional challenges and also youth at-risk. Volunteers are a very important component of our program. At least one, and sometimes three, volunteers are… read more

  Indiana

  

  2012 Winner

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  Curt Hedrick

  Urbandale, IA

  March 8, 2012

  LifeServe Blood Center is proud to nominate Curt Hedrick for the Senior Heroes Contest. LifeServe Blood Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides blood and blood products to more than 90 hospitals in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. Curt, who is now 91 years old, has exemplified the… read more

  Iowa

  

  2012 Winner

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  Ed Kerens

  Hutchinson, KS

  March 14, 2012

  He runs the elevator and Pops the popcorn. He is a vet, he is very funny, he is nice, and always helps everyone he can. read more

  Kansas

  

  2012 Winner

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  Tom Dorman

  Independence, KY

  February 28, 2012

  Tom Dorman is truly a servant of God. After serving our country in Viet Nam, he worked for the L&N Railroad and the US Postal Service. A recurring back injury forced Tom into early retirement. However, that wasn't the end of work for Tom. Along with serving faithfully in his church as elder,… read more

  Kentucky

  

  2012 Winner

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  Steve dePyssler

  Bossier City, LA

  February 15, 2012

  Bosnia Students: At the request of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), sponsored 2 Bosnian veterans for 6 years. One is now a doctor and working in south Louisiana and the other received a Masters Degree in Computer Science and is back in Bosnia. Col. dePyssler worked in getting scholarships and… read more

  Louisiana

  

  2012 Winner

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  Gilman Pelletier

  Waterville, ME

  March 15, 2012

  For the past 26 years Gilman “Gil” Pelletier has come to Spectrum Generations with a helping hand and open heart to deliver hot nutritious meals to homebound seniors in Kennebec, Somerset and Waldo County under the Meals on Wheels program. For 23 years this meant delivering five days a week. … read more

  Maine

  

  2012 Winner

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  Martha (Martie) Squitero

  Silver Spring, MD

  March 15, 2012

  Martie Squitero's experiences with Holy Cross started decades ago with the death of her beloved husband, Roger at Holy Cross Hospital over 40 years ago. With two children to raise, Martie went to work at several jobs and finally retired from Montgomery County Government. With the children grown up… read more

  Maryland

  

  2012 Winner

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  Kathleen Roberts

  Raynham, MA

  March 15, 2012

  Kathleen's interest in volunteering was first sparked when she was in college and served as an assistant Girl Scout leader in her hometown of Wellesley, MA. Since that initial involvement, her volunteerism over the years has grown to encompass many organizations and activities. Currently,… read more

  Massachusetts

  

  2012 Winner

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  Delores Grier

  Royal Oak, MI

  February 13, 2012

  Delores has organized the sack lunch program at Royal Oak First UMC. It began withbag lunches being distributed to the homeless M-F, Sept.-June. It has grown to hot lunch/fruit/snack/water/ along with a bag lunch to take, M-F all year long. Clothing is distributed once a month. They offer Easter,… read more

  Michigan

  

  2012 Winner

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  Rita Baresh

  Moose Lake, MN

  March 13, 2012

  Rita Baresh is an incredibly passionate and energetic community volunteer. She has been an active volunteer for the Moose Lake KIDS PLUS and AGE to age initiatives. The Northland Foundation helped initiate these community-based programs in Moose Lake in 2003 and 2008 respectively. Rita has shared… read more

  Minnesota

  

  2012 Winner

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  Andrea (Andi) McDaniel

  Clinton, MS

  February 13, 2012

  Andi McDaniel is being recognized because of her years of selfless dedication to helping others. She began her volunteer work 12 years ago when she retired and after the passing of her loving husband, Roger. Roger had a passion for volunteering and she wanted to continue to honor that passion.… read more

  Mississippi

  

  2012 Winner

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  Richard Nichols

  Springfield, MO

  March 14, 2012

  I got to know Richard through the campus ministry that I work for, United Ministries in Higher Education. He has been on our Board of Directors for 29 years! The last 10 years, he has been the Treasurer. He always stays on top of all the legal issues of taxes and watched out for our non-profit… read more

  Missouri

  

  2012 Winner

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  Dorothy Roeder

  Bozeman, MT

  February 14, 2012

  It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that much of Bozeman wouldn’t be the way it is today without Dorothy Roeder. Kelly Ziebarth, the Director of RSVP of Southwest Montana, explains Dorothy this way: “Dorothy has a heart as big as the Montana sky, enthusiasm that is contagious, and a desire… read more

  Montana

  

  2012 Winner

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  Denny Nielsen

  Omaha, NE

  March 10, 2012

  Denny's love of animals brought him to the Nebraska Humane Socitey as a volunteer in 2006. 7 days a week, 365 days a year, Denny arrives at the shelter early in the morning to get the dogs in the adoption kennels outside to potty. He takes them to a fenced in yard to run and play. No matter the… read more

  Nebraska

  

  2012 Winner

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  Barbara Dugger

  Reno, NV

  March 15, 2012

  Barbara has consistently volunteered for Nevada Humane Society (NHS) for 13 years. She loves to greet customers as they come into the shelter, find out their needs, and give them the appropriate information and direction. One of her specialties is to help potential pet adopters find the perfect… read more

  Nevada

  

  2012 Winner

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  Claire Desrosiers

  Somersworth, NH

  March 9, 2012

  Claire is Frisbie's "volunteer extraordinaire"!! She contributes approximately 100 hours each month. Claire is well-know throughout the hospital as being the most industrious reliable volunteer ever known to Frisbie Memorial Hospital. It's been often said that many of our department managers… read more

  New Hampshire

  

  2012 Winner

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  Clark Paradise

  Tom's River, NJ

  February 7, 2012

  In the winter of 2005, Jean and Clark Paradise became aware of three camps of homeless individuals living in the woods outside of Lakewood, NJ. With the help of Minister Steve Brigham, they started bringing blankets, clothing, and portable heaters to the camps. They soon learned that these folks… read more

  United States

  

  2012 Winner

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  Don Buck

  Las Cruces, NM

  January 25, 2012

  Volunteering gives 85 year-old Don Buck a reason to get up and give back each morning. He says, “Hey friend, it’s like paying rent on the space you occupy. There are no free rides. I just don’t want to sit around and vegetate.” Don was the Executive Director of the United Way for 20… read more

  New Mexico

  

  2012 Winner

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  Katharine Winderlin

  Ballston Spa, NY

  March 13, 2012

  “Courage is not the absence of fear but the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” Meg Cabot How do we even begin to help or comfort someone who is dying? Someone who has just been raped? Someone whose child has been abducted? Someone who lives each day… read more

  New York

  

  2012 Winner

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  Jack Hart

  Huntersville, NC

  February 28, 2012

  Jack Hart is absolutely amazing and well deserving of a 1000 awards not just one. Since 2006, Jack has volunteered 3515.5 hours!!!! And, that doesn't even include his event work. Since he started volunteering at our Habitat ReStore as a product/merchandise repair expert, he has not only helped… read more

  North Carolina

  

  2012 Winner

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  Mary Elaine Malheim

  Fargo, ND

  March 13, 2012

  She's the "Bag Lady" and right hand of the Manager She has volunteered up to 1,000 hours a year at the Pantry which serves several counties (up to 250 familes per week). If it needs to be done just ask her; she just keeps on working, working; and working. read more

  North Dakota

  

  2012 Winner

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  Philip Gregg

  Newark, OH

  February 14, 2012

  As commander of Licking County Veterans Alliance Philip Gregg helps to ensure that veterans of all branches of service from anywhere within our county will receive military honors at their funerals. The assembly of people required for military honors includes two flag bearers, two honor guards, a… read more

  Ohio

  

  2012 Winner

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  Thelma E. Burton

  Edmond, OK

  January 25, 2012

  On March 15, 2012, Thelma will be 91 years old. In her early adulthood she found her passion to serve the community through cooking and serving those in need. In the early 1950s, she volunteered to head the Food Service Program at the Uptown Church of Christ in San Francisco, CA and served in that… read more

  Oklahoma

  

  2012 Winner

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  Anna Jones

  Portland, OR

  March 6, 2012

  Anna Jones is a volunteering hero. This, I think is a fact that no one can deny. In 1971, she saw a need in the rapidly urbanizing area of NW Clackamas County. Many families in the area were impoverished and in need of a place to get a little help, learn some skills and make some friends. Anna,… read more

  Oregon

  

  2012 Winner

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  Lucy DeHaven

  Trafford, PA

  February 9, 2012

  Lucy DeHaven worked for Westinghouse for 14 years as a receptionist and became a widow in 1972. She has been an active member of the Senior Citizens Group in Trafford for the past 15 years, and is currently serving as its President. She belongs to the following additional groups: Young at Heart… read more

  Pennsylvania

  

  2012 Winner

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  Gloria Walker

  Warwick, RI

  March 1, 2012

  Gloria Walker has been a volunteer since she was 4 years old. Her Dad, who was her idol and inspiration, asked her to come with him to do something special. They went to a Veterans Cemetery and put an American Flag at each burial stone. She remembers him telling her to always “give” without… read more

  Rhode Island

  

  2012 Winner

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  Twyla Harp

  Greer, SC

  March 13, 2012

  Twyla Harp has lived the better part of her life as a caregiver, and still remains one today at 80 years old. Before retiring, Twyla was the director of a daycare center, taking care of children for 20+ years. Aside from her career, Twyla raised 6 children of her own. Two of those children… read more

  South Carolina

  

  2012 Winner

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  Ivy Hornsby

  Springfield, TN

  March 14, 2012

  Ms. Ivy is an amazing lady to say the least. She works at least 25 hours per month at the Life Center of Robertson County (aka Robertson County Senior Center). There she works the front desk and assists with special events. She is a ray of sunshine to those entering the Center and is loved by… read more

  Tennessee

  

  2012 Winner

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  Richard "Dick" Hinman

  Corpus Christi, TX

  March 7, 2012

  Richard "Dick" Hinman Humility...Dedication...Energy...Passion These words give some indication of Dick Hinman's character. Dick started working with patients at Driscoll Children's Hospital in 1994. Over the past 17 years, he has cheerfully given more than 28,600 hours and thousands of… read more

  Texas

  

  2012 Winner

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  Essie Lempens

  Washington, UT

  February 6, 2012

  Essie... has been volunteering for 40 years she is 90 years old and goes into the old folks home and plays music .. she plays by ear she is awesome! she can play the Piano,Electric Organ,Guitar,Accordian,Juice Harp, Harmonica, Auto Harp, Steal Guitar,Banjo, Drums and the Ukelee....she has out lived… read more

  Utah

  

  2012 Winner

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  Ruth Barenbaum

  Middlebury, VT

  March 14, 2012

  For Ruth Barenbaum, volunteering has been a way of life. Her first ongoing opportunity was teaching Sunday School at age 11. She was hooked from the start, delighting in playing a role in education and seeing people actually LEARN. Now teaching is again a gift, rekindled as a certified… read more

  Vermont

  

  2012 Winner

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  Murray Leibowitz

  Charlottesville, VA

  January 31, 2012

  He started working for Hospice after the death of his wife of 60yrs, who was a Hospice patient. He wanted to give back and show his appreciation for all the help and support he and his wife had recieved. He said that he and his wife use to go to dinner with other seniors each nite. When her… read more

  Virginia

  

  2012 Winner

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  Dorothy Collins Bottassi

  Vancouver, WA

  March 14, 2012

  Dorothy is such a joyful asset to the St Vincent De Paul Society. Agape love emanates as she serves the needy. A wise shopper, she saves precious dollars carefully purchasing supplies for the organization. Often brings home clothing to mend for the Clothing Bank. Hours dividing large bottles… read more

  Washington

  

  2012 Winner

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  Gary Tucker

  Shepherdstown, WV

  March 15, 2012

  Gary came to Good Shepherd Caregivers after taking a master gardener class at the local college. This grew into a heart that was dedicated to service and specifically service to Good Shepherd and those who are served. Gary has performed yard work, provided transportation to medical appointments,… read more

  West Virginia

  

  2012 Winner

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  Bette Jean Anderson

  De Pere, WI

  March 15, 2012

  Ms. Anderson has spent the majority of her lifetime as an "extraordinary volunteer who makes a life and death difference" in the lives of those who can’t speak for themselves. A life-long animal welfare advocate, her heart is filled with and endless compassion to help others care and provide for… read more

  Wisconsin

  

  2012 Winner

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  Bess Stevenson

  Rock Springs, WY

  March 14, 2012

  We all live in a hectic, crazy, busy world. It is hard to find enough hours in the day for our jobs and families. we must also find the time for household chores, errands and keeping ourselves fit and healthy. Sometimes, if we are lucky, we squeeze in a little extra time for lunch with a friend or a… read more

  Wyoming

  

  2012 Winner

• Check back on June 1 when we reveal the 2012 Provincial Senior Hero winners! Provincial winners will receive a plaque in honor of their service and public recognition here on the Senior Hero Wall of Fame.

  Provincial

  Winners will be Announced June 1st

  2012 Winner