Pictured: Executive Director of Rockwall County Committee on Aging Margie VerHagen, Heath City Secretary Stephanie Galanides, Congressman Ralph Hall, and Bob Hille.

Older Americans Day

The community room of the Rockwall County Library was filled to capacity on May 20, 2011 for the Older Americans Day celebration. Older Americans Day has been a nation-wide event for the past 48 years with its goal being to thank senior citizens for sharing their experience, wisdom, time, and talents with their community.

Margie VerHagen, Executive Director of the Rockwall County Committee on Aging, opened with a few words of welcome before introducing Bill Michalenko who led the group in prayer and was followed by Rob Glover, Assistant Director of RCCOA, who led the Pledge of Allegiance.

County Judge Jerry Hogan spoke first, recounting how he had graduated from Illinois State, served for 20 years in the Army, was President of IBM and MCI, and whose wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s when she was just 47 years old. He is committed to the needs of Rockwall County’s aging population and earned a chuckle from the crowd by saying, “If you have to have white hair to be called an Older American, then we’re all in the same club.”

Next, Mayor Bill Cecil issued a proclamation which paid homage to the seniors for the vital role they play in weaving the unique and lasting community fabric that is Rockwall County.

County Commissioner David Magness praised the seniors who served at the RCCOA fundraising golf tournament the previous weekend and noted how: active, engaged, and accommodating they were as they volunteered. He expressed appreciation for the way the older Americans share learning between generations and serve as mentors for the leaders of tomorrow.

Congressman Ralph Hall, who just celebrated his 88th birthday and is the oldest member of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, called the senior citizens of Rockwall County “the treasure of this country.” He said that when he is asked why he continues to seek re-election, he says, “I know what I’m doing. I like what I’m doing. Do you know anywhere else an 88-year-old can get a job?”

Stephanie Galanides, Secretary of the City of Heath, and RCCOA executive assistant, Janice Enloe, aided Congressman Hall in presenting the certificates to the 29 honorees whose list of involvement in the community is impressive. Many honorees like: Mike Kennedy, Walter Williamson, Sandy Price, Geraldine Lynch, Bill and Barbara Wilson, Taylor and Mary McClure, George Ellington, Annette Tyson, Marilynn Field, Pat Henson, Charlene Stribling, and Marion Miller volunteer for MOW. Honoree Henry Beckham, who holds the record in the state of Texas for the longest-standing driver’s license, was also past president of the Association for Masonry Contractors of Texas/DFW. Barbara Willess is the president of Take off Pounds Sensibly. Clyde Schremp volunteers for Vista Care Hospice, AARP Tax Aid, and Meals on Wheels. Bob Hille has served on the Heath City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission. Jessie Martin crochets, makes crafts for seniors, and transports the elderly of First United Methodist Church. Ed Fraiser works in the food pantry of Helping Hands. Virginia Anderson has volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, and has assisted the Royse City drill team and basketball team. Billy Stevenson is active in the Society of St. Stephens. Jo Leonard works in the Mt. Zion Cemetery Association and is a Sunday school teacher. Her husband, Carl, is a member of the Masonic Lodge, has served on the city council, as fire chief, and as Justice of the Peace. Terry Easterwood is active in the theater arts. Don Johnson is an income tax counselor, precinct election judge, and repairs cameras for Helping Hands. Mary Puckett is involved in the voting process, and Robert Jacobs delivers the Eucharist to his congregation’s shut-ins. Flo Burkes is on the board of her church and serves as a Sunday school teacher.

Each volunteer received a certificate of appreciation from Congressman Hall and was honored at a cookie reception.

Article contributed by Mary Thacker
Rockwall, Texas