Senior Hall of Fame Elects 11 New Members

For the past 26 years, the Dr. Nan S. Hutchison Senior Hall of Fame has recognized Broward senior residents, age 60 and older, for their volunteer excellence, for five or more years, in the county. Since 1978, 324 elders have received the honor.

On Wednesday, March 10, the 2010 Hall of Fame Election Committee gathered, at the Aging & Disability Resource Center, to elect the Hall’s newest members. Chaired by Broward County Mayor Ken Keechl, the Committee also consisted of: Kelly Costa, Project Director, Northwest Focal Point Senior Center; Natasha Elfarghali, Finance Director, ADRC; Paula Layne, Member, ADRC Advisory Council; Marvin Simon, Senior Hall of Famer 1999; and Michelle Slagel, Fundraising Co-Chair, ADRC Advisory Council.

The 2010 Hall of Famers will be saluted at the 27th Annual Dr. Nan S. Hutchison Broward Senior Hall of Fame Breakfast, which will take place during Older Americans Month, on Thursday, May 6. The festivities will commence at 9 a.m. at Diamante’s Banquet Center, 6501 W. Commercial Boulevard in Tamarac.

The cost, to attend the function, is $30 per person, or $300 for a table of 10. Sponsorship is $500 (five hundred dollars), which includes: one seat at a reserved table; publicity prior to, during, and after the event; and the ability to place handouts at each seat. For reservations, please call Cheryl Morrow, Executive Secretary, at (954) 745-9567, extension 206.

Dorothy Fairweather, Coral Springs – 66

Since 1994, Dorothy Fairweather has shared her compassion and dedication as a regular volunteer for the Saint Isidro Food Ministry, where she helps with the coordination and distribution of food and goods to disadvantaged families every Saturday. In addition, since 2008, Ms. Fairweather has volunteered with SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), at least two days a week. Dorothy also shares her knowledge and counseling skills with her clients at the Northwest Focal Point Senior Center. She also helps mentor new SHINE volunteers, as well as goes above and beyond to help needy seniors by providing them accurate and excellent service. Since joining the SHINE Program, in June of 2007, Dorothy has assisted nearly 400 individuals, volunteered at Health Fairs, and contributed an extra day at the Northwest Focal Point during the Annual Enrollment Period for Part D to assist clients with choosing prescription drug plans. Although reading is her favorite pastime, it is obvious that Ms. Fairweather’s prime passion, in her own words, is “to gain knowledge, assist the public, interact with people from all walks of life, listen and find solutions to their actions.” Humanity is highly grateful for Dorothy Fairweather, an excellent candidate for the Senior Hall of Fame.

John and Gale Fontaine, Lighthouse Point – 69, 60

Gale and John Fontaine are remarkable volunteers who work, as a team, to benefit the needs of Broward residents. For the past 20 years, they have helped to coordinate special events to raise funds for local charities, such as the Aging & Disability Resource Center, St. Elizabeth Church, Alzheimer’s Family Center, Children’s Diagnostic Center, and numerous veterans’ groups. The word “no” is not a part of their vocabulary when this caring couple is requested to coordinate events, sell chances, provide outreach to isolated elders or aid disabled children. Both work diligently, side by side, at church fairs, senior arcades, and children’s benefits. The Fontaines have the ability and desire to lead, follow, or walk beside other advocates to achieve successful goals. Both are examples of excellence to everyone fortunate to sense their presence. For loyalty, performance, dedication, and love, Gale and John Fontaine merit election to the Senior Hall of Fame.

Rachel Goldberg, Sunrise – 73

Rachel’s Goldberg’s husband was a victim of Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, Mrs. Goldberg knows, from personal experience, the physical and emotional toll this devastating disease can incur on families, especially the day to day caregiver. In searching for help, Rachel found the Alzheimer’s Family Center, a place that provided encouragement, support, and understanding. When her husband passed, the Sunrise Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Family Center was formed with Rachel as the founding President. The Chapter started with a handful of individuals meeting in Rachel’s home. Today, it has evolved to almost 100 members. The group conducts an annual fundraising luncheon with a raffle and a boutique featuring local vendors.  To assure the success of the Chapter’s fundraisers, Rachel personally transports members to and from the events. She also holds a seat on the Alzheimer’s Family Center Board of Directors. Rachel Goldberg displays an amazing amount of dedication, and has been a leader in coordinating hard working senior citizens toward a common goal of serving humanity. The Alzheimer’s Family Center and its Respite Program are the beneficiaries of her generous efforts. Selfless dedication and positive leadership, that attracts a multitude of followers, are the prime factors that merit her election to the Senior Hall of Fame.

Rev. Mae Griffin, Fort Lauderdale – 60+

Born in Minnesota, Rev. Mae Griffin moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1966.  An accomplished musician, Rev. Griffin has dedicated her retirement years, from the Department of Justice, to serving the community. Mae has served as President of the Broward Organ Club, Member of the Morning Musicale of Fort Lauderdale, Past Grand Organist of Eastern Star, and Musician for and Member of the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of Kiwanis Club. Proficient with the violin, piano, organ, and keyboard, Rev. Griffin is a Member of Church by the Sea in Fort Lauderdale. Currently, she volunteers for two weekly clerical services at The Lenox on the Lake and Springtree establishments, as well as contributes her musical talents to a variety of nursing homes, rehabilitation and memory care facilities. The clients at Williamsburg Landing are grateful for Mae’s unselfishness. Shortly after the September 11 tragedy, Mae assisted the Center by setting up a special program of prayer and patriotic music to console the community. Also, during hurricane treats and strikes, she has been one of the first to contact residents, verifying their welfare and safety. Mae Griffin’s life philosophy is, “If anyone is better for knowing me, I will have served my purpose.” For her talents and nurturing heart, Rev. Mae Griffin merits election to the Hall of Fame.

Nat Gross, Pembroke Pines – 77

On March 24, 2006, Leeza’s Place celebrated its grand opening in Memorial Hospital Pembroke. Nat Gross stood among the crowd, hearing the words of the National Co-Founder, Leeza Gibbons. Mr. Gross cared for his wife, Ana Gross, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He struggled with his wife’s paranoia, aggression, wandering, and elevated levels of confusion. Nat came to Leeza’s Place in search of a safe haven. Mr. Gross became the Center’s first volunteer. Since 2006, he has committed five days, 32 hours per week of his time and has provided an endless source of nurturing, love, and support to thousands of caregivers in Broward County. In January, Nat turned 77. He has more energy that people half his age! In addition to helping others, he also assists moving furniture, decorating, and making weekly calls to all active members. Nat always has a smile and a hug for those in need, as well as the perfect words to inspire and heal. Since 2005, he has written over 50 poems and short stories dedicated to empowering and comforting caregivers. He is the shoulder caregivers cry on; as well as the warmth and love they need in their most challenging moments. Nat Gross, alone, creates the calm within the storm of caregiving.

Commissioner Ilene Lieberman, Tamarac – 63

County Commissioner Ilene Lieberman is a superb senior, whose leadership, in both the Broward political and volunteer sectors, has been evidenced and exemplary for over 30 years. Accomplishments in her Lauderhill homeowners’ association, in the early 1980s, led to Ilene’s being elected to the Lauderhill Council where she served as Councilwoman, and eventually Mayor, during the major growth period of the City. As a County Commissioner, since 1996, including being Mayor, this versatile leader has brought wisdom and light to the governing body. Her support for aging services funding is perpetual and her awareness of issues, impacting on the entire residency of Broward, has, and continues to serve in an optimal manor. This leader has addressed health transplant matters through personal experience and direct involvement. As a volunteer trustee and director, for the Boys’ and Girls’ Club, Commissioner Lieberman is a recognized voice for youth. By attending Nova Law School and graduating at the age of 42 as Valedictorian Summa Cum Laude, Ilene proved that age is no barrier to education or achievement. Commissioner Ilene Lieberman believes that dreams can become realities if humanity, of all ages, teams to accomplish life’s goals.

Chuck Nicholls, Fort Lauderdale – 75

Chuck Nicholls merits election to the Broward Senior Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to helping people with HIV/AIDS in Broward County. Chuck was President of the Board of Tuesday’s Angels for eight years. He currently serves as Immediate Past President. Tuesday’s Angels mission is to provide emergency assistance to financially needy people with HIV/AIDS in Broward and to seek grants to local HIV agencies for direct services to their clients. Under Mr. Nicholls’ leadership, Tuesday’s Angels has helped thousands of people with HIV/AIDS with their rent, electric bills, and other expenses. In addition, Chuck was instrumental in providing hundreds of people to access public transportation through securing a bus pass program, hundreds more to receive basic necessities through grants to Poverello, and sending many children with HIV to summer camps in partnership with Child Diagnostic and Treatment Center. Chuck Nicholls’ vision and energy have been, and continues to be an inspiration to everyone touched by his caring hands and heart.

Frank Pumilia, Margate – 87

Since the early 1990s, Margate resident Frank Pumilia has remained a highly active volunteer in Broward County. When Frank was a young boy in Brooklyn, he would tag along with his dad to political events and learned the importance of community involvement. Those lessons lasted a lifetime for this unique volunteer, who continues to serve as the President of the Margate Democratic Club, as well as a Member of the Broward County Democratic Executive Committee. In addition, Mr. Pumilia displays his leadership abilities as President of the Margate Association of Condominiums. Referred to, by many, as “Mr. Margate,” Frank’s latest challenge is working to bring some relief to condominium owners facing a high number of foreclosures. He maintains a close working relationship with city, county, and state elected officials so he can help the residents in his community. A retired pretrial negotiator, investigator and paralegal expert, Frank has a passion for assisting local organizations. From 1994-2002, he served as Chairman and Chief Examiner on the Margate Civil Service Board. He also was a Member of the Senior’s Foundation of Northwest Broward and was on the Florida Business and Professional Board. For his wide range of accomplishments, Frank Pumilia merits election to the Broward Senior Hall of Fame.

Lucille Scruggs, Pompano Beach – 83

Lucille Scruggs arrived in Pompano Beach in 1950 to teach at the Project School in the Farm Labor Camp. Lucille continued to teach in Broward County schools for 39 years. A member of the oldest church in the Northwest area, Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, recently endowed Ms. Scruggs with the distinct title “Mother of the Church.” Lucille fills her retirement with volunteering in the Food Pantry of Mt. Calvary, as well as by helping distribute food and clothing to the indigent and the homeless. She has served as a member of the Advisory Board at St. Lawrence Chapel, which also assists the needy. In addition, her love for reading is demonstrated by her membership on the Friends of the Pompano Beach Library. Ms. Scruggs also is a member of the Women’s Ministry at Mt. Calvary Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and has served as a Sunday school teacher. Ms. Scruggs kindly states, “I am happy with my life and the service I have given and hope to continue to give as long as life last.” For her dedication and willingness to embrace life, Lucille Scruggs merits election to the Senior Hall of Fame.

Gladys Warner, Tamarac – 73

Shortly after her retirement in 1995, Gladys Warner, a native New Yorker, relocated to Tamarac, where she immediately became involved in her new community by volunteering with a variety of organizations. Ms. Warner, who is an avid reader and skilled researcher, joined the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program in 2006 as a counselor. Gladys volunteers every second Monday at her counseling site, located at State Senator Jeremy Ring’s Mobile Office in Tamarac, as well as the first Thursday of the month at the Kings Point AARP Chapter. Since joining SHINE, Ms. Warner has volunteered more than 135 hours. For her outreach to the community, she was awarded the “Significant Light of Accomplishment Award.” Gladys also was honored as Top Performer for consistently counseling over 200 clients each year. Her analytical skills and passion, to help others, have been the key driving force in saving SHINE clients thousands of dollars in prescription costs. The dynamics and patience Gladys provides each senior have inspired numerous letters of compliments, admiration, and gratitude.  In addition to serving as a Poll Worker during the various election seasons, Ms. Warner also volunteers once a week at the University Hospital Outpatient Department and serves as an usher at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts on weekends. Incredibly, in her spare time, Gladys also contributes at her Condominium Association as a Media Information Officer. Gladys Warner’s charisma and ability to work well with others have been beneficial to the SHINE Program and have earned her this Senior Hall of Fame Nomination.

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Posted by Andrea Freygang on Mar 11 2010. Filed under Broward County, Local news. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.