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State Office, Commission on Aging Honors Senior Citizens of the Year at State Capitol
June 04, 2013
LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan 2013 Senior Citizens of the Year, James White of Grand Rapids and Julia Weaver of Charlotte, were honored today at the Michigan State Capitol for their outstanding community service work.
James White, nominated by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM), was recognized for his exceptional work in the category of community leadership. White, age 72, has been volunteering in West Michigan for more than 40 years and helped found the Baxter Community Center and Camp Tall Turf.
White has helped older adults by serving on the Board of Directors for the AAAWM since 2005. White's attitude of never saying "no" has helped make a difference in the lives of thousands of area residents who have benefitted from his exemplary service.
Julia Weaver, nominated by Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital (HGB), was recognized in the category of service to others for her work as a volunteer over the past 59 years. Weaver, who will turn 91 this month, has logged more than 17,000 hours of service at HGB working in the office, volunteer desk, at the annual HealthFest, and at hospital blood drives.
She is also one of the largest fundraisers in the community and has secured thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society, the local Crop Walk, and the March of Dimes. Her biggest accomplishment is her volunteer work in the community and her positive attitude.
Each year two older adults are honored by the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) and the Commission on Services to the Aging at Older Michiganians Day.
"I want to thank and congratulate James White and Julia Weaver for their outstanding service and invaluable contributions to their communities," said OSA Director Kari Sederburg. "Their accomplishments are truly inspiring."
White and Weaver each received a congratulatory letter from Governor Rick Snyder and a $1,000 check from Consumers Energy, which is an award partner.
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Photo (from left to right): Senior Citizen of the Year Julia Weaver, Consumers Energy's Whitney Skeans, Senior Citizen of the Year James White, Office of Services to the Aging Director Kari Sederburg and Commission on Services to the Aging Chairman Harold Mast