Tallahassee Sun

Some of Tallahassee's most accomplished seniors were honored at the 20th annual Silver Stars Gala, held on May 19. Organized by the City of Tallahassee Senior Services, Silver Stars is the community's premier senior recognition event.

"Silver Stars" are individuals who selflessly contribute to the community and exemplify active aging. This year, 10 Silver Stars were recognized for their positive outlook, active lifestyle and dedication to others since the age of 60.

The 2022 Silver Stars award recipients are Shirley Gooding-Butler, Laurie H. Hosford, Ted and Sarah Houston, Anna Johnson-Riedel, Joan Kanan, James McMichael, Rev. Charles and Jeanetta Scriven and Willie "Jewel" Vickers.

Shirley Gooding-Butler, 78, retired from a career in state government after 31 years serving in many capacities, including Secretary of the Department of Labor. A 10-year member of the Tallahassee Senior Center Foundation Board, she also volunteers at her church (Bethel AME) and runs Shirley's Clothes Closet.

Laurie H. Hosford, 86, is a professional writer and editor. He has taught Writers Workshop at the Tallahassee Senior Center for 17 years. Hosford doesn't consider it work. He calls it "an absolute joy." Students from Hosford's class have found success in the publishing world - one former student's book on World War II became a best- seller.

Ted and Sarah Houston are 79 and 78 respectively. He's a retired pharmacist and preacher, and she's a retired math teacher. They are, however, as busy as ever. They've served meals to the hungry and helped families after a hurricane. Among the many groups they've assisted are Elder Care Services and the Salvation Army.

Anna Johnson-Riedel, 83, former WCTV news anchor and longtime host for the Silver Stars Gala, was on the other side of the microphone this year. Her love for community work blossomed over 35 years as a television personality. She was a regular on the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association telethons, and locally, she was the face of the "Forever Families" news segment about adoption.

Joan Kanan, 79, takes the advice she gives to her peers to heart, "Stay positive, stimulate your mind, and get out and do things." The former educator and lobbyist retired at age 70, but she remains active in the community. Besides work with the League of Women Voters and her homeowner's association, Kanan is also an artist. She's been involved with the art program at the Tallahassee Senior Center, and she's president of the Wiregrass Art Gallery in Thomasville, Ga.

James McMichael, 87, does not believe in being idle. He retired two years ago from Florida State University as a professor in the Certified Public Manager program, but he's back at FSU as an adjunct instructor. McMichael is also an active member of his homeowner's association and a volunteer at his church, where he posts a biweekly podcast and serves as a financial advisor.

Rev. Charles and Jeanetta Scriven, 91 and 85 respectively, have been married for 68 years. His appointment as the first black Jacksonville Police Chief in 1973 began a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. His lifelong desire, though, was to serve and minister, so he subsequently became a chaplain. The couple worked with the area's homeless for many years through an outreach ministry that included cooking and serving food. They also volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Big Bend Hospice, and Jeanetta wrote and distributed a newsletter for Capital Regional Medical Center.

Willie "Jewel" Vickers, 77, the fifth child of 14 siblings, learned to cook at a young age. The skill would come in handy years later, as a volunteer. Vickers retired at age 71, after a 28-year career as a rural mail carrier for the postal service. She checked on people on her route and even cooked meals for some of them. Vickers volunteers five days a week at Jake Gaither or Smith-Williams community centers. A devoted member at Greater Mt. Pleasant Church for 50 years, she sings in the choir, ushers and ministers to others by sharing her love of cooking.

To read the complete stories of this year's extraordinary Silver Star award recipients, visit TallahasseeSeniorFoundation.org.

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 850-891-4000 or visit Talgov.com/Seniors. You can also keep up-to-date by liking the Tallahassee Senior Center on Facebook.

Original source can be found here.