LifeStream to honor those who go above & beyond

Individuals who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of aging adults and people with disabilities along with eight individuals over the age of 80 who are active in their communities and LifeStream AngelWorx volunteers will be honored during a reception on May 14.

LifeStream Services, the local Aging and Disability Resource Center for East Central Indiana, will honor the following:

    Chairman’s Award – Franklin L. Gray, Muncie. Gray, a communications studies professor at Ball State University, has served as director of The Third Age Theater Group and has given his time since 1995. The group is comprised of men and women, ages 55 to 94. Under Gray’s leadership, seniors entertain through singing, dancing, storytelling, and making people laugh. Gray believes entertainers never lose their love of theater and stage, and through his efforts, seniors are encouraged to continue to pursue their talents.  The group has performed throughout the area at reunions, senior citizens groups, churches and fundraisers.

    Champion Award – Bruce Reynolds, Muncie: Reynolds has been director of the Forest Park Senior Center for 10 years, assisting seniors and people with disabilities with programming, recreation and events. A retired Borg Warner employee, Reynolds came to the center because he believed in the importance of providing activities that focused on helping seniors remain independent.

    Focus Award – Meridian Health Services, Meridian Senior Health Division, Muncie: Meridian Senior Health Division is dedicated to providing mental health services for seniors in East Central Indiana. The goal of gero-psychiatric services is to prepare seniors with acute severe psychiatric illness to return and thrive in their normal living environment. To accomplish this goal, the program involves family caregivers, physicians and other health professionals. Meridian’s gero-psychiatric services offer ways to identify and treat problems. In addition, caregivers can find new skills and support. The in-patient unit is located on the IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital campus in Muncie.

    Golden Hoosier Award – Charles and Cheryl Wilson, Losantville: Both Charles and Cheryl are active in community service in Randolph County. Charlie is the official handyman for many seniors in the area, doing repairs for them at no charge. He is active in Lions Club, Masonic Lodge and church projects that assist seniors. Cheryl is active in community and church projects, driving seniors to doctors’ appointments and volunteering at Union School. The couple is involved in mission work and doing repairs for low-income families. Cheryl has volunteered with LifeStream’s AngelWish and the Aging Well conference. She has also directed a community hand bell choir and plays piano for her church. The couple participates in bi-monthly Serve U Community Meals through their church while serving on various community boards and projects.

    LifeStream will also honor 8 Over 80 – eight individuals over the age of 80 – who continue to make a difference by currently being involved in their communities, churches or organizations. These recognitions are part of the agency’s 40^th anniversary celebration during Older Americans Month in May.

    The following will be honored: Robert and Elizabeth Courtney, Muncie; John Craddock,  Muncie; Louise Dennin, Muncie; Paul Ellcessor , Muncie; Mary Kay Redenburg, Middletown; Patty Turner, Hartford City; Jane Passmore, Winchester, and Marie Whetsel, Dunkirk.

    In addition, LifeStream’s AngelWorx volunteers will be honored. The volunteers together provided more than 14,600 hours of service during 2014 by helping seniors and people with disabilities in East Central Indiana. Volunteers help at Senior Cafes, at special events such as Safe at Home, at the agency’s offices and individually with those in need.

    The reception is open to all interested. RSVPs would be appreciated.