Nick DeVenuto (left) enjoys helping veterans. UCW file photo
Charlotte Media Group highlights people in Mecklenburg and Union counties focused on enhancing the lives of senior citizens, whether through work or service. Here are 15 people who deserve a pat on the back.
Erin Barbee
As director of advancement for Aldergate Retirement Community, Barbee engages the community on senior-related issues. She’s involved in the Charlotte Museum of History, Habitat For Humanity, YMCA of Greater Charlotte and civil rights groups.
W. Beatrice Colson
The Wingate resident has served Union County in various capacities over the years, including leadership roles with Union County’s AARP chapter and the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature.
Nick DeVenuto
Since moving from New York to the Charlotte area, the Department of Veteran Affairs volunteer has been helping brave men and women who serve, particularly those who fought in World War II.
Karla Ennis
The Matthews Human Services Council recognized Ennis with the Nancy Glenn Community Servant Award for her contributions, which include overseeing the community health and wellness program at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center and chairing the board of directors for the Levine Senior Center.
Stuart Goldstein
The managing partner with Cadwalader’s Charlotte office received the 2019 Award of Excellence in May for his advocacy with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Western Carolina Chapter.
Angie Harmon
The actress has attended Alzheimer’s Association’s Western Carolina Chapter events in support of her grandmother. These include the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the Memory Gala.
Rampi Hijazin
She has owned BrightStar Care franchises that have provided in-home care in Charlotte and Union County since 2011, as well as led an Alzheimer’s support group in the SouthPark area.
Rachel Hunt
Hunt serves on the N.C. House’s Aging Committee. She has sponsored bills that enhance protections for residents of long-term care facilities.
Marcus Jones
About $1.5 million of the Charlotte city manager’s budget for fiscal year 2020 will support an Aging in Place Program, designed to help seniors with increasing property taxes to stay in their homes.
Natasha Marcus
During her first term in the N.C. Senate, the District 41 legislator has sponsored bills designed to provide relief to caregivers and cost-of-living adjustments to retired teachers and state employees.
Tracy McGinnis
She has served as director of philanthropy at Southminster since 2014. She’s been involved with groups like Council on Aging, Shepherd’s Center and Volunteer Transportation Services.
Phil Mowery
The Matthews resident has worked to broaden the membership and community awareness of American Legion Post 235 through engagement and marketing.
Liz Strachan & Myra White
Both keep the Hearing Loss Association of America’s Charlotte chapter going. White is one of the association’s charter members.
Kathy Streng
Streng is executive director for the Charlotte office of the Arthritis Foundation, which holds events like Jingle Bell Run and Walk to Cure Arthritis across the region.
Previously recognized champions
• March 2018: April Barnes, Peter Brunnick, Beverly Earle, Nate Huggins, Dahn Jenkins, David Lacy, Katherine Lambert, Vilma Leake, Linda Miller, Julian Montoro-Rodriquez, Trena Palmer, Suzanne Pugh, Renee Rizzuti, Linda Smosky & Jim Weiland.
• September 2018: Michael Alvarez, Arthur Barlett, Cindy Berrier, Kathleen Shelby Boyett, Pat Cotham, Barry Edelman, Les and Roberta Farnum, Wayne Felton, Andrew Friend, Lynn Ivey, Kathy Joy, Michael Olender, Colleen Puceta & Scott Stone.
• March 2019: Tom Bartholomy, Larry Berg & Harry Watkins, Carla Cunningham, Iris Devore, Susan Didier, Harris High, Jill Lipson, Michelle Marcano, Lance Nelson, Monica Smith, Josh Stein, Thom Tillis, Shannon Tucker and Joyce Waddell.