Capital Health Plan (CHP) is a proud sponsor of the Tallahassee Senior Citizens Foundation’s 19th Annual Silver Stars Gala. The event recognizes individuals who have made a positive impact in the local community since turning 60. The 2021 Silver Stars Gala dinner celebration at the FSU University Center honors the nine “Silver Stars” for their dedicated service in the local community.
The 2021 “Silver Stars” honorees are:
Regie & Pat Ashley
Regie & Pat Ashley are a formidable team. For the past 25 years, they’ve lived in rural Wakulla County, where they developed resources to lighten the load of those who care for family members with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
Thomas Hart
After his career as an instructor at FSU’s School of Library and Information Science, Thomas Hart now combines his dual passions: libraries (of course) and watercolor painting. He currently volunteers as an art librarian at the Roddenbery Memorial Library in Cairo, GA, where he teaches others to paint using his unique watercolor technique, and has donated 30 of his paintings to the library.
Edith Holiday-Austin
At 90 years old, Rev. Edith Holiday-Austin shows no signs of slowing down. A FAMU alum, Edith worked for nearly 40 years as an elementary and high school educator. She’s now very active with AME church and is involved with various local organizations.
June MacDonald
Before passing away earlier this year, June MacDonald played an active role in Tallahassee, where she continued to volunteer even past her 99th birthday. Her volunteer work included various roles at her church and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, where she was recognized for over 7,000 hours of service.
Betty Roberts
Tallahassee native Betty Roberts spent more than a decade as a licensed practical nurse before working in state government for 38 years. Since retiring, Betty has stayed active through community service and volunteer work. She organized the Top Ladies of Distinction and served as President of Church Women United of Tallahassee, President of the Callen Neighborhood Association, and more.
Washington Sanchez
After serving in the U.S. Army for 27 years, retired Colonel Washington Sanchez is passionate about helping veterans. He began his military career in the ROTC program at FAMU before completing two combat tours in Vietnam and three tours in Germany. In 1965, he was wounded in Vietnam and awarded the Purple Heart medal. During his three years as Chairman of the Florida Veterans Foundation, he secured a $1.25 million grant to assist veterans.
Marjorie Reitz Turnbull
Majorie Reitz Turnbull is deeply connected to her community. During her many decades of public service, she has been the executive director of the Tallahassee Community College Foundation, a member of the Florida House of Representatives, Chair of the Leon County Commission, and a member of the board of Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, among others.
Judith Westbrook
Judith Westbrook leads an exceptionally active life, including hiking and volunteering around Tallahassee. She has donated her time to numerous local agencies and organizations. Judith especially enjoys putting meals together for Second Harvest and helping at the W.T. Moore Elementary School food pantry.
To learn more about the nine honorees and the event, visit www.tallahasseeseniorfoundation.org/silver-stars/.