Top 50 Over 50

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2019 Honoree Henry “GIP” Gipson, owner of legendary Birmingham juke joint, Gip’s Place.

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n behalf of Positive Maturity’s Board of Directors and staff, welcome to the Sixth Annual 2019 Top 50 Over 50! We are thrilled to recognize 50 adults aged 50 and older who have made a significant impact in their communities through business, civic engagement or through a lifetime of achievements.

This year’s Top 50 Over 50 recipients are not only inspirational in what they are able to accomplish within their communities, they are a vibrant group of individuals who are changing the way people perceive what it means to grow older. Within this year’s Top 50 Over 50 class, we proudly present Mr. Gip (Henry Gipson), a 98-year-old blues musician who is still actively performing for his community. There is Bonnie Atchison, who after teaching for 20 years retired and began an encore life of volunteerism. She enjoys her time with the Arts Council, being a curator, presiding over the Alabama Federation of Women’s Club and organizing local events and fundraisers that support those who are veterans, cancer survivors or domestic violence survivors. There is also Jimmy Rane, better known as the “Yella Fella.” As the founder and CEP of Great Southern Wood Preserving, the story of how he went from attorney to CEP of the largest wood preserving company in the U.S. is truly amazing.

How all of our recipients touch and change the lives of others will serve to inspire people of all ages.

We would like to thank Regions Bank, our named sponsor for this year’s event, along with the United Way of Central Alabama and AARP. A special thank you also to Sara Walker (Sara Walker Photography) who once again graciously donated her time, providing us with these amazing photographs of our recipients.

Since 1972, Positive Maturity has been the fabric of the aging communities in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker counties. We are a proud partner of the United Way of Central Alabama and a sponsor for the Corporation for National and Community Services’ Senior Corps Programs. Our mission is to positively enhance and empower the lives of older adults through social services and civic engagement. Programs include the Retired and Senior Volunteers, AWARE (Aging Workers Are Reliable Employees), Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, Shepherd Center East and Geriatric Social Services.

After tonight, we hope you will be inspired by the possibilities of life after age 50.

Sincerely,

Penny Kakoliris Executive Director Positive Maturity, Inc. 70 CITY GUIDE 2018

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EMCEES:

BRENDA LADUN

2017 Top 50 Over 50 recipient Brenda Ladun grew up in Pennsylvania, where she had an opportunity to learn about broadcast journalism from her school’s closed-circuit television station. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications. Brenda is a five-time winner of the Alabama Associated Press Awards for Best Investigative Reporter and Best Specialized Reporter. She has also won for Best Anchor. In 2001, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. During her recovery she took up running and has competed in several marathons. In 2007, after a period of apparent remission, the cancer returned. Brenda points to her faith as the foundation of her strength to fight the disease. She is a regional spokeswoman for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and has written two books about her recovery. For a special series Brenda aired about breast cancer, she was given the Edward R. Murrow Award for Radio and Television Journalism. Brenda and her husband have three sons, Brooks, Gabby and Garett. She is an active supporter of the Grace House Christian Home for Girls and teaches Sunday School at Hunter Street Baptist Church.

TINA SAVAS

The genius behind The Top 50 Over 50, Tina Savas was among the first wave of women entrepreneurs in Birmingham, Ala. She founded the Birmingham Business Journal, Alabama Construction News and Birmingham Weekly, Birmingham’s weekly alternative newspaper and winner of national awards. In addition, she was the original founder of the Top 40 Under 40 awards, an award that is now nationwide. In addition to building Birmingham up through her businesses, Tina served on many local boards for community development, advised numerous foundations, colleges and hospitals. She has been recognized over the years for her service and career. In 2005, along with co-author Edie Hand, Tine wrote a book about women who are the first in their fields entitled Women of True Grit. The book garnered top national reviews and attention in several media outlets.

Tina became a part of the Positive Maturity team in 2009 where she first served as an advisory council member for the Aging Workers Are Reliable Employees (AWARE) program and joined the Board of Directors in 2011. Tina was responsible for the creation of the Top 50 Over 50 as a signature fundraising event for the agency. Due to her leadership, knowledge and ongoing support, the Top 50 Over 50 recognition is now recognized as a wonderful award and event that shines a light on the aging community and those who make Alabama a better place.

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS:

JOEL ROTENSTREICH

Joel Rostenstreich will be presenting awards to the class of 2019 and is a volunteer par excellence. He has shown leadership in Jewish civic affairs and has made it his life’s mission to bring people together. Rotenstreich served 15 years on the Mountain Brook Board of Education and at age 74, serves as director of Client Services for the law firm of Zarzaur and Schwartz. He and his wife, Bunny, have a son, a daughter and twin grandsons. Joel’s mission in life is to bring people together, creating one happy world.

Special Thanks to Sara Walker Photography

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FLOYD ALEXANDER

Floyd’s passion is helping othesr by meeting needs in the community. “I basically get tired of hearing that things need to be done but people won’t do them,” he says. “I just want to get out and DO!” Floyd has helped maintain Greenwood Cemetery to honor the little girls from the 16th Street Baptist Church bombings. Through the Civitans, he has cleaned the Cahaba River regularly, built wheelchair ramps, conducted food drives, worked with Special Olympics and raised money for the UAB Civitan Research Center. Floyd even helped to restore the Alabama Theatre in the early 1990s. Recently, he helped initiate a neighborhood watch program in his community.

VICKIE ASHFORD

Vickie is director of Travel Media for the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, but in the larger scheme, she works to benefit all of Jefferson County. She travels the country to invite travel journalists and bloggers to visit Birmingham and has been instrumental in coverage of the city by The New York Times, USA TODAY, Vogue, The Chicago Tribune, Garden & Gun, Southern Living and many other nationally recognized publications. Vickie has a great love for Birmingham, and in turn, invites writers to fall in love with the city she calls home.

RANDY BETSCH

Randy is best described in the words of his daughter, who nominated him. “I have had the privilege of knowing my nominee, Randy Betsch, all 28 years of my life because he is my father. And all 28 years I have been proud to call him Dad. Randy puts others before himself and would give a stranger the shirt off his back. He has spent his whole career working tirelessly in the nonprofit world, including the past nine years at United Way of Central Alabama. Although he takes his job very seriously, he refuses to grow up. Randy still rides his motorcycle to work nearly every day, mountain bikes on the weekends and most certainly can outrun me in a race. He always has a smile on his face and a corny joke up his sleeve.”

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CAROL BRAITHWAITE

Carol was a Vision Rehabilitation teacher with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, managing hundreds of cases for the blind and visually impaired. By providing assessments, education and advocacy, Carol has been a champion for these individuals’ rights. In addition, her daughter has Smith-Magenis Syndrome and is living in an ARC group home. Since retirement, Carol serves on the advisory board of the Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind, which helps equip blind people to integrate into their home and community. She is an active member of Mt. Calvary Presbyterian Church, assisting in the music ministry and she has participated in overseas mission trips. Carol is a champion for the disabled community, making the world a better place for her daughter and others.

LYNN CAMPISI

Attorney Lynn Campisi has practiced Elder Law and served Birmingham’s estate and healthcare legal needs for more than 25 years. She is passionate about the rights of the aging and disabled and helped create a network of attorneys sharing this passion when she served as founding chair of the Alabama Elder Law Section. Lynn has been active on the board of the Alzheimer’s Society for many years, serving as president. She is currently vice president of the Board of Trustees of the Alabama Family Trust. Lynn is also a valued member of the Board of Advocates of the UAB Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging.

PEGGY SARON CLARKE

Throughout her 40- year career in the employment industry, Peggy Clarke was known as a strong advocate for individuals over the age of 50. She began her career of assisting others with Dunhill Staffing System in Birmingham. While serving on the Board for Positive Maturity, a proven leader was needed for the Aging Workers Are Reliable Employees Program, so Peggy stepped forward and championed the cause for over 15 years. In addition to Positive Maturity, Peggy served on several nonprofit boards throughout Birmingham. She has touched the lives of thousands of individuals throughout Alabama, giving them a new start, a new dream and at times, a new career.

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LINDA FOSTER COLEMAN-MADISON

Linda Foster Coleman-Madison is an Alabama state senator representing Senate District 20. She previously represented House District 60 in the Alabama House of Representatives and served for 12 years on the Birmingham City Council. She continues to serve Birmingham as its American with Disabilities Act compliance director. In addition, Coleman-Madison is a licensed realtor with ReMAX Realty Consultants and has worked in marketing and recruitment for the American Red Cross and the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority. She has served on the Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board and on the boards of the Birmingham Turf Club, Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Alabama Black Caucus. She is a director of the Birmingham Chapter of the American Red Cross and a state director for the National Foundation of Women Legislators.

BRIAN COPES

Brian was named the Top Teacher in the nation out of 825 educators by the National Life Group and won the 2017-18 Life Changer of the Year award. He was recognized as one of the Top 50 Teachers in the World by the Varkey Foundation. And People magazine named Brian Teacher of the Year out of thousands. He was awarded the highest Presidential volunteer service award and is the Founder of the nonprofit SKY (Skilled Knowledgeable Youth Advisory Group). He’s sponsored trips for his students and developed sister schools in Honduras, where they built container classrooms. Together with his students, they constructed computers, a hydroelectric plant, prosthetic limbs and a 3-D printer; assisted in the medical clinic; installed water purifiers; and constructed ATVs for school bus, ambulance, and water well drilling. He founded “Electrathon,” a battery-powered car race at Barbers Motorsports Park for high school students. Brian works with more than 500 businesses in order to receive grants of technology, expertise, equipment and supplies for his programs.

DEBORAH DICKINSON CRAWFORD

Deborah is a native of Birmingham, raised in the historic Smithfield Community. She grew up with a love of education and was the child of an HBCU love affair. She’s been teaching for 34 years, 18 with the Kindergarten scholars at Minor Elementary in Ensley. She is a champion of the Foster Grandparent Program in her classroom. Deborah not only has inspired her children over the years, she inspired her Foster Grandparent volunteer to return to school, where she obtained her associate degree in Early Childhood Education. Deborah is a member of the Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, where she participates in their Grief and Loss Ministry and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

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MIKE DUNNAVANT

When Mike and his wife Susan married in the wine country of Napa Valley in 1997, Mike had already developed a business plan to open a wine shop. But he decided not to pop the cork…yet. After working for 24 years in the computer technology field, Mike opened The Wine Loft in 2007, a wine bar with a large selection of wines by the bottle or by the glass, plus liquor, beer and small gourmet food plates. He is credited as being one of the creators of the renaissance of downtown Birmingham. Mike enjoys spending his free time cooking for First Light shelter, hosting charity fundraisers and planning trips with friends to the great wine regions of the world.

EMMA T. FORD EPHRIAMS

During her 30-year career at BellSouth Telecommunications, Emma received many awards for excellent customer service. After retirement, she joined AARP and became a leader of several groups. In 2007, Emma became founder and volunteer president of the Bessemer West Jefferson County Chapter #5418 of AARP. In 2011, AARP’s Alabama Leadership Summit presented her the “Ruth Blacker Award for Advocacy.” Emma served as chair of the Central Alabama Capital Advocacy Team, as RSVP Advisory Board member and as a volunteer in community service projects.

For almost 12 years, she’s been serving as the local chapter leader as an advocate for the 50+ community…still providing excellent customer service!

ERIC ESSIX

Considered a music prodigy, guitarist Eric Essix is a Berklee College of Music graduate who has produced 26 albums as a recording artist and composer over his 30-year career.

He’s recorded with Miley Cyrus, Kirk Whalum and Ruben Studdard and toured worldwide with Peabo Bryson and Ronnie Laws, to name just a few. His latest album features guest saxophonist Lou “Blue Lou” Marini of Saturday Night Live and Blues Brothers fame. Eric is the Alabama Jazz Hall Of Fame’s youngest inductee. Through his nonprofit, Eric Essix Foundation, he has presented music workshops and concerts in more than 120 underserved Alabama schools and five countries since 1994. Eric is a UAB Artist-In-Residence, director of programming at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center and tireless advocate of the arts.

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CATHY FRIEDMAN

Cathy Friedman is guided by two principles in her varied community work: first, to focus on human rights and second, to accomplish Tikkun Olam, which means to repair the broken world. For more than 30 years, Cathy has carried these two principles in her heart and served her Birmingham community through leadership and volunteerism. Whether working at City Paper Company, her family’s business since 1897, or volunteering for a local nonprofit, Cathy has touched the lives of so many and made the world a better place. Now retired, Cathy continues to volunteer at the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center (which recently honored her with the prestigious L’Chaim award) and enjoys spending time at local theaters and restaurants with her husband, Paul.

MARGIE GAULDEN GILBERT

Margie is a trail blazer in the field of social work, where she has enriched and broadened her students’ learning experience at UAB since 2009. Margie also has her own counseling and consulting service, MGG Counseling Services, where she works with children and families, conducts private adoption home studies and provides supervision to Licensed Graduate Social Workers to help meet their requirement for licensing. In her free time, Margie is a community volunteer. Whether serving on an advisory committee, board of directors or working with coordinated efforts to meet a community need, Margie brings her innovation, resources and dedication to the task at hand.

HENRY “GIP” GIPSON

“Gip” was born January 6 of an unknown year in Uniontown, Perry County, Ala. He is a former railroad car builder, owner of the Pine Hill Cemetery and the proprietor of Gip’s Place, a blues joint located in the backyard of his home on Avenue C in Bessemer. Gip worked at the Pullman Standard plant in Bessemer for 25 years before leaving to become a grave digger. He eventually purchased the Pine Hill Cemetery and continues to operate it himself. An avid blues fan and parttime musician, Gip began hosting barbecues in his backyard for musicians to entertain friends and neighbors. The weekend events grew in popularity and he gradually added a small enclosure with a stage.

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JANET GRAHAM

Janet Graham serves as service coordinator for Princeton Towers I & II, an affordable housing community for seniors in Jefferson County. Throughout the years, Janet has been diligent in providing a variety of services and resources to seniors and disabled adults who want to age at home and remain independent for as long as possible.

For more than 25 years, Janet has served as a Senior Companion Program station supervisor and has recruited numerous residents to serve as volunteers to other tenants at Princeton Towers. Janet is employed by Southeastern Property Management located in Birmingham.

MAYOR KENNETH GULLEY

Kenneth E. Gulley is serving his third term as mayor of Bessemer. In his three terms in office, Gulley’s administration has made several significant accomplishments. He has improved the city finances and established a businessfriendly administration which helped create about 3,500 jobs within Bessemer. He has worked hard to improve the staffing levels and technology, resulting in a drop in the city’s overall crime rate. Mayor Gulley is responsible for the city’s new equipment, Recreation Center, City Hall and Amazon’s Robotic Fulfillment Center in Bessemer, which will employee at least 1,500 people. He is married to Yvonne Whitley and they have two children.

BENGA HARRISON

Benga Harrison is the director for Hands On Birmingham, the volunteer arm of United Way, and is on the board of Alabama Arise. Over the past year, she collaborated with the Birmingham Mayor’s Office and UAB to establish a Birmingham King Week to bring together all the entities and programs involved in celebrating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recently, she rolled off the board of the East Lake Initiative, a nonprofit working to revitalize the East Lake community in Birmingham. Benga has also served as director of development for Living River: A Retreat on the Cahaba, where she helped raise $10.8 million. She is a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College, where she was selected to serve on the Honor Council.

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TODD HARVEY

Todd Harvey attended Samford University as a member of the university’s nationally ranked debate team.

He graduated from Samford in 1990 and Cumberland School of Law in 1994, practicing law in Birmingham ever since. Throughout his 25-year law career, Todd has represented workers and employees, individuals and small businesses, seniors and the disabled in a wide range of legal matters. He and his law firm have used the legal process to positively impact the community. Most recently they presented the Senior Spirit Expo, a full-day event which included exhibitor resources, entertainment and workshops for the 55 and older community. He and his wife, Ann Marie, have two daughters, Susannah and Sarah Page.

KATHIE HIERS

Kathie Hiers is the CEO of AIDS Alabama, a statewide nonprofit that provides housing, mental health and other services to individuals who are at risk of or have HIV/AIDS. Kathie has worked tirelessly on education and advocacy for the HIV/AIDS community. She is the only person from the Deep South selected by President Obama in 2010 to serve on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. She currently serves as the chair of the Federal AIDS Policy Partnership and as a board chair for the Southern AIDS Coalition and the Convening Committee for the International AIDS Conference 2010. Kathie is a true champion for the AIDS Community and was selected as one of the “Alabama Women Who Shape the State” in 2017.

KATHERINE HOUSTON

Katherine has more than 30 years of executive leadership and entrepreneurship. She developed an expertise in accounting and operations and served as an executive in multiple industries. In 2016, she founded Strengths Consulting and became affiliated with Gallup, a global analytics and advice firm. Katherine is passionate about unlocking individual potential to become our best selves, improving the dynamics in every relationship and creating strategies for success. She is active in the community, having served as an officer for several nonprofit boards. She grew up in Dothan, graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Accounting and is married to Philip, a graduate of the University of Alabama. They have three children and six grandchildren.

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GOVERNOR KAY IVEY On April 10, 2017, Kay Ivey was sworn in as the 54th governor of the state of Alabama in the Old Senate Chamber in the Alabama State Capitol by Acting Chief Justice Lyn Stuart. Following a successful 19 months in office, the people of Alabama made history again in November 2018 by electing Governor Ivey to a full term. She is the first Lt. Governor of Alabama elected to a full term after taking over as governor due to a vacancy in the governor’s office. Her nominator adds: “Kay Ivey will continue to bring conservative leadership with effective results to make this generation more productive and the next generation more prosperous.” She is a member of the First Baptist Church of Montgomery, the Montgomery Rotary Club and the Board of Directors of the Montgomery YMCA. She is also the first Girls State alumna to be elected to an Alabama Constitutional Office.

PHILLIP JACKSON, JR

Mr. Phillip C. Jackson, Jr., served as a consultant, vice chairman and as an outside director of Compass Bancshares from 1978 to 1989 and is currently a member of the Advisory Council for BBVA. He was an independent director of Saul Centers, Inc., from June 1993 until May 2018. Currently, he serves as a trustee and adjunct professor emeritus of Birmingham-Southern College and is a governor of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America. He has also served on the Board at Enterprise Products GP as well as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

LONNIE JOHNSON

Lonnie is a former Air Force and NASA engineer who invented the massively popular Super Soaker water gun.

The African-American engineer and inventor was born in Alabama in 1949. He earned his master’s degree in nuclear engineering from Tuskegee University and went on to work for the U.S. Air Force and the NASA space program.

After tinkering with the invention of a high-powered water gun, Johnson’s Super Soaker became a top-selling item by the early 1990s. He has since been developing the Johnson Thermoelectric Energy Converter (JTEC), an engine that converts heat directly into electricity, which Johnson sees as the path to low-cost solar power.

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Photo by Patricia Villafañe

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RAY JORDAN

A native of Jackson, Miss., Ray has been in Birmingham since 1986 when he opened Christmas and Company, a seasonal shop. In 2004 he opened FlowerBuds, combining the shops during the holiday season. Ray has been active with nonprofits in helping them plan and implement fundraising activities, some of which include Birmingham Aids Outreach, Cooper Green Hospital, Camp Smile-a-Mile, UAB Center on Aging and The Alabama Ballet. A lifetime member of the Alabama Ballet Board of Trustees, he also volunteers his time to be in some of their productions as character parts. He is a member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent.

LOUIS JOSOF

Louis is an oncology counselor at St. Vincent’s Bruno Cancer Center and has survived two bouts of cancer himself.

As a counselor, Louis has developed and facilitates eight cancer support groups and art therapy. He is an original board member for Hand in Paw and helped introduce pet therapy into Birmingham hospitals and clinics. In 1985, Louis developed the first oncology camp for adults in the country, known as Camp Bluebird, and marketed the program in 24 states. He has served on many community boards, including the American Cancer Society, two-term chairman of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Alabama, UAB’s Center for Palliative and Supportive Care and Hand in Paw. Louis is married to Wadia Bolus Josof and they have two children, Maria and Christopher. Christopher and his wife Katie have blessed them with three grandchildren, Penelope, Desmond and Benjamin.

HELEN KIM, PhD

Dr. Helen Kim is the President of the Alabama Asian Cultures Foundation (AACF), a nonprofit whose programs celebrate the Asian arts and cultures, bringing all Alabamians together. Dr. Kim has worked tirelessly with her colleagues to nurture their annual festival to its current 2,000-plus attendees and the foundation as a statewide educational resource for Asian arts and culture. Dr. Kim is quick to point out the invaluable support from city, county and state officials and organizations. She loves the challenge of bringing diverse communities together and to celebrate differences, whether in clothing, food or toys.

The only thing Dr. Kim is more passionate about is her family, husband Dr. Stephen Barnes, and their extended family.

She is a native of Seoul, South Korea, and was a long-time faculty member at UAB Medical School where she studied the effects of dietary compounds in vivo until her retirement in 2015.

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PHYLLIS MCCOMBS

As a child, one of Phyllis’ pastimes was playing “Connect the Dots.” Ironically, she carried that into adulthood as a consummate networker. As a packaging specialist for MAC PAPERS, she works with every facet, from designing packaging systems to optimizing warehouse operations for companies. She is a past president of Network Birmingham and has received the Birmingham Business Journal’s Top Forty Under Forty and Top Birmingham Women awards. Phyllis lends her support to Hand in Paw, serving as past president of their board and to Terrific New Theatre on their Board. In addition, Phyllis serves in volunteer roles for First Light, YWCA, AIDS Alabama, Humane Society and the Holocaust Center.

ANNE GAYLER MILLER

Serving our community by conserving its wildlife has been Anne’s passion for nearly 50 years. Although trained in the classics, Anne’s compassion for wildlife won her heart and charted her career, first as a zookeeper at the Birmingham Zoo for 10 years and then as founder and executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for 27 years. Her efforts have been recognized by the Alabama Wildlife Federation Governor’s Award, National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association Lifetime Achievement, the Cahaba Girl Scout Council and the Alabama Ornithological Society. Anne has been a board member for numerous organizations and continues to present programs on her specialty: using recorded calls to reunite juvenile raptors with their parents.

BRETT OATES

In 2008, Brett Oates helped create Silver Glovez, a program that focused on the full development of inner city baseball players in Birmingham, from 9th graders to junior college players. Since that time, Silver Glovez has had several students go on to play at several D-1 and D-II colleges such as Jackson State University, Alabama State University, Grambling State University, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Clafton University and several other programs. New colleges and universities regularly join Silver Glovez such as Morehouse College, Southern University, Norfolk State University and Prairie View A&M University. A native of Delaware, Brett is a graduate of Grambling State University with a degree in mass communications, leading to a 17-year career in broadcast journalism.

Brett has coached baseball at A.H. Parker and George Washington Carver High schools and was the head baseball coach at The Altamont School, a college preparatory school for grades 5-12. Brett and his wife Faye have two children, Taylor and Miles.

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GUS PAPPAS

Gus Pappas was the chief financial officer of the company that owned Lorch Diamond Centers when he got into a friendly chat with his neighbor across the lawn. That neighbor, Phillip Norton, was the owner of his family’s floral company, one of the city’s oldest, most respected retail establishments. Norton told Gus that he was ready to sell the business, and whether he was certain of it at the time or not, Gus was ready to buy it. In the intervening years since he bought Norton’s Florist almost a decade ago, Gus has managed the business for a new era and continues to deliver high-quality arrangements to his customers.

REPRESENTATIVE GEORGE PERDUE

George began his career teaching at Carver High School.

He then began working as a programmer for IBM. In the 1970s, he came to University of Alabama-Birmingham as a systems analyst. Over the next 35 years, George held a number of positions at UAB, including special assistant to the president and assistant vice president for Financial Affairs and Administration. He founded the UAB Office of Women and Minority-Owned Business Development and became its director. He later chaired the Alabama Congressional Black Caucus. He decided not to run for re-election in the 2006 Democratic primary. He retired from UAB the following year. George and his wife, Delores, had two daughters, Cynthia and Joy (now deceased), and one grandson.

VAN PHILLIPS

Van Phillips is the 2017 Alabama High School Secondary Principal of the Year and current principal of Center Point High School. He serves as a mentor to principals throughout the United States and serves on many boards, such as the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals and the VACCA Department of Youth Services. Van is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and is pastor of the Holy Trinity World Outreach Ministry.

Over the last 30 years, Van has served Fairfield, Hueytown, Minor and Center Point, where his impact has been steady, consistent and quintessential. Most importantly, his greatest accomplishment is being married for more than 30 years and having two successful adult children.

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JIMMY RANE

Jimmy is the founder and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving, which makes decks, fences and other treated lumber products. Jimmy is better known as “the Yella Fella,” his cowboy alter ego who appears in his company’s TV commercials. He got into the lumber business by accident. As a law student, he stepped in to mediate a family dispute over his father-in-law’s estate and ended up taking control of a small fence post manufacturer. He expanded the company on the side while he ran a private law practice and even spent five years as a county judge. Eventually, he and his brother transformed the family’s $22,000 in annual sales into a company with more than $1 billion in annual sales. He started the Jimmy Rane Foundation in 2000, which has since awarded some 350 college scholarships.

Photo by Katy Lewis

WILL RATLIFF

Will is CEO of Collateral Holdings, a company founded by his grandfather that deals with employee benefits and commercial real estate. Before joining Collateral, Will attended Amherst College, earned a doctorate in Applied Behavioral Science and worked as a teacher, counselor and school director. He has been active in many community organizations, including YouthServe, which he helped found; Rotary Club of Birmingham; the National Conference for Community and Justice; St. Mary’s Sewanee; Good News Children Education Mission in Kolkata, India; the Society of International Business Fellows; and A+ Education Partnership. Civic activities take up an ever-increasing share of his time. Will and his wife Carolyn are members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and have three grown children.

KAY REED

Kay Reed grew up surrounded by amazing cooks and role models, so it was natural for her to want to open her own business. In 1999, she began with Café Iz, a neighborhood restaurant that has grown into Everything Iz, which includes a restaurant, catering division and a wholesale division.

Kay is also the chef at Iz Weddings and Events. According to one nominator, Kay is well known and highly respected for her integrity in the industry. She was tapped early on to establish the local chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, a philanthropic organization made up of women in the food, beverage and hospitality industries. Although the industry has been traditionally a man’s world, Kay believes that women are making a difference and earning the respect they deserve.

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JANICE ROGERS

Janice Rogers worked at WBRC as an intern while earning her degree in Broadcast Journalism from UAB. In 1994, while working for a competitor station, WBRC was fortunate to entice Janice away and hire her to anchor the news.

Since her arrival she has been a busy person. Currently, Janice co-anchors and produces “Good Day Alabama.”

Her strong ties to the community and her commitment to work and family have endeared her to thousands of loyal viewers as well as co-workers. Her nominator says, “WBRC FOX6 News is truly delighted to call her one of their own.”

Janice is married and the proud mother of one wonderful son.

JODY SHARP

Since 2008, Jody has been a Blount County RSVP Volunteer. She is a second generation volunteer who became involved in RSVP with her mother long before she was 55.

She is also raising two wonderful grandchildren who can often be seen volunteering with their grandmother. Jody has taught her grandchildren the importance of being the change they want to see in this world. Jody began “Precious Hands for Precious People” where they knit hats and blankets for those in nursing homes or with cancer. By the end of 2019, Jody will have donated more than 6,000 pieces since she began the program.

JANE SHIRAH

A 40-year career at United Way of Central Alabama gave Jane a profound appreciation of volunteers, so she knew her retirement would include volunteer work. Since retirement, Jane volunteers at Walker Baptist Medical Center helping with visitors and the Baby Talk program, as well as serving on the Auxiliary Board as treasurer.

She also serves the Arley Women’s Club as program chairman and membership co-chairman and on the Advisory Board of Walker County RSVP. Jane has volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Project Homeless Connect, Community Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and ARC of Walker County. She lives on beautiful Smith Lake with her husband, Brian Wilkinson, and two fur babies, Snoop and Felix.

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DAVID SILVERSTEIN

David Silverstein is a principal at Bayer Properties, where he directs development efforts and manages Bayer’s relationship with governmental entities nationwide. He takes an active role in the community and has served as president of the Alabama Chapters of the American Heart Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. David currently serves on the Board of Directors for Ascension Alabama and the Red Mountain Theatre Company. He is a member of the Norton Board of Advisors for Birmingham-Southern College; The University of Alabama Honors College Board of Visitors; the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center Advisory Board and the IBERIABANK Birmingham Advisory Board. David is married to the former Susan Tilson and they have five children and four grandsons.

ANNETTE SPRINGER

Annette is the CEO for Springer Equipment Company in Birmingham and Southfork Lift Truck in Nashville, Tenn. Springer Equipment has been recognized in the annual Birmingham Business Journal’s Book of Lists Top 25 Women Owned Businesses, Top 100 Privately Owned Businesses and Top 25 Family Owned Businesses since 2012. In addition, Annette is a member of the Irondale Chamber of Commerce, Birmingham Business Alliance, Material Handling Equipment Distribution Association and The Women’s Network. She is the past president of Alabama Women in Business and National Forum Member for Women Business Enterprise National Council. Annette and her husband, Ted, are members of the Tocqueville Society and yearly sponsors of Habitat for Humanity.

JAY ST. CLAIR

As an attorney, Jay represents employers in legal matters arising in the workplace. His clients range from Fortune 500 companies to small family-owned businesses. He regularly appears in courts throughout Alabama and the Southeast and frequently gives presentations to industry groups in the region and his firm’s national clients on a range of topics to help employers implement strategies to avoid lawsuits. He has been included in the Best Lawyers in America every year since 1995 and three times has been named by the Best Lawyers in America as the Birmingham Lawyer of the Year for his practice area. He is also an adjunct professor at the Cumberland Law School, where he received the first Outstanding Adjunct Professor Award.

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Benefiting Positive Maturity

SPECIAL PROMOTION

JACQUI SWEET

Jacqui owns and manages Doug Sweet & Associates, a Birmingham-based successful international process consulting firm to the paper industry. Her community involvement began with several roles in Shelby County Schools, Leadership Shelby County, initiator and past race director of Paws for the Cause, plus involvement in many other school and community events. She learned firsthand about dementia and Alzheimer’s while caring for her parents and now leads a support group to aid caregivers dealing with these issues.

When not involved in business, church, neighborhood landscaping and community activities, she is helping with grandchildren or baking cookies for the homeless. Jacqui feels blessed with the opportunity to help others.

MELVA TATE

Melva lives by one rule: “Put in the work.” Melva’s been putting in the work for more than two decades, serving as the Director of HR & Administration for two start-up organizations, Nexcel Synthetics and Kelly Construction Company.

In addition, she’s also a radio personality, best-selling author and a feature writer and contributor to leading newspapers and magazines. But Melva believes that work must extend outside the office and into the community. As an activist, executive advisor and often board member, she volunteers her time and energy with United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham, Alabama Workforce Development Council, Jefferson County Workforce Development Board, Alabama Women In Business and The Women’s Network.

LARRY THORNTON

In 1990, Larry became a McDonald’s franchise owner of six restaurants throughout the Birmingham area. Larry has served on numerous boards during his career such as the United Negro College Funds of Alabama, Kiwanis Club of Vulcan, A.G. Gaston Boy’s Club, Big Brother/Big Sisters, Birmingham Museum of Art, GBCF, UWCA, First Commercial Bank, Coca-Cola and Alabama State University. He has graduated from both Leadership Birmingham and Leadership Alabama. In his free time, Larry continues to enjoy his first passion, art. He produces limited and open edition art through Trey Arts, LLC., and his work has been included in the Oprah Winfrey Collection. He is also authoring his first book entitled, Why Not Win.

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

TIM TINGLE

Tim Tingle was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., in 1958 and moved to Montevallo when he was a year old. Educated at the University of Montevallo, he went to work as a coal miner in 1979 and retired in 2016. He and his wife Nanette raised five children and still live on their 16-acre farm in Pea Ridge. He was inspired to create from an early age and is an entirely self-taught artist. He is best known for his tree carvings in Orr Park in Montevallo. Each year, thousands of visitors come to the park to enjoy these carvings. It is also the venue for the Tinglewood Festival, celebrating wood carving and other woodworking crafts. In retirement, Tim is a farmer, wood carver, fiction writer and world traveler.

EDDIE L. TULLIS

Eddie has served on the Tribal Council of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians for more than 40 years and is currently treasurer.

He was Tribal Chairman for 27 years, and served as chairman of the Creek Indian Enterprise Development Authority. He is a leader in Indian Country nationally as well: PCI Land and Natural Resources Legislative Committee; chairman of the National Indian Council of Aging; vice chairman of Americans for Indian Opportunities; board of directors for the National Indian Gaming Association, Reid State Community College Foundation, Alabama Indian Affairs Commission, Alabama Archives and History Foundation, Portland State University Institute of Tribal Government, Alabama 4-H Foundation and United Bank. Others include two presidential appointments as chairman of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education and as a board director for the White House Conference on Indian Education. He is married to Mary Jane and they have four daughters, 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

LEMARSE (LEMAR) WASHINGTON

In Lemar’s younger years, he served in the U.S. Army, entering as a private, the lowest rank possible. During his long tenure in the Army, Lamar earned both undergraduate and master’s degrees, rising through the ranks to retire as a lieutenant colonel.

Lemar served as the executive director for the National Conference for Community and Justice for more than 20 years, during which time he was involved in several nonprofits in the community. For the past several years, Lamar has served as a volunteer “executive director and manager” of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. In addition to his other responsibilities at the church, he gives tours of the famous church figured prominently in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. Lemar can safely be called a Goodwill Ambassador for Birmingham B-METRO.COM 87

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PHYLLIS GRUSIN WEINSTEIN

Phyllis’ work in the Jewish community and greater Birmingham are legendary. Some of her accomplishments include founding president of the Southern Branch of the National Women’s League, the founding president of the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center, past president of the Birmingham Chapter of Hadassah, Beth-El Sisterhood, Birmingham Jewish Federation, Collat Jewish Family Services, chair of the women’s division of Israel Bonds, founding chair and past president of the N. E. Miles Jewish Day School, former chair of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program of FEMA, administered through United Way, and a member of the 1988 Class of Leadership Birmingham. In 1999, Phyllis was appointed by Governor Bob Riley to the Alabama Holocaust Commission and served as its chair. She is the proud mother of two daughters, seven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.

WILLIAM MILLER AWARD:

BONNIE ATCHISON

Bonnie taught English and drama for more than 20 years.

After retirement, she began the South Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. She is a supporter of the Shelby County Arts Council and is the curator of the Karl Harrison Museum of George Washington. Bonnie has also served as president of the Alabama Federation of Women’s Club, Rotary Club, Novella Club and chaired the annual Arts & Craft Show for 21 years. Bonnie has organized many more events including the Columbiana Quilt Walk, the Cancer Survivor dinner, the Veterans Day program, baskets for Safe House, Heifer International and Backpack Buddies.

Bonnie has served 2,447 volunteer hours for RSVP. In her free time, she enjoys ceramics and painting.

ABOUT THE WILLIAM MILLER AWARD:

William Miller was a lifetime achiever. He served his country during World War II, had an outstanding career in international trade and a long, purpose-filled civic life. Mr. Miller not only was a founding member of Positive Maturity in 1972 through the Independent Presbyterian Church, he also served with many nonprofits in the Birmingham area throughout his life.

The William M. Miller Award was created to recognize members of the community who have dedicated themselves to making a difference either through civic engagement, business or philanthropy.

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RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

RSVP offers individuals age 55 and over rewarding service opportunities in their communities. Whether volunteers wish to draw on current skills or develop new ones, RSVP provides meaningful experiences by allowing individuals to help others in a flexible and engaging environment.

Floyd Alexander, Bonnie Atchison, Randy Betsch, Emma Ephriams, Cathy Friedman, Anne Gayler Miller, Benga Harrison, Jody Sharp, Jane Shirah

SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM

The Senior Companion Program provides stipend volunteer opportunities for low income adults age 55 and older who are able to meet the eligibility requirements. Senior Companions are assigned to frail seniors and adults with disabilities in Jefferson County to assist their efforts in maintaining their independence. They are also able to provide respite services for families in need.

Carol Braithwaite, Janet Graham, Todd Harvey, Kathy Heirs, Ray Jordan,Louis Josof

SHEPHERD CENTER EAST

Shepherd Center East is a nutrition site offering free hot lunches Monday-Friday (for adults who meet the eligibility requirements). It is a Meals on Wheels distributor and activity center for adults age 55 and older. Activities include, but are not limited to, exercise classes, health education, arts and crafts, quilting, dance, field trips and computer classes.

Vickie Ashford, Mike Dunnavant, Eric Essix, Henry “Gip” Gipson, Lonnie Johnson, Phyllis McCombs, Kay Reed, Tim Tingle, Lemarse (Lemar) Washington

AGING WORKERS ARE RELIABLE EMPLOYEES

AWARE is a career counseling program designed for clients age 50 and over who are unemployed or underemployed.

Resume writing, interview skills and computer training are some of the services available to help senior adults compete in today’s job market.

Peggy Clarke, Mayor Kenneth Gulley, Katherine Houston, Governor Kay Ivey, Phillip Jackson, Jr., Gus Pappas, Jimmy Rane, Annette Springer, Melva Tate

GERIATRIC SOCIAL SERVICES

Our in-house Geriatric Social Worker enriches the quality of life for older individuals. The program provides support services, case management, education and awareness and referrals. It links clients and their families to community.

Lynn Campisi, Linda Coleman-Madison,Margie Gaulden Gilbert, Helen Kim, Jay St. Clair, Eddie L. Tullis, Phyllis G. Weinstein

FOSTER GRANDPARENTS PROGRAM

The Foster Grandparents Program provides stipend volunteer opportunities for low income adults age 55 and older who are able to meet the eligibility requirements. Foster Grandparents work with children in Jefferson County who are deemed “at-risk,” serving as role models, mentors, tutors and friends.

Brian Copes, Deborah Dickson Crawford, Brett Oates, Rep. George Perdue, Van Phillips, PhD, Will Ratliff, Janice Rogers, David Silverstein, Jacqui Sweet, Larry Thornton

3918 Montclair Road, Suite 200 ​Birmingham, Alabama 35213 Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm 205.803.3211 ​info@positivematurity.org

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United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.

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Special thanks to

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for providing flowers for the event.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS BIANCA ALLEN

JANE KOEHLER

RETIRED BELLSOUTH PAST PRESIDENT-ELECT

RETIRED

CRYSTAL CRIM

GARY HETZEL

MIDDLE ALABAMA AREA AGENCY ON AGING

BATES HETZEL PC PRESIDENT

TONI WILSON

JESTINA HOWARD

ANESTHESIA SERVICES OF BIRMINGHAM, P.C.

BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART VICE PRESIDENT

PRISCILLA A.J. MCWILLIAMS

KEVIN COLLINS

RETIRED

TREASURER

ANN BRYANT

JOHN EPPENGER

RETIRED

RETIRED AT&T (BELLSOUTH) SECRETARY

JUDY FRASER RETIRED

TRACY CAUSEY

PATRICIA NARO

DRAYER PHYSICAL THERAPY

SAMFORD UNIVERSITY

RYAN ROBNETT

SARAH MOSS

COMFORCARE

REGIONS

WANDA MCKOY EXPRESS PRINT

LYNN KLINNER RETIRED

BRENDA LADUN

ABC 33/40

MR. KEVIN OWENS

RANDOLPH FOWLER

CITY OF BIRMINGHAM EX-OFFICIO

KATHRYNE BRUGGE

MARY LYNN BATES

ACIPCO

SOUTHERN FINANCIAL CONSULTANTS, INC.

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RETIRED EX-OFFICIO