Alexandria's Commission on Aging presented its 2004 Annie B. Rose Lifetime Achievement Award to Judy Drewry who has spent the last 20 years promoting employment for seniors.
In accepting the award last Wednesday during the Commission's Excellence in Aging Awards ceremony at the Nannie J. Lee Center, Drewry asked rhetorically, "Lifetime achievement? Does that mean its over? I still have a lot to do."
She later admitted, "I was overwhelmed in being named. But I wouldn't be here if it were not for Senior Services and the employment program. I got involved because I saw so many people over 55 being discriminated against in employment.
"And it is still happening. Some 55 and older people can have children in college. What are they supposed to do to make a living?"
Beginning in 1986, Drewry was a part-time coordinator for the Job Training Partnership Act at Senior Services of Alexandria where she worked to find jobs for hard-to-place seniors. To enhance her efforts and ensure the success of that program, she became involved in the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and served on its board of directors.
Through her monthly reminders that hiring mature workers brings "rewards for a business," Chamber members became "consistent providers of employment opportunities to Alexandria seniors."
For the past 19 years, Drewry coordinated the creation, production, and sales of the "Alexandria Calendar" whose founder, Florence Price, was the first recipient of the Annie B. Rose Award. It is estimated this project has raised more than $150,000 for Senior Services during Drewry's stewardship, according to the Commission.
In addition to Senior Services, Drewry has been actively involved with Alexandria Professional Women's Network, where she was named 2003 Woman of the Year Award, and ALIVE!, where she has helped coordinate emergency services for seniors as a member of the Emergency Committee.
JOINING DREWRY IN recognition for individual achievement was Virginia Voght, a 20-year volunteer at the Alexandria Chapter, American Red Cross. She was awarded the Lois Van Valkenburgh Excellence in Aging Award.
During her term as Chair of the chapter's board of directors, Voght initiated the Family Visitor Program and has served as head of the committee which has oversight of this activity as well as for the Escort Transportation Program. It provides volunteer escorts for those in need of assistance for medical related appointments.
"I was very honored to receive the award. But the greatest reward is seeing the results we have achieved and working with the people," Voght said. "I couldn't have done it without all the help from the people at the Alexandria Red Cross."
According to the program, Voght is "a role model for the many volunteers she inspires" and "is known to be one of those unique individuals who will drop everything to escort the frail and elderly ..."
In presenting the awards, Alexandria Vice Mayor Redella "Del" Pepper emphasized, "The two people being recognized are amazing and accentuate what this city has to offer. Their efforts enable us to expand our services.
"They are people who have been in the trenches for years. They have made contributions we don't even know about. Their efforts make life worth living for all they touch."
RECEIVING THE Excellence in Aging Award for an organization was The First Baptist of Alexandria Foundation. Formed in 1979, the foundation's purpose is to stimulate, enhance, and strengthen the various ministries of the church, according to the Commission. It was accepted by Benton S. Duffett, Jr.
"One third of disbursements from the foundation's total income is earmarked and spent for senior-related projects" in both the church and community at large, the Commission pointed out. Grants are made to other non-profit organizations such as ALIVE!, Culpepper Garden, Senior Services of Alexandria and Meals on Wheels.
"A generous donation made each year to Senior Services provides funding to support the Guardian of Last Resort Program as well as fuel assistance and emergency financial aid to Alexandria's seniors," it was noted. "Each month ... First Baptist Church provides over a dozen volunteers to deliver meals..."
The keynote address was given by Joan M. Richardson, president, Advanced Care Management. She discussed the current challenges of the time honored practice of family caregiving. This was followed by a panel of caregivers.