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1997 Senior Achievement Award Winners
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District 1: Albert Goldstein

Albert Goldstein

Madison resident, Albert Goldstein, alias Mr G., has the reputation of being the most energetic and resourceful of the 450 volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House. He always arrives early for his shifts and stays late accomplishing extra duties for numerous special events. He is also a weekly Van Driver volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House. In addition, he is very involved with the Lions Club, and has sold over 35,000 roses, more than any one person has sold, to raise funds. Throughout the years, Mr G. has donated over 15 gallons of his own blood to the American Red Cross. He is chairman of the UW Comprehensive Cancer Clinics Advisory Board and Committee of 100. He has served in various other capacities including, President of Temple Beth El, Vice President of the Madison Jewish Council, Chairman of the Downtown Retail Committee, President of Woodcreek Association, and much more. " I believe in helping others for as long as I can," Albert said. "It is very satisfying to for others."

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District 2A: Gwen T. Jackson

Gwen T. Jackson

When you hear the name Gwen T. Jackson, the words "spirit" and "dedication" come to mind. A Milwaukee resident, Gwen has been actively involved with the American Red Cross of Greater Milwaukee since 1961, serving as Chapter Chairperson Emeritus since 1991. She was the National Chair of Volunteers for the American National Red Cross from 1989-1991. In addition, Gwen devotes much of her time to the United Way of Greater Milwaukee; the "Gwen Jackson Community Service Award" was established in her honor in 1981 as a tribute to the years of service she has provided them. Gwen has been dedicated to the YWCA since 1979 where she has served on the Board of Directors and as a member of the Circle of Women. In 1995 the YWCA named a building in the Y-Villages after her - "Gwen T. Jackson Senior Building". "I have had a very fulfilling life and I believe it is expected of me to give back to my community," Gwen said. "It is so much fun and I grow every day from volunteering."

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District 2B: Bernice Engel

Bernice Engel

Since retirement, Bernice Engel, a Whitewater resident, has continued her active life through many volunteer positions in her community. Bernice is actively involved with the city food pantry, which provides food to all individuals in need. She also volunteers her time at her church working on their newsletter. She is a member of the Wisconsin Association of Area Agencies on Aging and has served as Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary for the Southeastern Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging Board of Directors. In addition, Bernice is actively involved with the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups, and has served as an alternate delegate of District 2B. She volunteers a great deal of her time with the Walworth County Nutrition Program where she has worked in the nutrition site served on the Walworth County Nutrition Council, as well as the Walworth County Council on Aging. "Seniors need help," Bernice said. "I feel that I can assist them in finding the help they need."

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District 3: Joe and Patty Maehl

Joe and Patty Maehl

Joe and Patty Maehl, residents of Neenah, are a great team. Patty has dedicated her life to the improvement of senior citizens within the state of Wisconsin. She has served as chairperson of the "Living in the 90's" conference for senior citizens, which has grown in participation from 26 to 1000. She has also spent nine years as chairperson for the Winnebago County Committee on Aging. Patty is currently the District 3 Chair of the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups, and has served as the Chairperson for the Coalition's Annual Convention Committee for the past nine years. Joe has worked side by side with Patty for many years in their mutual efforts in helping senior citizens. Joe has been the Winnebago County Board Chairman for six years and each year he helped the County's Aging budget receive an increase in county tax dollars for each of those years. In addition, he helps Patty organize and oversee CWAG's District 3 meetings as well as providing invaluable assistance to the "Living in the 90's" conference. When asked what motivates them to volunteer so much of their time, Joe and Patty said, "We love working together, as well as helping other people."

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District 4: Irma Clark

Irma Clark

A resident of Green Bay, Irma Clark, has played as significant role in volunteering for many community organizations including the Bay Area Agency on Aging, Cerebral Palsy Center, the Curative Rehabilitation Center, Brown County Community Health, YWCA, Green Bay Symphony, and the Pamiro Opera. In addition, Irma volunteers at St. Vincent Hospital where she contributes at least 700 hours per year of her time wherever she is needed. As a volunteer for the RSVP office in Green Bay since 1989, her enthusiasm for and dedication to volunteering has been exemplary. Irma also supports youth education by preparing materials for the Einstein Project, a science and math program for area school districts. "Living actively by serving the community brings me enjoyment," Irma said. "If there is a will, there is a way - and I'm going to do it."

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District 5: Walter Gerwing

Walter Gerwing

A resident of Kendall, Walter has made a difference and a significant contribution to his community for many years. Walter's wife Elvera, who was a teacher for many years, began losing her sight, and she and Walter became very involved with the visually impaired as well as the blind. Walter is responsible today for producing the Senior Sampler, a local publication for seniors in Monroe County, to make it available on audio tape. Walter is also the Vice-President of a local senior citizens organization in Kendall, where he is very active. In addition, he volunteers for Monroe County Senior Services delivering meals to people who are homebound three to five days per week. "I like to help people all that I can," Walter stated, "It makes me feel good."

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District 6: Francis Steiner

Francis Steiner

Granton is home to Francis Steiner, a retired educator and dedicated community leader. Although he has many achievements, he believes his greatest was ten years ago when he was named one of the top six agriculture instructors in the nation. His latest achievement is a book on his life experiences entitled "Recollections of a Country Kid", which has sold over 1500 copies. In Rotary, Francis is a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest international honor one can receive. For 23 years, Francis has hosted a local radio program entitled "Let's Visit Your Neighbor", in which he travels with a microphone into the community and talks with various people about local issues. In addition, Francis was the 1995 President of the FFA Alumni. He has also been very involved with AARP and served as the 1996 State Delegate to the National Convention in Denver. "Living in a community, you owe them something," Francis said. "It is like rent on earth."

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District 7: Francis Sundberg

Francis Sundberg

Francis Sundberg, a retired educator and administrator, resides in Eagle River where he has greatly contributed to his community. He was elected to the Vilas County Board, a position he held for sixteen years. As a member of the Board, he served as Chairman of the Commission on Aging, County Health Committee, and Community Options Program Advisory Committee. He was also a member of the Forestry, Recreation, and Land Committee, the Emergency Government Committee, and the Executive Ethics and Insurance Committee. For twenty years, he represented his township on the Walter W. Olson Library Board. He served as the Director of the Northland Pines High School Title I Program for thirteen years. In addition, Francis was a member of the Northern Area Agency on Aging Board of Directors for fifteen years. Francis was a co-founder of the Senior Eagle River Volunteer Enterprises, an active and influential senior club in the Eagle River area. "I enjoy working towards the growth of my community," Francis stated.

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District 8: Frank Dumonsau

Frank Dumonsau

A Superior resident, Frank Dumonsau has earned a tremendous amount of respect and support from his community as a result of his volunteer efforts. Frank has always been active in his community by serving as a county supervisor for six years and a member of the Elks and Belgium clubs. He has been a member and past president of the Superior Senior Center, where he still volunteers calling bingo, assisting with their monthly pancake breakfast fund raiser, and helping to organize the Senior City Wide Picnic. He is also an RSVP board member in Superior and was recently elected president of the local AARP group. Frank is a board member of the Northern Area Agency on Aging Northwest Regional Planning Committee and has been the president of the Douglas County Commission on Aging for six years. He has also been actively involved in 10 Superior Days, an event held annually to advocate for issues related to those in the Superior area. "It grew on me," Frank said. "I started with one thing and kept adding to it."


Last updated: August 8, 1997
By: Gail Schwersenska

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