Inspire Positive Aging Awards Nominees and Recipients

Congratulations to Our 2022 IPAA Recipients!

Celia Austria

Advocacy & Activism

Celia Austria has worked all her life to inspire others by bringing equality to her Filipino community. Celia’s hard-working and kindhearted nature allows for her to touch the lives of so many within her assisted living community, Park Place. As the president of the Park Place Resident Resource Group, Celia hosts monthly Resident Resource Group meetings to advocate for the need for increased mental health services and offers free counseling sessions to her peers. As a passionate advocate, Celia also lobbies to the state government to garner more funding for assisted living communities. She seeks to gain insight and opinions from those within her community, taking these concerns to executive management to inspire change.

Turnesh Gura

Community Service

Ms. Turnesh Gura has dedicated herself to ongoing volunteer service at 82 years old. She has made a measurable impact volunteering as a chef for the East African Senior Center program for 10 years. Her dedication stretches so far, that she travels on 2 buses to get to the center. Ms. Turnesh generously gives her time and talents to ensure that other East African adults receive culturally appropriate meals. She engages with others by inviting her peers to volunteer in the kitchen, exercise, and socialize. This has allowed Ms. Turnesh to maintain close personal relationships with family, friends, and her community members. Her continuous contribution has taught those she encounters to think differently about aging, and that it is possible to be active, strong, and serve your community at any age.

Glenda West

Community Service

Glenda West is an inspiration to all, pursuing many creative talents and doing them all successfully with heart and passion. Glenda is a person that demonstrates by the way she lives her life what is possible for everyone to achieve as they walk the aging path. Glenda sends an important message that living a fulfilling life through family, the arts, volunteering, supporting causes you believe in, and being who you are leads to a life that is successful and fulfilling. As an active community member, Glenda is involved in many groups including Ballard NW Senior Center, Cancer Lifeline, GenPride, Seattle Reparatory Theatre Public works project, and Aging Ballard Life Exchange. At Ballard NW Senior Center, she leads monthly conversation groups and volunteers to drive the center van on fun member outings.

Jerald Forster

Defining Inspiration

Jerald Forster is passionate about helping others articulate their strengths and view themselves in a positive light, helping build confidence and a feeling of well-being in the community. Despite weathering several bouts of cancer, he manages to keep positive and focus on the future. At Shoreline UU Church, he helped develop and facilitate a group called Appreciating Elderhood, hosting 8-20 regular attendees ranging from ages 60-98. Keeping busy after retiring from teaching at UW in 2000, Jerald recently co-authored a book with his stepdaughter titled Articulating Your Strengths: A Mindful Practice for Developing Your Positive Identity. To complete a project like this at his age is truly remarkable!

Margaret Boddie

Health & Wellness

Dr. Margaret Boddie’s commitment to healthy aging and to supporting older adults, especially African American older adults, is inspiring. She brings endless empathy to those she serves and works hard to help others understand the barriers they face and the ways the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated those barriers. When the pandemic hit, she worked tirelessly to engage both older adults and staff, not willing to put people on hold. In longstanding partnership with UW Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC), Dr. Boddie helped to develop and spread the Program to Encourage Activate, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS). Despite initial skepticism due to ongoing issues of racism, historical trauma, and mental health stigma, she brought compassion and grit to the program, allowing PEARLS to be accessible to older Black adults living with complex health issues and poor access to care. This work includes hiring Black professionals as PEARLS care managers to build trust and rapport, and training staff to talk about depression in ways that are both culturally fitting and age appropriate.

Harry Williams

Intergenerational Impact

Harry Williams is a true example of selfless service and a great leader in his community of Kent. Every Monday, Harry volunteers at the Kent Food Bank to help pack food. Additionally, Harry is a member of the Rotary Club of Kent, supporting the community through the pandemic. Harry is involved in the local Kent School District’s Music4Life program invested in supporting students’ musical success through the donation of musical instruments. “He has truly been inspirational. I see him volunteer weekly and it makes me think about what I can do. He makes a difference in many lives and I hope to age like him”, says Satwinder Kaur, fellow Rotary Club of Kent member.

Heather Stark

Lifelong Learning

Heather Stark demonstrates the epitome of lifelong learning, embracing education for the purpose of making significant contributions to society. Despite facing significant health concerns and surviving cancer, Heather continues on at full speed. In her seventh decade of life, she just recently completed her Ph.D. in Psychology, a pursuit that spanned an entire decade. In addition, Heather has plans to work on two additional Master’s degrees. She is an advocate for social justice, raising awareness around domestic violence and women’s rights. Heather’s constant professionalism and ability to treat all she encounters with kindness and respect has provided a stunning example of her wisdom and grace.

2021 Award Recipients

Cynthia Grayson, Advocacy + Activism
Pushpakant Patel, Community Service
Ray Puddicombe, Defining Inspiration
Ampy Seto, Health + Wellness
Mary Floyd, Intergenerational Impact
Rebecca Crichton, Lifelong Learning

2020 Award Recipients

Trudy James, Advocacy + Activism
Mohan Khandekar, Community Service
Val Brustad, Defining Inspiration
Shirin Velji, Health + Wellness
Sadru Kachra, Intergenerational Impact
Dori Gillam, Lifelong Learning

2019 Award Recipients

Diane Thompson, Advocacy + Activism
Janet Jones-Preston, Advocacy + Activism
Sidney Rouse, Community Service
Marilyn Valentine, Defining Inspiration
Asefa Tesema, Health + Wellness
Marletta Iwasyk, Intergenerational Impact
Ann Root, Lifelong Learning

2018 Award Recipients

Jemanesh Demisse, Community Service
Hilke Faber, Advocacy + Activism
Merle Fister, Health + Wellness
Dianne Hansen, Intergenerational Impact
Ray Bradley, Lifelong Learning
Natalia Mendez, Defining Inspiration

2017 Award Recipients

Barbara Peete, Community Service
Feanette Black Bear, Advocacy + Activism
Michael Neguse, Health + Wellness
Pam Berry, Intergenerational Impact
Kelsi Watson, Lifelong Learning
Zen Fen Huang and Meng Qi Huang Chen, Outstanding Team
Fred Geraldsen, Defining Inspiration

2016 Award Recipients

Geraldine Allsopp, Health & Wellness
Richard (‘Dick”) Body, Community Service
Fai Coffin, Advocacy & Activism
Barbara “BJ” Johnson, Lifelong Learning
Dr. Dominick Minotti, Intergenerational Impact

2015 Award Winner

Eileen Broomell

Eileen Broomell, 89, is an educator, motivator, instructor, and a strong believer of positive thinking. Eileen has been a Red Cross volunteer instructor/trainer in CPR, first aid and water safety for several decades. She ran her own business as a canoe river guide for 27 years. Eileen was an instructor at Highline Community College, and also coached Highline’s basketball and volleyball teams. In her retirement she continues to teach health, wellness, and exercise classes at several senior centers. Today Eileen is regularly at SeaTac Senior Center 3 times a week for her Senior Working Out Class, and has formed a strong relationship with other participants. Eileen continues to embrace new adventures. She has undertaken road trips to Florida and Alaska, and plans to visit Montana and New Mexico this summer.

2014 Award Winner

McCoy Khammany Sengsi

McCoy Khammany Sengsi, 64, was a former Captain and police officer who escaped from the Communist takeover in Laos, starting a new life in 1980 with his family in the U.S. He became a U.S. citizen in 1986. He has demonstrated great community involvement, particularly in the Seattle’s Laotian community, where he is known as a liaison, community leader and mentor. He helped establish the Lao Veterans Association of Washington State and helps people find resources to learn and establish a new way of living. He was nominated by his brother-in-law, Khamphay Muongchanh, who wrote, “He is a great man who offers mentorship and social services without ever expecting anything in return.”

2013 Award Winner

Dotti Lydon

Dotti Lydon is a remarkable person and dedicated volunteer. The active 78-year-old is the recipient of the 2013 Inspire Positive Aging Award (IPAA). The award presented annually by Senior Services recognizes a deserving elder whose life is marked by service, engagement and a certain “joie de vivre.” These are the characteristics that inspire people who know and nominate an elder and why Senior Services bestows this honor every year. Dotti Lydon started volunteering in the kitchen of Lifelong AIDS Alliance in July of 2011. She was 76 years old. Nominator and Executive Chef at Lifelong AIDS Alliance, Wendy Northcutt, said, “When I first met Dotti I was a little concerned how her stamina would hold up in the kitchen. Boy, did she prove me wrong! Dotti has the energy and stamina of a 25-year-old. She is eager to help and does not hesitate to take on any task we ask her to do.” On any given day you might see Dotti peeling and dicing 100 lbs. of potatoes, slicing 75 lbs. of carrots, or helping to package 250-400 meals during her three-hour shift. Her enthusiasm to complete a task is noteworthy. She is quick to come in when we send out requests for help during busy times or when other volunteers cannot come in. It isn’t just the kitchen where you’ll find Dotti volunteering her time and enthusiasm. Last year a call went out to the volunteer group at Lifelong to make 3,000 condom kits for the Gay Pride parade. Dotti easily made one-third of the kit [for the event]. “That’s a thousand kits,” says Kristina Sperline, Volunteer Coordinator. Even after the Gay Pride parade, Dotti is still taking kits home to make every week. She says “it gives her something to do” when she is watching TV. Dotti has spent her life in service to others. She was a registered nurse for over 40 years. When we asked Dotti how she came to volunteer with Lifelong AIDS Alliance, she responded by saying people who are HIV positive are very near to her heart. “Because of that, I just wanted to give back to the community,” she said with tears in her eyes. “We are so lucky to have Dotti volunteer here at Lifelong,” says Northcutt. Her enthusiasm, energy and dedication are an inspiration to all of us who have the privilege of working with her, she says.

2012 Award Winner

Bill Sleeper

Ninety-six-year-old Bill Sleeper works to help other seniors discover the ways that technology can enrich their lives. Bill believes that technology offers seniors ways to engage with society. The retired engineer says he is constantly finding new opportunities to make technology a part of his life, whether it’s posting on Facebook, updating his Twitter feed, finding new apps for his iPhone or sharing photographs from his travels.

Sleeper has lived at Merrill Gardens for the past seven years. Watching him share his enthusiasm for technology with his peers inspired the company to launch a video series starring Sleeper. He uses his sharp wit and sense of humor to make technology less intimidating for seniors. “Bill Sleeper is really an amazing man. When you watch his videos and see how connected he is to his family and friends through technology, you really hope that you can be just like him when you grow up. His passion for helping other seniors is really exciting and he is having a big impact,” says Bill Pettit, Merrill Gardens president. Sleeper travels to the Merrill Gardens communities holding special Tech Whiz classes for residents. He shows them how easy technology is to use and helps them get started. Seniors relate to his teaching style as he tells them all they need to get started is a finger. He travels all over Puget Sound delivering his inspiring message to residents and they love him. Sleeper has been featured on the local news and he is also the oldest member of the Seattle Social Media Club. Here is the story from Evening Magazine and here is the story from KCPQ. Sleeper’s teaching videos are featured on the Merrill Gardens website and Facebook page where he explains how to send text messages, his favorite way of staying in touch with his kids and grandkids. He also shows seniors how to use computers and smart phones. At the end of each video Sleeper tells seniors to ‘get with it kiddo’ as he encourages them to give technology a try.Sleeper’s understanding of technology is particularly impressive when you consider he was already 60 years old by the time Microsoft was founded. Sleeper’s videos are featured on the Merrill Gardens website and facebook page.

2011 Award Winners

Tom Kobayashi

Tom Kobayashi is in his 75th year of extraordinary volunteer service. Strongly emulating him in just one of his exceptional areas would make me an incredible person. It would take me many lifetimes to achieve the dignity and excellence of human character that he has become.

Eileen Allen

Eileen has that special ability to really connect with people. Every time I hear Eileen speak I am inspired, touched and always leave feeling invigorated, and, well, happy. I want to be just like Eileen when I grow up!

2010 Winner

Kristian Nielsen-Herrera

Kristian is a shining example of dedication to physical fitness, intellectual stimulation, care of spiritual needs and a giving attitude. He has had numerous major accidents in traffic and at work, airplane crashes, operations, and a temporary paralysis. Kristian suffers from tinnitus and chronic pain from major knee surgeries and a hip replacement. Yet he is a lover of life, active living, and thoughtful connection with others. Riding his bike from Queen Anne to West Seattle three times a week and walking, Kristian chats with others, many also suffering from life’s tribulations. He speaks with them in an uplifting, concerned manner. He listens to their stories. Kristian gives them encouragement to keep moving, keep looking up, always with a bit of humor and liveliness. In simple words, he cares.

2009 Winner

Nina Harding

Nina Harding was announced as 2009’s Inspire Positive Aging Award winner at the Senior Services Annual Meeting May 28, receiving two roundtrip tickets to any Alaska Airline destination, and her nominators have $50 to spend at Barnes and Noble as thanks for bringing Nina to our attention.

“You know, I never planned on getting old-ER, but as I get older, it certainly is an honor to walk in my grandma’s footsteps. It’s always the awards from those who live in your backyard that are the most rewarding and the most humbling. So I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

A spirit like that enabled Nina to graduate from law school at age 52 and continue to practice and give of her time to the Elder Law Clinic throughout physical challenges that would stop a less-determined person. Congratulations to our 2009 Inspire Positive Aging Award winner!

2008 Winner

Dolly Castillo

Dolly Castillo has been called “the very heart of the International Drop-in Center.” At 84 years old Dolly never seems to stop moving. She was a Physical Education teacher for 40 years, and says that being a gym teacher was the best training for getting older. Dolly continues to encourage physical activity and health, but now in an older population. With the firm but gentle attitude that gets things done and gets people moving, Dolly sees her primary goal as helping other seniors improve their outlook on life. “Activity makes you young…I tell everyone the need to ENJOY themselves and keep busy.” When asked what she thought was the best thing about aging, Dolly replied, “You can make all the mistakes you want and nobody cares.”

2007 Winner

Mary Perkins

Mary Perkins says, “Life begins at 90.” That’s when she moved to a Seattle retirement community and impressively re-invented herself — from small town to big city life, from wife to widow, from disabling illness to improved health, from home isolation to contact with diverse people, from sedentary life to challenging activities. The elegant 93-year-old exudes her enthusiasm for life and learning. Her daughter, who nominated her, says, “Mother is great at encouraging people to believe in themselves. She accepts assistance with grace, often writing notes of appreciation, and she compassionately and respectfully assists others. “ When Mary accepted her award, she offered this advice for positive aging:

“Be with people, help each other, try new things, laugh at yourself, be grateful, always have something to look forward to, make the most of every day, wear red, and dance!”

2006 Winner

Idore Anschell

Idore has dealt with adversity with tenacity, a sense of humor, and an openness to people that has made her friends in every generation and of many cultures. Two life-long friends crossed the state to celebrate her 70th birthday with her. Idore taught English in Beijing while raising her daughter alone. In her 70’s Idore pursued an M.F.A. in writing and is a published poet and writer of children’s stories Her nominator said of her, “[She] doesn’t give up, commits to doing her best work, and does it all with the best of humors. The best reason for being friends with Idore is that she’s so much fun!”