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Some of St. Louis' most outstanding older adults will be honored for helping to defy the myth that the golden years are only meant for those who want to relax. Twenty-five exceptional individuals who have remained productive, young-hearted and vibrant well after the age of retirement will earn the distinction of becoming 2004's "Ageless – Remarkable St. Louisans." The honorees will be recognized at a dinner and awards celebration hosted by non-profit organization St. Andrew's Resources for Seniors on November 14, 2004, at the Chase Park Plaza.

The honorees come from varying backgrounds but each share their compassion, skills and determination to help fulfill the lives of others, despite being in their 70's, 80's or 90's. Some of the honorees include:

Dr. Shi Chun Fu, MD

At 88, after retiring from a distinguished medical profession in China and the U.S., Dr. Fu now serves as an interpreter for Chinese immigrants, residents and students in the St. Louis area. He interprets for Chinese speaking patients at Barnes Jewish Hospital, assists elderly Chinese through the Mid-East Area Agency on Aging, and provides advice and interpreting for people seeking medical attention through the University City East Health Protection and Education Service. He has also given guided tours to young visitors at the St. Louis Science Center.

Ed Macauley, 76, a professional basketball player and sportscaster who decided to serve God as an ordained deacon in the Catholic Church after serving the NBA. He does a twice monthly radio program with Martin Duggan called "Beat the Press," is a national speaker to priests about creating effective homilies, and wrote a book called "Homilies Alive." He co-founded a food pantry at St. Nicholas Catholic Church and is currently working on a novel.

Elizabeth Benner, 91, a long-time volunteer who has served the Presbyterian Church for more than six decades. She takes the bus three or four days a week to volunteer at Tyler Place Presbyterian Church where she answers the phone, helps with clerical duties and attendance records, and makes sure church members are sent birthday cards.
Robert Freeman, Ph.D., 77, a scientist and active member of an Urban League Block Unit that works to maintain and revitalize the Penrose neighborhood. He is a member of Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church since 1954, and has served as a Sunday school teacher and superintendent, trustee and elder.

Sister Leo Rita Volk, or "Sister Chromosome", a 90-year-old Franciscan Sister of Mary who helped to develop chromosome study techniques that pinpointed chromosome abnormalities and pioneered the field. After retiring at the age of 80, she is now a prolific artist producing hundreds of beautiful paintings, most of which she gives away as gifts.

Norma Stern, 78, a volunteer at Barnes Jewish Hospital for more than 20 years. After spending nine weeks in the early 80's at BJC as a result of 3rd degree burns suffered in an explosion, she started a support group, Dealing with Feelings, which has helped hundreds of burn patients. She has more than 20,000 hours of volunteer service and raises many thousands of dollars for hospital health services and programs, as well as for smoke detectors for the elderly and poor.

"These individuals represent an increasing senior population that refuses to sit back and let life pass them by," said Mary Alice Ryan, president and CEO of St. Andrew's Resources for Seniors. "They're wonderful examples for others and their actions help more and more people realize that the later years in life can be just as rewarding, if not more so, than the earlier years."

In 2003, St. Andrew's Resources for Seniors introduced the Ageless – Remarkable St. Louisans concept through a one-of-a-kind photo book featuring 50 older adults from St. Louis. A dinner and awards celebration was held to honor the individuals featured in the book, with proceeds from both going to St. Andrew's Charitable Fund. The fund helps St. Louis-area seniors who are considered at risk and/or low income. The success of the Ageless – Remarkable St. Louisans photo book and concept has earned St. Andrew's the Innovation of the Year Award from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), a national organization that is committed to advancing healthy, affordable, and ethical aging services for America.

Ryan added, "It's an honor to earn this distinguished award from AAHSA. We appreciate that our efforts have been recognized and we're very grateful to the people featured in the book who allowed us to share their stories with others."

Returning to the "Ageless" celebration this year is retired Anheuser Busch executive Michael Roarty, who will serve as emcee and also has been selected as an honoree; Sanford McDonnell, former chairman of McDonnell Douglas, and his wife, Priscilla, are honorary co-chairs for the 2004 event after making the list last year as honorees. Virginia Trent once again is serving as the general chair.

For ticket information about the 2004 Ageless – Remarkable St. Louisans Celebration, call

(314) 726-0111. For more information about St. Andrew's Resources for Seniors, visit www.standrews1.com.

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