Winners of Outstanding Older Americans: Richard Endsley & Diane Logsdon Photo courtesy of County of Maui by Ryan Piros
By Staff Reports
(Maui) – The Maui County Office on Aging, Aging and Disability Resource Center, is pleased to announce the winners of the 45th Annual Outstanding Older Americans of Maui County.
Richard Endsley was selected for his service to the West Maui community. He has served as President of Lahaina Intermediate School’s Education Foundation and its After-School Tutoring Project. He also volunteers for the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, the Lahaina-Honolua Senior Citizens Club, the Lahaina Town Action Committee, and Lahaina Hongwanji.
Diane Logsdon of Kula was selected for her service as Treasurer, Community Service Chair and President of the AARP Kula Chapter. She also serves as Recording Secretary for Maui Economic Opportunity’s Senior Citizens Planning and Coordinating Council, and the Puunene Branch of the Maui Friends of the Library, where she also edits the monthly newsletter.
The awards were presented at a luncheon on Tuesday, May 7 at the Maui Beach Hotel’s Elleair Rainbow Ballroom. May is recognized nationally as Older Americans Month, when elders across the nation are recognized for their extraordinary efforts and contributions to society.
2013 Oustanding Older Americans Nominees Photo courtesy of County of Maui by Ryan Piros
Every year since 1968, older adults in Maui County have been celebrated for their contributions and achievements. This year’s Older Americans Month theme, “Unleash the Power of Age!” acknowledges the value older adults continue to bring to their communities.
Wendell Crockett was the first Maui County recipient of the prestigious award in 1968. Last year’s awardees were Michelle Paularena of Kahului and Mathew Napier of Kaanapali. To date, 89 older adult volunteers have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to Maui County.
Endsley and Logsdon were selected from a field of 11 Maui County residents who are at least 65 years of age. Other nominees honored at the luncheon included Henry K. Allen, Artemio C. Baxa, Takeo Miyaguchi, Pasita Pladera, Fred Ruge, Julie Shiotsugu, Ali Thompson, John Tryggestad and Robyn Walters.
The nominees and winners received congratulatory certificates from Mayor Alan M. Arakawa and Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie’s Maui Liaison JoAnn Inamasu.
The winners received engraved koa clocks from the Maui County Office on Aging, Aging and Disability Resource Center, and certificates from the Hawaii State Legislature from Speaker Joseph Souki and Senator Roz Baker, and the Maui County Council from Chair Gladys Bais