Ohio Department of Aging Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame

Darlene Baney, 72, Findlay

Planet earth doesn't seem big enough for Darlene Baney's compassion. She is a registered nurse, has a bachelor's degree in sociology and a Master's in rehabilitation counseling from Bowling Green State University. She teaches, ministers and does missionary work, and she serves on several non-profit boards in northwest Ohio. She volunteers for the Area Agency on Aging 3, the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity, to name a few, and has gone on missions to Mexico, Haiti and Brazil.

"It is of the community involvement and the partnerships and services that have been developed that I am most proud," Darlene said. "People who need help get it, and others in the community have stepped up to see that it continues with sensitivity and caring. I hope it has made the communities I have lived in just a little bit better."

Darlene began volunteering in 1961 as a nurse with the American Red Cross in the local blood bank. As the Disaster Services Chair for Hancock County, Darlene is the go-to person with any disaster operations questions, and has been deployed at a moment's notice to scenes of natural disasters. In 2010 Darlene assisted Haitian evacuees in Florida and served as health services manager during flooding in New Jersey and Tennessee. While in Tennessee, she was the head of the condolence visit team for the whole state and met with former First Lady Laura Bush. Since then, her efforts with the Red Cross have taken her to Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and Alabama - wherever her help was needed. She currently serves the Red Cross in Florida, where she teaches CPR, first aid and basic disaster services classes, and engages in other community service activities.

Darlene helped start parish nurse programs to provide blood pressure checks after Sunday church services so parishioners could have a record to give their physicians. Participating churches in the area had different ways to meet parishioners' needs, but parish nurse programs keep the emphasis on body, mind and spirit. The programs include seminars on wellness, mental health issues and heart disease prevention. She started the cancer support group at St. Marks United Methodist Church in Findlay, which has grown into a community program and still meets regularly 14 years later under the direction of the Hancock County Cancer Support Agency. She also started the summer lunch program at Findlay's Glenwood Middle School.

Darlene welcomes the world to her home and into her heart. She has been married to her husband, Walter, for 50 years, and they have two daughters, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Her family also includes students from Ecuador, Norway, Ukraine, Egypt and New Zealand through her service as host mother. She has been an avid traveler to Europe, Mexico, Central and South America and recently added the American west.

About aging gracefully, Darlene says, "Positive aging means leaving a legacy and example of living life to its fullest by taking some risks and by being thankful each day for the love of family, a good marriage and a loving God. It is the appreciation for what others have done for you, the opportunity to try and learn new things … and never losing sight that there is always something one can do to help others, and at the same time reap joy, understanding and peace."

Norman A. Bell, Sr., 79, Toledo

After his retirement, Norman A. Bell put his part-time community service on a fulltime schedule in northwestern Ohio. His mission: developing and promoting a decent quality of life for older adults. He's a quiet advocate for community development that addresses a common need for dignity, respect, economic security, safety, accessible housing and affordable healthcare.

Growing up in Louisiana, he saw people needing help. Norman's parents and his minister uncle showed compassion to anyone who needed help, and this left an indelible impression on young Norman. He simply enjoys giving back because so many have helped him.

During his 30 years of public service with the City of Toledo and Lucas County, he was able to help people in his different jobs. He assisted communities and people by knowing what programs were available and passing information along to those who needed it. Norman has provided service with more than twenty agencies and organizations, and he continues to fulfill the role of board member, advisory board member, committee member and direct service volunteer.

With his desire to be part of the community, Norman believes in giving back by volunteering and fostering relationships in the community. He says, "When you have desire, energy and compassion for something and do it on a regular basis, you have the free will and the opportunities to move things forward."

He visited the USSR on two trips in the late 1980s as a member of a peace delegation representing Toledo. In visiting with the Russian citizens, he went to their homes and shared common hopes and wishes for the two countries. Currently, he volunteers with Sister Cities International and is involved with the Tanga Chapter, Tanzania, Toledo's African sister city.

Norman A. Bell has been involved in many different volunteer organizations and activities. For his tireless efforts, in September 2008, the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio Inc. presented the Images of Aging Community Service Award to Norman for his significant contribution of service and volunteerism.

Reaching his educational goals was also important to Norman, as he received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Southern University A&M College, and a Masters of Education degree and an Education Specialist degree from the University of Toledo. He serves as a lifetime member of the alumni associations of both institutions; he is presently serving as a board member of the University of Toledo Alumni Association.

"Aging is an opportunity to continue to give back and be involved in achieving the goal of a just and vital community," says Norman. With his seventy-nine years, he is the epitome of successful aging, adding, "I want death to be out of breath when it finally catches up with me."

Norman and his wife, Ora, have been married 57 years and are actively involved in community life. They have four sons, one daughter and six grandchildren, who are also vital members of their communities. Northwest Ohio is very fortunate to have a senior member of the community who represents the positive image of aging with a lifestyle defined not by age, but by contributions that impact the future for all older adults.

Anna Clara Gee Blackwell, 83, Springfield

Anna Clara Gee Blackwell's faith and unconditional love underscore her passion for serving and learning. She is a musician, composer, vocalist, teacher and recording artist. Anna says, "I believe that life doesn't end at retirement; it only begins in a new direction."

Anna and her husband of 59 years, Harold, raised and educated five children. She worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton for 34 years. While working, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Park University. When Harold's health began to decline, she started studying nursing at Clark State Community College in Springfield, earning her degree at age 60.

For 47 years, she has taught piano to thousands of children, and in many instances has given lessons regardless of the parent's ability to pay. In 2005, at 76, she earned a Masters of Music in Piano Performance from Wright State University. She performed the 60-page Concerto in D Major by Dimitri Kabalevsky from memory for her thesis.

After her husband passed away in 2008, Anna embarked on a new mission with a higher calling. "I realized that God wanted me to teach children with special needs," she said. "It is my sincere desire that I can make a difference and give hope, instruction, love and encouragement to these special children." She enrolled online at Grand Canyon University, and at age 82, graduated with a master's in Special Education in 2011.

"Education has given me an opportunity to fulfill a dream of being a good teacher, a chance to better my circumstances and finally, to give a life of service to people young and old," Anna said of continuing her studies well beyond retirement age. "I felt that this was not the end of my life, but rather the beginning of a possible new career." She feels education sharpens the mind and improves memory, and she loves to pass along her knowledge to children and hopefully shape their futures. For more than 40 years, she has awarded annual Anna Clara Gee Blackwell Scholarships to two deserving students.

Anna sets the example for her peers and younger generations by leading an active and positive life not defined by age or barriers. She supports children in India, Zambia and Uganda through World Vision and the Christian Children's Fund. She attends and serves as pianist for five choirs at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield. In the past she has served as pianist, organist, and choir director at Central Chapel AME Church in Yellow Springs, and was the founder and director of the youth orchestras of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Springfield.

"Positive aging enables a person to recognize and accept other peoples' points of view, adapt to change, forge new friendships and relationships, and find new meaning to our lives," she said. "It also helps us realize that each day is a blessing, and the trials, tribulations, joys and sorrows of the past have all been learning tools to help us face each day with hope, humility, faith in God, love, courage and determination."

Anna's motto is from Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." She is working on her autobiography, He's All I Need: My Life Story, and at age 83, she recently released her second gospel CD, "He's All I Need," that includes several original compositions, as well as traditional songs.

Werner Coppel, 87, Cincinnati

Werner Coppel knows a life without liberty and freedom all too well. He lived for 12 years under Nazi rule and survived two years in the Auschwitz concentration camp before he and his wife made Cincinnati their new home and new hope. He uses his story to teach future generations to stand up against "the cancer around us: hate and prejudice."

Werner grew up during Hitler's rise to power. As a Jew, he was slowly stripped of his rights and banned from public school. He joined a Jewish youngsters' group and was sent to a forced labor camp. Later, he was arrested and sent to Auschwitz for two years. He was sent on a forced death march from Poland to Germany. It was on this journey that he narrowly escaped death and was liberated by Soviet troops on Jan. 27, 1945.

Werner returned to Berlin, Germany to help others who had survived the war. He was the lone survivor of his family. He married a young nurse named Trudy, and the Coppel family arrived as "displaced persons" in Cincinnati in 1949. Werner adapted by learning English, developing relationships with other local survivors and working hard to provide for his family.

In the mid-1970s, published letters to the editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer denied that the Holocaust occurred. Werner Coppel decided to speak publicly about what he had witnessed and endured. He joined the Jewish Community Relations Council speakers' bureau and began sharing his difficult and often painful memories. He donates his time and travel expenses to this cause.

Werner has addressed approximately 108,000 individuals in 1,500 audiences over the past 37 years since he began to speak about the Holocaust. He's told his story through the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education's speakers' bureau, and is a founding member of the organization's board of trustees. Werner inspires individuals of all ages to overcome adversity in their own lives.

In May 2001, Werner received a Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa degree from The College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati for his work. He also has served on the board of his synagogue, Temple Sholom. When he is not speaking about his experiences, he can be found on the golf course or spending time with his wife, their two sons and four grandchildren.

"The best medicine for staying relatively young is never look at the glass as being half empty, but always half full," Werner said. "Always be positive and stand up to hate and prejudice, even if it doesn't affect you."

Eugene D'Angelo, Jr., 83, Upper Arlington

"Gene" D'Angelo, Jr., has spent his lifetime bringing people together and proudly representing Columbus, Ohio and America to the world stage. Gene has made a lasting impression in the television broadcast industry, the performing music arts and philanthropic pursuits. As an Italian-American, he's proud to give back to his family, heritage, community, country and to the world that have given him so much.

His 37-year broadcasting career began in 1956, and he managed television and radio stations for Taft Broadcasting in Columbus, Ohio and Buffalo, New York, before returning to Columbus, to run the broadcast stations owned by the Columbus Dispatch. Later, he bought two TV stations in Indiana for the Dispatch Broadcasting Group. His forward thinking led to many local and national broadcasting firsts, such as fully computerized newsrooms, satellite news gathering trucks and live coverage of news events. He introduced the first computerized live broadcast and online editing from helicopters and brought the 24-hour news format to Central Ohio.

He retired from broadcasting on his 65th birthday, and returned to his first love: music. He became well-known for his music activities at Linden-McKinley High School and The Ohio State University. He formed various music groups and performed in concerts and marching bands, as well as various Strollers and Scarlet Mask productions. He played locally and toured nationally with some of the biggest names, including the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus band. Throughout his career, Gene has written music for individuals as well as the Columbus Symphony, Buffalo Symphony and Picnic with the Pops. He played string bass with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and he continues to write arrangements for them. As Chairman of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, he raised the organization to new heights of professionalism. He sponsored music scholarships at The Ohio State University and Ohio University.

Gene served on the Columbus Quincentenary Jubilee Commission. Under his leadership, an exact replica of the Santa Maria was built and sailed from Albany, New York to the banks of the Scioto River in Columbus, where it remains today. Around the same time, President Ronald Regan appointed Gene to represent the United States at the new airport dedication in Genoa, Italy, Columbus' sister city.

Gene used his broadcasting connections to help bring the Children's Miracle Network telethon to a national audience. When the Columbus Symphony Orchestra struggled in a bad economy, he underwrote the production cost of their last recording. He established the D'Angelo Scholarship-Lifetime Achievement Award through the Christopher Columbus Education Foundation. Gene also was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from the Columbus College as a Doctorate of Humanities, as well as a Doctorate of Community Affairs from Franklin University.

He is an active member of St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church, and has served as the Columbus Italian Festival Chairman and Co-chair. He organizes the band and arranges the music for several performances throughout the festival.

Gene has been married to his wife, Priscilla, for 62 years. Since her stroke five years ago, he has been her primary caregiver. His thoughts about successful aging are to keep fit and healthy and stay busy doing something you like. "I continue to write music to keep my brain challenged. I also read the daily paper, completely."

Germaine Hahnel, M.D., 80, Olmsted Township

Dr. Germaine Hahnel was one of the first physicians to become board certified in family practice, and has been an esteemed physician and educator in Cleveland's medical community for more than a half century. She is devoted to her patients and students, as well as to dispelling common myths of aging. "There is a misconception that when you're older, you have nothing to offer," she said, and she is living proof to the contrary.

Young Germaine had her first exposure to family medicine because of her seasonal asthma. The doctor made house calls when it was really bad, and his care and attention led to a lifetime of curiosity about the practice. As a Girl Scout, she quickly earned the first aid merit badges. In high school, she volunteered in the nurse's office to help bandage others. At 15, she began working in the dietary department at Fairview Hospital, preparing formulas for newborns and serving as hostess in the physicians' dining room.

Germaine was one of three women in her class at the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine. "I had 78 brothers," she jokes of the experience. Dr. Hahnel never felt that being a woman in a male-dominated field kept her from advancing in her career. In fact, there was a female physician in the Kennedy White House at the same time she was starting her practice. She opened a small private practice, seeing mostly family and friends. Her practice gradually grew to 3,500 active families, and when she outgrew her office space, she collaborated with her colleagues to build a 14-unit building.

When Dr. Hahnel left her practice in 1976 to chair the Family Practice Department and establish the Family Practice Residency Program at Fairview Hospital, 1,900 families followed her. She directed the program for 10 years, offering participants the opportunity to be well indoctrinated in the "real world" of family practice. "The nicest thing about family practice medicine is that you can do more for patients," said Dr. Hahnel. "You may be treating one person, but you get a glimpse into the person's whole family life and other contributing factors in their overall well-being." The program was one of the first of its kind in Cleveland. In more than 30 years, there have been 179 graduates, and more than 75 graduated under Dr. Hahnel's leadership.

Dr. Hahnel was an administrator at Cleveland's Hassler Medical Center for family medicine. After she joined the staff at Renaissance Continuing Care Residential Center in Olmsted Township in 1988, she served as medical director until 1999. She helped establish the Malachi House, a non-profit organization that cares for terminally ill people with limited financial resources. She currently serves on the organization's board of advisors. She also currently is clinical assistant professor of family medicine at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine.

Several times a year, Dr. Hahnel hosts residents at Renaissance as part of their geriatric medicine training. "They have no concept of what happens to people when they age," she said of the residents she takes to the center's exercise classes. "Fifty percent of the class is over the age of 90, and the residents have trouble keeping up with them."

Dr. Hahnel's busy lifestyle might exhaust people half her age, but she practices what she teaches and attends exercise classes, plays bridge, travels and serves on the Renaissance Resident Association committees. She enjoys living in a retirement community and encourages other older adults to do the same. "People become isolated living at home alone and miss out on opportunities to spend time with other older adults who share a passion for staying busy and living life to the fullest."

M. C. Hokenstad, Ph.D., 75, Shaker Heights

For more than four decades, M. C. "Terry" Hokenstad, Jr., Ph.D., has studied global aging. His research projects have led him to give lectures and workshops at 47 universities in 23 countries. He is recognized as a worldwide leader in social work education and research, and is the Ralph S. and Dorothy P. Schmitt Professor at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, as well as a Distinguished University Professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Terry was inspired to pursue a life of community service by his father, as well as by his faith. He cites the Gospel of Luke 12:35-48: "To those whom much is given, much is required." Terry studied for the ministry, and then became a social worker serving the vulnerable elderly and poor. He continues to live life by three other commitments: learning all that he can; applying what he has learned in teaching others to serve; and conducting cross-national research to recommend improvements in policies and programs for older people.

Terry has authored eight books and numerous articles, chapters, and monographs in the fields of comparative social welfare, care of older people, and social work practice and education. He has been editor-in-chief or served on the editorial board of several scholarly journals.

Terry's cross-national research projects have examined innovations in elder care and pension policies in countries throughout the world. He has served on the United Nations Technical Committee responsible for drafting the International Plan of Action on Aging. In 2002, he was named to the U.S. delegation to the U.N. World Assembly on Aging.

Terry's research finds that the U.S. has developed a good system of elder care with many excellent services, but that the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, and some Western European countries have a more comprehensive system of care assessment and caregiver support. Thus, fewer older people in need go without appropriate services, and seniors are able to remain in their own homes longer.

"Countries around the globe are facing a growing older population and thus the need to redefine retirement," Terry has written. "The U.S. is ahead in the enactment of policy prohibiting mandatory retirement, but the American culture still does not fully support the continuation of older people in the workplace. Thus, age discrimination remains a major issue."

Terry describes himself as an active ager, which means continuing to teach and write, engaging in civic affairs and community service roles, and being a lifelong learner. He attempts to practice what he preaches, "Older people can and should actively contribute to the community and the society."

Patricia Irwin, 75, Fairfield

Pat Irwin is a leader in Butler County with a mission to heal, educate and serve the community, as well as be a friend and advocate for everyone who needs her. She has a legacy of caring not only for her family, but also for individuals in her community through her service as a health care provider and educator. She also is known as an innovator with a gift for creating and implementing new programs for the community.

The Galveston, Texas, native moved to Fairfield, Ohio, when she married her husband, Jim, in 1958. Pat was a registered nurse and established a private practice for people in need at the Psychotherapy Center. She not only works with the individuals that struggle with mental illness, but also mentors family members who help them cope.

Pat created the Care Fair, an annual event of the Open Door Pantry, to educate the inner-city community. The Care Fair's motto was "Health is Wealth - Spend it Wisely!" Participants learn about wound care, stroke prevention, end of life care, in-home services, Medicaid benefits and various types of screenings, such as vision, hearing and blood pressure. There also were pet therapy, public library services and martial arts demonstrations. More than 25 agencies were involved, and 300 people attended the last Care Fair.

Pat has a special fondness for working with women and addressing the unique issues that women face. She knows firsthand what it is like to face her own mortality. She regularly speaks to various community groups about topics such as depression and women's health issues. "I saw that too many women pay too high a price for being nice and giving out all they have," she said. "Women need to refuel and get back on the balance beam."

She is the co-founder of "Speak Easy," a weekly support group for depressed women. For more than 22 years, the group has reached out to those who have a variety of mental health issues.

In 2002, she was recognized as a YWCA Woman of the Year, as well as one of the Cincinnati Enquirer Women of Achievement. In 2011, she was honored with the Volunteer of the Year award for serving on the Peace and Justice Committee at Sacred Heart Church.

Pat is a role model for aging gracefully. She is a vital part of her community and seems to give more of herself as she ages. Not only is she concerned about the development of her family, friends and clients, she also strives to learn new things and develop herself in other ways. About growing older, Pat says, "I don't focus on the aging process, I am drawing on my husband, family and friends for nurturing. My Zen garden and designing message placemats also give me great energy."

Julian Marcus, Posthumous, Bexley

In 1972, at age 71, Julian Marcus was ahead of his time as an early pioneer and innovator of the civic engagement movement. As he approached his own retirement from sales and as a manufacturing representative, he recognized older adults were an obvious community resource as employees, volunteers and lifelong learners. He was sure that mandatory retirement is an artificial cut-off that ill served many people, creating financial and emotional problems.

"The fact that men or women may reach their 65th birthday is not an indication that their work life has come to an end," Julian said. "They deserve the possibility to be out in the world, still using their unique abilities, independent, and feeling good about themselves."

After retirement, Julian picked up a new "full-time" vocation. He established the Senior Citizen Placement Bureau in Central Ohio. He called on his sales and business background to bring the issues of mature job seekers to local employers and governmental entities. Working with the area agency on aging, he interviewed seniors about their needs and came away with two fundamental goals: provide opportunities and advocate for seniors.

"For as long as any older person is denied rights and opportunities merely because of age, as long as any older person cannot share the sense of purpose, dignity and independence which is the essence of life itself, our job is not over," Julian said when he opened his agency.

He knew getting the support of CEOs was essential. They would provide the funds and, most importantly, the jobs, that would make his agency successful. He believed that his grass-roots agency would survive through strong connections with local employers and the successful placement of clients. He never left a business office without asking for a donation, and he rarely left without a signed check. He did not accept a paycheck from the agency and used retired businessmen to help with fundraising.

Not only did Julian charm business owners to participate in his program, he engaged his employees with his warm, friendly demeanor and often keen humor. Each person had an important role in the agency and had opportunities to provide suggestions, input and ideas. All volunteers felt ownership of the organization, and immediate satisfaction in knowing they were helping others every day.

In 1973, former Columbus Mayor Tom Moody proclaimed a "Senior Citizens Placement Bureau Week." In 1974, Julian was named by the Columbus Citizen-Journal as one of the Top Ten Men of the Year, and he received the Humanitarian Award in 1982 from the Temple Israel community. His agency was featured in a documentary on aging in 1975.

Over more than 40 years, the agency - now known as Employment for Seniors - has registered more than 27,000 clients and posted 15,400 jobs, with more than 10,000 clients securing employment. Julian's vision is more relevant today than ever. Employment For Seniors remains a unique service, free of charge, to 50-plus adults trying to regain a foothold in the workforce.

Glenn Maxwell, 77, Bellaire

Maxwell's mother always told him, "Do God's will, not your own." He suffered from severe asthma and nearly died on several occasions. "It made me wonder why God pulled me through," Glenn said. "I was inspired to do good by watching my mother caring for the poor people we knew, knowing that we ourselves were poor."

His volunteerism started with the Boy Scouts of America. After he returned home from the service, he became the scoutmaster for Troop 124 in Bellaire, Ohio, a post he held until 1980. He coached little league baseball from 1967 to 1975, and served as president of the league for a year. He coordinates volunteers for the United Way of the Ohio Valley's "Day of Caring" projects. He does the same with "Make a Difference Day" for the State of Ohio. As a member of the Rock Hill Presbyterian Church, he served as Sunday school superintendent, trustee, elder, and volunteered his carpentry skills to help build the new church library.

In 1992, Glenn grabbed his hammer and hopped on a train to help rebuild Louisiana after Hurricane Andrew. This was his introduction to Habitat for Humanity, a cause for which he has been an influential leader. In 1993, he met Habitat's co-founder, Millard Fuller, in Georgia and was inspired by his sermon, "The Theology of the Hammer."

That same year, he was asked to volunteer for the Jimmy Carter Work Project. He took early retirement from Carpenter's Local #3, and traveled to South Dakota with his wife and two oldest children for their first project. Since then, at his own expense, he has traveled to South Korea, Mexico, South Africa and Hungary, as well as to many states in the U.S. He built new homes and renovated old homes to raise awareness of sub-standard housing in the world.

"We could empathize with working families that needed a decent home to call their own," he said. "I built the house I live in, living in the basement with my wife and four children until I was able to get a loan to complete the house."

Glenn and his wife worked to establish Habitat for Humanity of the Bellaire Area in June 1998. He organized a group of retired carpenters, plumbers, painters, electricians and other tradesmen and volunteers. He supervised the construction of the first nineteen houses, and kept them simple, decent and affordable.

"I am grateful for all the good people around the world that God has put a hammer in their hands in order to help those in need of a decent, affordable home," Glenn said. "When the houses are dedicated and the keys are turned over to the new homeowners, all the hard work that you did was worthwhile when you see the joy in their faces and know there is hope for the future."

Medical issues along the way haven't discouraged him. At 77, Glenn's still helping others, perhaps a little slower than before, but he says, "Don't quit! Don't be boastful about what you do and continue doing what you can for yourself, family and others who need help." He added, "I still travel and volunteer. Look for the silver lining and the blessings God has given you."

Glenn has passed the lessons his mother taught him to his four children and two grandsons. All are active volunteers. As Glenn said, "It's not what he can do or what you can do, but what we can do together to make God's world a better place to live in."

Jane Scott, Posthumous, Lakewood

Scott played her typewriter keys like a maestro plays a Stradivarius. Affectionately known as Cleveland's oldest teenager, "Scotty" began her journalism career when she wrote for the garden and society pages. Jane had the ability to unite generations, especially in the 50s and 60s, when so many were challenging authority. She wrote about teenagers and older adults at a time when neither got much attention in the media.

When the Beatles invaded Cleveland in September 1964, Jane became the Plain Dealer's rock critic. It really was just an extension of her society coverage of local teens, and she kept writing about seniors. She found a way to connect to everyone she interviewed and everyone she wrote about and for.

Jane was among the few in music journalism who treated artists with respect, according to her colleagues. She may not have liked their music, but she tried to find something redeeming in each person. Whether musicians, concert goers, industry insiders, Jane saw everyone as her equal. As musical styles and tastes changed, Jane kept up with the hippest hipsters and the grooviest groovers. Her open-mindedness made her the go-to source on all rock genres from the 60s British invasion, to punk and new-wave in the 70s, to metal and hip-hop in the 80s and grunge in the 90s.

Jane's friend, Janet Macoska recalls, "Jane was influential in helping to make David Bowie a star in America. His first appearance in the U.S. was in Cleveland and Jane, of course, interviewed him and wrote a very positive review of his first U.S. show. He never forgot her. Upon a return engagement in 1995, he entered the room, he sought out Jane, embraced and kissed her, and said, 'Oh you dear sweet lady,' like a nephew with his favorite aunt."

Her column was her arena stage, and she respected her audience for coming to her show. It's been said, "Bands were interviewed by the best writers, for the best publications, but they hadn't arrived until they met Jane Scott." Her name gave her backstage access few in the music industry ever experienced. In 1975, she predicted Bruce Springsteen would be the next superstar - and she wasn't wrong.

In her "Senior Class" column, Jane often emphasized the importance of staying active mentally as well as physically. Listening to grunge bands and braving mosh pits may not fit with most retirees' lifestyles, but it worked for her; it was her medicine. She truly was forever young.

When she passed away at the age of 92, the rock world responded as only it could: with a party. Nearly 900 notable artists, politicians and community leaders packed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland to honor her. Most at the ceremony agreed that the best tribute was that of her colleague and friend, fellow Plain Dealer critic John Soeder. He wore a t-shirt that simply read: "Induct Jane."

Alberta Shurelds, Posthumous, Lima

Alberta Robinson Shurelds lived a life of service to God, her church and her community. Smart, diligent and caring, she was the best teacher the children of Belzoni, Mississippi could ever have, especially in a time when choices were very limited for African-American women in the South. Then, difficult economic times led her family to move to Lima, Ohio. She loved teaching pre-school and continued her education in Ohio, receiving degrees in child development and elementary education. She served on the boards of Rhodes State College (LTC) and was a member of the advisory board for The Ohio State University at Lima as a minority leader.

Ms. Alberta, as she was called, worked with various civic organizations, such as the NAACP (lifetime member), the Black Elected Democrats of Ohio, Women in the NAACP, Eta Phi Beta Sorority, the Council of Negro Women and the Minority Caucus. She upheld the bylaws and constitution of every organization in which she served, and insisted they maintain the visions of their founding members.

Alberta often spoke at colleges and universities about segregation in America and what those words meant to African-Americans. She grew up in Mississippi during a time of misery for most people of color. She witnessed firsthand what it meant to live without civil rights. She recounted personal stories to the media of what it was like going from segregation to integration.

She was highly motivated by the truth and fairness. She wanted the world to be a place where justice prevailed, and she believed that goal could be achieved when people worked hard, told the truth, completed tasks on time and stayed true to their word. She believed that we were supposed to help each other in whatever ways we could, and that reward or acknowledgment should never be expected to happen here on earth.

Ms. Alberta believed that change was possible, but could be achieved only when those who cared become involved and advocated for change. She held legislators and community leaders to task, and never hesitated to pick up the phone and get to the real issues. Alberta was friends with senators, state representatives and governors across the country, and they often called for her counsel about prominent people, issues and processes in Ohio.

Alberta lived her best life every day, and encouraged those full of potential to relentlessly pursue their destiny. She worked with felons to help them regain their right to vote when they were released and immersed herself in the Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church, which she had joined 50 years prior, where she remained a faithful servant until she drew her last breath.

Ms. Alberta would often say, "Hold on to God's hand and the love of your family and everything else will end up all right."