by Kathy Foster
Noting, “We are so blessed to have many people who touch the lives of our Elders and Community,” officials at Washington Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Chipley said they are proud to honor those who live up to the title of Hometown Hero. And, Thursday evening five new inductees took their places among the honored.
Taking the Community Leader spotlight was Dorothy Odom – pictured below with Bret Brown.
Odom received the Presidential Volunteer Award in 2016 and has been a member of several Civic Organizations including the Civitan Club, Friends of the Library, The Chipley Woman’s Club, the Washington County Historical Society and the Chipley Garden Club. She also served as one of the first Ambassadors for the Washington County chamber of Commerce.
The group that most held her interest is the Washington County Historical Society. She soon narrowed her focus on the efforts to preserve Washington County history and has served as president for the last 20 years. Technology opened the door for so many new preservation opportuntities, and Odom harnessed that potential to help preserve the community’s history.
Odom was honored for her volunteerism and community involvement, including her advocacy for the preservation of Washington County’s history and civic engagement.
Receiving ‘Stakeholders’ recognition was Pamela Kennedy who during her 20 year career at WRNC has touched many lives and has embodied the Sacred Six Values of Respect, Compassion, Teamwork, Integrity, Patience and Positivity. She was described as having a unwavering dedication to provide true Qualtiy of Life to the elders living in the center.
Also receiving the Stakeholders recognition was Telinda White who was described as a “highly respected stakeholder and advocate for the Elders” at WRNC since 1999. Her co-workers said White’s kindness and generosity of spirit truly set her apart and speaks volumes about the passion she finds in respecting and caring for others.
Martin B. Jones, Sr. was recognized with an Elders Recognition for his committment to his family and the young people of the community through coaching baseball and softball and supporting activities through working in concession stand and ticket offices. He also has participated on the Senior Olympics team.
Hester Wells was the fifth person to be honored during the Hall of Fame recognition. Perry Wells accepted the honor on behalf of his late wife. Hester had a 30-year involvement with the Panhandle Watermelon Festival and it was said she could easily be found on festival days in her iconic watermelon seed sack dress. She was described as a “compassionate, loving, and thankful for all of the blessings in her life”.
