Seniors get red-carpet treatment

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Nov 18, 2004 | by Cathy Free Deseret Morning News

In younger years, they may have wondered what it would be like to pose in front of flashing cameras in tuxedos and spangled gowns, then pick up gold statuettes in front of a cheering crowd.

On a recent weekend, several residents of Salt Lake City's Wellington Senior Residence finally lived that dream, all the way down to the red carpet and live music. It was the center's second surprise awards banquet to honor the quiet accomplishments of former schoolteachers, homemakers, accountants and soldiers, now in their later years.

"Seniors are some of the most interesting people, with stories to share and insight to give," says Eric Collett, the Wellington's program director, who invited me to share some Free Lunch time with award recipients at the ceremony. "Sadly, many of us fail to notice the richness behind the wrinkles. We thought it was time to recognize what our seniors have done in their lifetimes."

The center's first Lifetime Achievement Awards Gala was such a success that Wellington workers decided to make it a regular event. This time, miniature "Oscars" were handed out to a dozen stunned residents as brief biographieswere read.

Melba Matthews, a former track and field star, now 95, was honored for her courage and strength. As a young mother, she rescued a neighbor child from a culvert and saved his life while others stood by wondering what to do. Not one to be idle, she flew over Alaskan glaciers in a helicopter at age 80 and went whale-watching in Hawaii when she turned 90.

Paul Galloway, 85, survived seven missions over France in World War II and was awarded numerous medals, including one given to him by Gen. Charles DeGaulle, who later became the president of France. Paul's Scottish wife, Emma Galloway, a member of the Women's Royal Air Force, fell in love with him even after telling him at a military dance, "I don't dance with Yanks."

The Wellington Center is rich with stories like these. Lavada Rhodes, 75, grew up during the Depression in Arkansas. In the eighth grade, she had to drop out of school to work so her younger sister could get an education and her family would have enough to eat. Even without formal schooling, Lavada eventually became a dental lab technician and established her own laboratory.

Another of this year's award winners, Robert Coleman, an archaeologist and theologian, used to take his nieces and nephews on overnight digs along the Brazos River in Texas. "We'd spend hours hunting for arrowheads," recalls nephew Craig Smith, "and we'd listen to 'Uncle Bobo's' stories around the campfire while armadillos roamed in the background."

One of Robert's neighbors at the Wellington, Zola Pound, grew up picking cherries and sacking corn and ultimately decided she wasn't suited for farming. After taking courses in charm and first aid, she became a "stewardess" for United Airlines in the late 1940s and traveled the world.

Like other Wellington residents, Zola now spends her time reading, playing bridge and enjoying the simple life. Even so, she smiled and blushed like a prom queen when her name was called at the banquet.

So did Dolly McCleve. A former tap dancer, Dolly's eyes filled with happy tears as she slowly walked down the red carpet in a sequined gown to receive her award. She said she never expected to be surprised with such an honor.

Dolly and her friends have quietly touched hundreds of lives over the years. And that is why the flash bulbs will keep popping at the Wellington for many years to come.

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