Older adults set the bar for volunteering in East Tennessee but often go unnoticed in their efforts. Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service (SCHAS), a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and their families by providing accessible care and supportive services through compassionate personnel, has created a special event called the Ageless Hall of Fame, that will honor and recognize 16 senior citizens who demonstrated their care for their community.

SCHAS created a committee made up of county leaders and human service agencies that serve the East Tennessee community to review nominations submitted by the public and to choose 16 individuals. The counties that are participating are: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier and Union counties.

The 16 honorees that were nominated by their communities are the following individuals:

Anderson County - Neal Vaughan
Blount County - Buddy Queen
Campbell County - Barbara Archer
Claiborne County—Ella Mae Fugate
Cocke County—Carolyn “Cookie” Ramsey
Grainger County—Reuben Couch
Hamblen County - Rusty Cantwell
Jefferson County - Mary Ellen Bishop
Knox County - George “Bob” Martin
Loudon County - Elizabeth Lee
Monroe County - Bennie Moser
Morgan County - Marta Monroe
Roane County - Marilyn Calfee
Scott County - Edna Faye King
Sevier County - Emma Ruth Catlett
Union County - Martin Shafer

Martin Shafer was chosen to represent Union County. He currently serves for the Union County United Way as the Campaign Chair; Union County Senior Center; Union County Business and Professional Association; Paulette Fire Department weekly Guitar Pull; Union County Chamber of Commerce Alliance to get high speed internet in Union County; Monthly Business and Professional Association; Litter pick up; Big Ridge group to restore the Grist Mill into working condition; President, Kiwanis Club of Knoxville; 60+ year volunteer with Kiwanis Fresh Air Camp; plays the guitar, banjo and harmonica in his church; and Union County Christmas Parade - float for a group of special students wanting to be in a parade. In addition, he helps individuals and families including helping provide firewood for a family; providing a student with a forge so they could pursue becoming a welder and helping those who may not have the resources they need in their home. Once Martin gets involved, he stays involved. He has been active in the above activities since moving from Knox County to Union County in 1996.

Mr. Shafer, along with the other honorees, will be celebrated on Thursday, May 16th at a luncheon at the Bridgewater Place in Knoxville. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit schas.org on the events page or call 865-824-4301 or contact Jessica Popek, SCHAS Development at jpopek@schas.org.