Dr. Wayland Marks Gratitude Award

Dr. Wayland Marks accepting the Gratitude Award

Dr. Wayland Marks accepting the first Gratitude Award

On November 7, 2012, Partners in Aging (PiA) awarded its first annual Gratitude Award to Dr. Wayland Marks. Dr. Marks has always had a passion for providing care to the older members of our community, and he was one of the first physicians to obtain the American Board of Internal Medicine Certificate of Added Qualifications in Geriatrics. To honor the recently retired Dr. Marks, the award has been renamed the Dr. Wayland Marks Gratitude Award and will be given annually to a person who exemplifies the principal of advocating for the senior population of Fredericksburg.

The 2024 Dr. Wayland Marks Gratitude Award winner – Lori Myers

As the Regional Director of the Fredericksburg branch of the Alzheimer’s Association, Lori Myers has dedicated herself to educating caregivers and supporting families navigating Alzheimer’s. Lori facilitated support groups and met with families one-on-one, always providing valuable assistance when anyone needed resources. Lori was consistently willing to meet with families individually or send them information by mail. Additionally, she helped many families access the Alzheimer’s Association Respite grant, offering them relief during difficult times. Lori became the go-to person in the Fredericksburg community for Alzheimer’s education, often speaking at events and on the radio to share resources and support. During the isolating days of COVID, she adapted her outreach efforts and developed creative ways to stay connected with caregivers. Lori also participated in Partners in Aging events and was an active member of the Caregiver Luncheon Committee for many years.

Lori quietly retired from the Alzheimer’s Association and took some time off, but it didn’t last long. After a brief break, she returned to Partners in Aging meetings as a volunteer, rejoining the Caregiver Luncheon Committee. She has proven to be a reliable and engaged member, eagerly taking on any task or responsibility. Lori continues to facilitate Alzheimer’s support groups within the Fredericksburg community.

Lori Myers has dedicated many years to serving the Fredericksburg community, particularly through her work with the Alzheimer’s Association. Even after the regional office closed, she remained committed to supporting local families. The Fredericksburg community, especially those affected by Alzheimer’s, has greatly benefited from Lori’s service.  Partners in Aging is proud to have presented the Dr. Wayland Marks Gratitude Award to Lori Myers. 

 

Past Dr. Wayland Marks Gratitude Award winners are:

2013 – Valerie Hopson-Bell, Eldercare Connections

2014 – Neda McGuire, Comfort Keepers

2015 – Betty Bazemore, Spotsylvania Department of Social Services (posthumously)

2016 – Patricia Holland, Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

2017 – Karl Karch, Home Instead Senior Care

2018 – Judy Scheibe, Retired

2019 – Margaret Kenerly, Mary Washington Health Care Home Health

2022 – Cindi Bowen, Spring Arbor of Fredericksburg

2023 – Teresa Bowers – MHAF Senior Visitor Program/Micah Ministries

To nominate a person who exemplifies the principal of advocating for the senior population of Fredericksburg, please use the the Gratitude Award Nomination Form.

Outstanding 1st Responder Award

The 2024 Outstanding 1st Responder Award was presented to Spotsylvania County Master Deputy Justin Young. He was selected for this award as he has continually gone above and beyond what the expectation is for a law enforcement officer and how to interact with the elderly and disabled in our community.

Please visit the Spotsylvania Stafford Fredericksburg TRIAD site for more information about the Outstanding 1st Responder Award.

 

Do you know an Outstanding 1st Responder? Nominate him or her to receive this annual Partners in Aging’s award. For more information: First Responder Award Nomination