Morristown's Wortman, Greenfield's Peters among 2023 Golden Hoosier Award winners

morristown-s-wortman-greenfield-s-peters-among-2023-golden-hoosier-award-winners

Shelby and Hancock counties are represented by seniors named as Golden Hoosiers.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch recently announced the 10 winners of the 2023 Golden Hoosier Award.

"Each of these Hoosiers has dedicated their life to serving communities across Indiana," said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "They exemplify the Hoosier spirit of wanting to help, wanting to give back and being generous. Congratulations to the 2023 Golden Hoosier Award winners!"

  Bob Wortman

J.R. “Bob” Wortman of Morristown has filledWortman has established several foundations in Hancock and Shelby Counties. He serves on the Hancock Health Wortman has established funds at the Community Foundation of Hancock County, including: The Wortman Family Literacy Fund for Hancock County Children; the Wortman Family Foundation Endowment; the Robert and Sue Wortman Family Fund; and the Fountaintown Gas Company, Inc. Scholarship Endowment. All funds are perpetual and provide grants on an annual basis.

He’s is also president of the Shelby County Library Foundation.

Wortman led the fundraising and support for two medical centers honoring his wife: The Sue Ann Wortman Nephrology Center in Shelby County; and the Sue Ann Wortman Cancer Center in Hancock County.

He also served as a trustee on Operation Round Up, a non-profit funded by members and customers of NineStar Connect who round up their utility bills to the nearest dollar. He reviewed applications and performed site visits of applicants.

Wortman is proud of his membership in the Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite, having received their highest awards for community service. The former U.S. Marine and Korean War veteran has been named a Distinguished Hoosier and was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash.

  Jim Peters

From Hancock County, Jim Peters was the executive director of Love INC of Greater Hancock County for several years. Now, in his retirement, he serves his community by volunteering with the Hancock County Community Organizations Active in Disaster. There, he organizes meetings, writes and manages grants and coordinates services throughout the region. Peters puts in place disaster response and recovery plans, then organizes table-top and field exercises to practice those plans. He serves as a spokesperson in the community for the importance of disaster response preparation.

Peters spends many hours volunteering in the COAD warming shelter for anyone without safe and adequate heat during the cold months.

Peters served over 10 years on the Salvation Army of Hancock County, and he continues to assist with the Red Kettle campaign. Also, he’s assisted with the formation of several non-profits in Hancock County, including Character Council, Hancock4Kids, and Hands of Hope Communities

The Golden Hoosier Award began in 2008 in collaboration with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Aging and AARP Indiana, and annually honors senior Hoosiers for their lifetime of service and commitment to their communities. Since the start of the program, more than 200 Hoosiers have been honored.

“These Hoosiers are great examples of how acts of service in communities can help us solve our problems,” said Family and Social Service Administration Secretary Dan Rusyniak, M.D.. “I thank them for their commitment and showing us the value of service.”

To be eligible, awardees must currently be an Indiana resident, age 65 or older and have been a volunteer in the community for the past three years. Each awardee was nominated by someone in their community who recognized their significant contribution to their community.

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