The Council on Aging (COA) held it 25th annual Sage Awards Luncheon in mid-Oct. Community, members of COA, past recipients, friends, and family gathered at the Omni Nashville Hotel to give honor to the four 2016 honorees.

Among those being honored was Tenn. State Rep. Brenda Gilmore.

This year’s theme, ‘Wise through reflection and experience,’ was evident by those chosen by the board to receive such an honor.

“The Council on Aging is proud to honor older adults who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to improving the quality of life in their communities,” said Vickie W. Harris, president. “The individuals receiving the 25th annual Sage Award represent seniors are ‘wise through reflection and experience.’”

Rep. Gilmore has been a member of the Tennessee General Assembly since 2006 and served as a Metro Councilwoman for 10 years. In her life as a public servant and a community volunteer, she has built a life-long reputation as a champion for minorities, women, children and the environment. She has volunteered in leadership roles with CABE, NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta, Senior Citizens, Inc. (now Fifty Forward), the Negro College Fund Volunteer Committee, Skyline Medical Center, Belmont University, the John F. Kennedy Susan Gray School, and the Margaret Cunningham Women’s Center; a chair for fundraising campaigns for Vanderbilt University and the Northwest YMCA. She is a member of The Links, Inc., the TSU Alumni Association and Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.

Upon receiving the award, Gilmore was reminded of something her grandmother told her years ago: “People don’t have to be nice to you. But when they are, be thankful!”

Others being honored included: Berdelle T. Campbell, Cleatrice C. McTorry and James Vandiver.