By JENN RAGO

Special to The Press

Winnie Mae Peters, of South Whitehall Township, was honored on May 18 as an Unsung Hero when the Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services presented its 22nd annual “Tribute to Unsung Heroes” awards’ presentation.

This event honored 17 older Lehigh County residents who displayed exceptional generosity with their time and talents to enhance the lives of others throughout their communities.

In 1965, then President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the older Americans Act., declaring May Older American Month. Lehigh County has celebrated this event annually for 22 years.

The theme for this year’s nominees was “Age My Way.”

Guests were welcomed by Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services Executive Director Clayton Reed Jr.

Secretary of Pennsylvania Department of Aging Robert Torres gave the opening remarks.

Both presented certificates and citations to each recipient.

According to Peters’ tribute:

“What can you say about Mae Peters? She is selfless and kind, and is a bright spot in everyone’s day.

“Mae has a generous spirit, and will help anyone in need. She is willing to sacrifice her own personal time to make sure others are able to enjoy themselves, no matter the activity, and she doesn’t mind doing it. You can ask Mae to do anything and she will do it with a smile!

“Mae has lived at the Cedar View Apartments for 19 years and has been a staple volunteer within our community every one of those years.

“Mae is the type of person who will just walk up and start helping - no questions asked, no direction needed. She sees what needs to be done and just does it. From putting table cloths on the tables for our annual picnic just because it just needs to be done. Or, during the height of the pandemic, you could find her consistently putting tape on the benches outside, year-round, to keep people at safe distances.

“And she comes down each Monday and Friday afternoon to make sure bingo is ready to go for the evening. The residents here love bingo. It brings them together socially, and it’s Mae’s dedication to this activity that makes it happen!

“And Mae just does it all because someone should, and she is capable, so why not her? Mae is our go-to person here at Cedar View for any new jobs or any time we need a helping hand.

“Her willingness to step up and ‘just do’ is what makes her so special, and for these reasons, she is my unsung hero!”