Woman honored for her work with senior citizens: Lt. Gov. Kinder presents award

By Marshall White

Jun. 11, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- SAVANNAH, Mo. -- A member of the Andrew County Health Department received state recognition Tuesday.

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder presented a certificate of merit to Wendy Atkins for her work with senior citizens.

Mrs. Atkins, who has worked for the Andrew County Health Department for two and a half years, started a program called Exercise Senior Style, with low-impact activities that help seniors improve their blood pressure, circulation and cardiovascular health, said Bill Couldry, Mrs. Atkins' boss.

Only two awards were given in the state, and the staff is happy that she could be recognized for all she does, Mr. Couldry said.

A local Vietnam veteran has attended Mrs. Atkins exercise

programs for more than a year.

"I'm a diabetic who needs to get more exercise," said Basil Owens, who served with the U.S. Army for two years in Vietnam. "It helps me limber up, and I get to keep an eye on my cardiovascular system."

The veteran said he also enjoys the recipes she finds for diabetics.

Mrs. Atkins and the staff of the Andrew County Health Department regularly visit groups of seniors and work to make a better life for each and every one, said Becky Rotterman, the president of the Andrew County Health Board and owner of Savannah Family Pharmacy, where she is also a pharmacist.

Mr. Kinder took time to promote Missouri's new State Pharmacy Assistance Program, which helps seniors reduce their cost for prescription drugs. About 180,000 seniors already have signed up for the program, Mr. Kinder said.

He drove himself to Northwest Missouri without an entourage Tuesday and also made two appearances in St. Joseph.

Mr. Kinder stopped at the Joyce Raye Patterson Senior Citizens Center to award a certificate of appreciation for Older Americans Month, in honor of the center's work.

He said the Savannah and Joyce Raye Patterson Senior Citizens Center events are a part of his duties as Missouri's official senior advocate.

He also stopped at City Hall in St. Joseph to promote the Tour of Missouri, which launches in St. Joseph Sept. 8.

Marshall White can be contacted at marshall@npgco.com.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0283-25910079