Saturday, January 20, 2024 is Grice Connects Senior Reporter Michele Leblanc's 77th birthday. She likes to remind us that she is the same age as Paula Dean and Cher and one year younger than Dolly Parton. Dolly celebrated her 78th birthday yesterday.
Michele rivals these celebrities' zest for life and is equally "small town" famous. Everywhere I go someone asks me about Michele. They tell me how much they enjoy her columns and her spunk. In fact, Michele received more speaking engagement invitations than I did last year.
She has quickly developed a presence, force and voice for senior adults in our community. Her columns are some of the highest read columns on our website. If a few days go by and no column from Michele appears our phone starts ringing. Her fans adore her.
Directors of senior adult programs from the library to the recreation department are reporting record numbers of attendance. They confirm the Grice Connect Michele factor is real.
Michele is always happy to represent Grice Connect at any event we need her to attend (and a few we don’t). You NEVER know where she might pop up (especially if there is good food involved). But trust me, you will know she is there.
The part many of you don't know about Michele is how fiercely she looks out for and supports senior adults in their time of need. From helping with local grief share programs, providing thoughtful random acts of kindness, to quietly using the threat of publishing power of Grice Connect to make sure Seniors have been treated fairly. Michele is at work, looking out for fellow seniors.
She identifies with needs for seniors and advocates for them in the community in a variety of ways. Michele dominates our weekly editorial meetings with story ideas and areas we can make an impact for local seniors. Especially in areas she feels more light needs to be shone on.
When she was having trouble with technology, she assumed she was not alone. Instead of reaching out for help for just herself, she asked the Statesboro library to teach free technology classes. It is no surprise these classes filled up.
Michele is an asset to our community and to the Grice Connect team. She is providing a voice to an important segment of our population who felt their voice had been diminished.
We love her energy and enthusiasm and are happy that she is officially an "old doll" now.
She has taught us this Canadian term and a few others I can't put in print. "Old Doll'' translates in southern dialect to "Bless Your Heart."
Please join me and the Grice Connect team in wishing MIchele LeBlanc a very Happy Birthday. Email, call or text her and wish her a Happy Birthday and share with her how much her impact has touched your life.
Have a Senior Moment idea you want Michele to share?
Join her mission to get seniors back out into our community, discovering ways they can stay active, be appreciated and live a healthier life.
How can you help? Share with Michele your FRESH ideas, senior activities you would like her to share or senior needs not met. She is waiting on your email at [email protected] or phone call or text at 912-536-4312.
Enjoy your next Senior Moment in Bulloch County!!
