Oak Crest's Ina Johnson Inducted into Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame

PARKVILLE, MD---As an eighth grader, she offered comfort to patients in a hospital.  Year later, she gave computer lessons to her peers.
A lifetime of service to others was recognized when Ina Johnson, a resident of Oak Crest retirement community, received induction into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame on October 18th at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie.
She was part of the Class of 2012, comprised of forty-two (42) citizens from across the state. 
The Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization that seeks to immortalize men and women and to record their names in the Archives of the Hall of Fame because of their caring and volunteer efforts.  More information can be found at www.mschf.org.
According to Alison Vogrin, the Volunteer Program Coordinator at Oak Crest, helping others started for Ms. Johnson with a simple opportunity to visit patients at Union Memorial Hospital. 
"An enjoyable after-school activity with her friends evolved into an enthusiastic commitment to volunteering," stated Ms. Vogrin.  "Ms. Johnson is an inspiration to people of all ages because she shares her talents---and learns new skills---to help those in need.  We are very proud of her induction into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame."
During the 1960's, she was a member of the Junior Board at the Florence Crittendon Home for Unwed Mothers, concentrating on activity programming for its operation. 
Ms. Johnson was an active member of the Federated Woman's Club of Govans.  As its president, she coordinated fundraising events for the development of the Govans Enoch Pratt Library. 
In 1980, Ms. Johnson started as a volunteer at Johns Hopkins Bayview Hospital.  In 2008, the hospital awarded her with a 2,000 hour service pin and eventually recognized her as the Volunteer of the Month. 
Moving to Oak Crest in 1997 enhanced her volunteer opportunities.  She participates in three choral groups and became active with the Village Vaudevillians theater group as an actress and board member.
Ms. Johnson joined the resident-led Computer Group to learn more about technology.  She not only learned this skill, but also found herself teaching beginner lessons to fellow residents.
At Oak Crest, Ms. Johnson is active in outreach programs focusing on local education.  For the past six years, she has served as a mentor to elementary school children.  As a pen pal, she participates in a written exchange that encourages communication across generations.  As a Buddy Reader, she instills the value of reading in a young person.

PHOTO CAPTION:  Ina Johnson displays a certificate following her induction into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame on October 18th.  Ms. Johnson, a resident of Oak Crest retirement community, has volunteered in the Baltimore-area for over sixty years.
About Oak Crest: Oak Crest, managed and developed by Erickson Living, is a retirement community that provides worry-free living for America's seniors-the country's fastest growing population segment.  Erickson Living's financial value and predictable monthly service fees provide residents across the country financial peace of mind.  Comprehensive health and wellness services, integrated into our continuum of care, lead to demonstrated resident benefits.  A robust complement of resident programs and facilities promote an engaged, fulfilling lifestyle that is reflected in resident satisfaction levels that exceed the industry average.  For more information, please visit www.ericksonliving.com.

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