On the Circuit: Sage Awards 2026

A beloved childhood story provided an unexpectedly perfect beginning to AgeWell Middle Tennessee’s 34th annual Sage Awards, a joyful celebration of remarkable older adults whose lives reflect service, generosity and an enduring commitment to their communities.

Co-chair Lynn Ragland opened the Oct. 1 program with a charming comparison between this year’s distinguished honorees and Margery Williams’ timeless classic, The Velveteen Rabbit. In the treasured tale, a stuffed rabbit longs to become real and discovers that becoming real comes through being deeply loved and living a life filled with experience.

Like the well-loved rabbit, Lynn joked, becoming “real” can sometimes leave one a little worn and shabby, drawing an appreciative chuckle from the crowd. But age also brings wisdom, purpose and the promise of an exciting next chapter.

“Our honorees are real,” Lynn told guests. “You have accomplished so much, and you have even more left to accomplish.”

Emmy Award-winning journalist and NewsChannel 5 reporter Hannah McDonald served as the engaging host for the program, which honored Patty Bearden, Mike Fussell, Ruth Mitchell, Ed Cole, Charles Kimbrough and Brent Poulton for their impressive contributions to the community. The organization also presented the prestigious Elizabeth Jacobs Distinguished Service Award to the AgeWell Ambassadors Council.

Lynn and fellow co-chair Sharon McNally welcomed supporters to the convivial annual fundraiser, which set an ambitious goal of raising $125,000. AgeWell believes aging should be celebrated and embraced and recognizes the invaluable wisdom, experience and perspective older adults bring to Middle Tennessee.

One of the afternoon’s most touching moments came as a complete surprise to Executive Director Grace Smith. After 10 years of dedicated service, inspiring leadership and tireless work, Grace received an unexpected tribute for her own significant contributions to the organization she has so passionately championed. The heartfelt recognition seemed especially appropriate on a day devoted to honoring lives of purpose and service.

As Middle Tennesseans live longer, AgeWell is helping ensure those years remain vibrant, meaningful and fulfilling. Perhaps Lynn’s storybook analogy said it best. Becoming “real” takes time. It comes from loving, serving, learning and living fully. And judging from this year’s extraordinary honorees, there is still plenty of living left to do.