A local business owner and the founder of a community group are among this year’s 5 Over 50 honorees.
Earlier this month, Aging Together announced those chosen to receive the annual recognition, which honors residents of the agency’s five counties who are 50 years of age or older and have made significant contributions in their community, making it a better place to live or work. One person, or in some cases a couple, is chosen from each of the counties–Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange, Madison and Rappahannock.
The Madison County honoree, Carlyle Weaver, is the owner of Weaver Works, a Madison County business offering excavation, site development, building construction, plumbing, electrical, utilities and project management. Through the business, Weaver has been instrumental in helping his local community, donating services, materials and funds to organizations and individuals in need. In 2024, Weaver Works was a premier platinum sponsor for the Madison County Fair. The company has also sponsored multiple youth sports teams, contributed to the Music in the Park concert series and provided services at Hoover Ridge Park.
Joining Weaver is Mary-Jane Atwater, the Orange County honoree. A long-time resident of Lake of the Woods, Atwater is one of three who created the non-profit organization Lake of the Woods Living Independently in Our Community (LOWLINC) to support elderly Lake residents living independently in their homes with continued community connections. In addition to being a cofounder of the group, Atwater is also a past board chair and volunteer. The organization will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year.
In addition to Weaver and Atwater, Sharon Welsh Clark is the Culpeper County honoree, Karen White the Fauquier County honoree and Barbara and Matthew Clark the Rappahannock County honorees.
This year marks the 13th 5 Over 50 event, which underscores the idea that age doesn’t equal diminished capacity. Nominations for the honor are sought from the region by mid-January with the final five chosen by committee in late February. Honorees are announced in March.
Unlike recent years in which separate live-feed events have been held in each county, this year’s celebration will take place at a banquet Sept. 18 at Fauquier Springs Country Club. For more information, visit https://www.agingtogether.org/5-over-50.html.
