By Mark Ambrogi
At 93, Corona Lewis is not the active volunteer she once was for the Indiana State Museum.
But she supports it anyway she can and frequently has friends drive her to special events.
“If they want to call me to ask me about what happened when, if I can remember which I quite often can, I do help,” she said. “I still try to help promote the museum. I also have done some research for the Indiana Historical Society.”
The long-time Carmel resident received the Golden Hoosier Award from Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann on May 18.
The award, which began in 2008, annually honors a group of outstanding Hoosier senior citizens for their lifetime of service and commitment to their communities. Lewis was nominated by Karine Huys, manager of volunteer services at the Indiana State Museum.
“I saw the Golden Hoosier Award as a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the time, talent and treasure that Ronie has brought to the Museum over the last 40 (plus) years,” Huys said. “She has been a treasure to us and deserves the recognition of all her hard work.”
Shahid Athar, 70, who lives on the west side of Carmel, also received the Golden Hoosier honor. Athar is a clinical associate professor at Indiana University School of Medicine and an endocrinologist in private practice in Carmel with the St.Vincent Medical Group.
Lewis and her late husband Fred, who died in 2004, moved to Carmel 49 years ago for his job as a mechanical engineer for Standard Locknut Inc.
“I saw an ad in The Star that they wanted people to be docents at the State Museum,” Lewis said. “I thought it would be good way for person who was new to Indiana to learn all about the history.”
As well as serving as a guide, Lewis organized tours with the volunteers.
“One thing I like about the state is you can go anywhere one direction and back in one day,” Lewis said.
Lewis was president of the volunteers and a board member.
“I made a lot of wonderful friends, lots of people who were interested in the same things I was,” she said.
