Known for their tireless work to support causes near and dear to their hearts – one cultural and the other medical – longtime Weston residents Joy Rodenberg and Dr. Jorge Lopez were among the ten honorees inducted into the 2024 Broward Senior Hall of Fame.
A pioneer of the arts and culture community here in Weston, Rodenberg is a founding member of the Arts Council of Greater Weston and the Weston Music Society. She has held numerous leadership positions over the past 20+ years, including President of the Arts Council from 2010-2014. She currently serves as Coordinator of Print Media Public Relations for both organizations.
Under Rodenberg’s leadership, the Arts Council initiated its popular Celebrate the Arts event. She also guided the Weston Foreign Film Series and the Student Artist Showcase to record growth. Other credits include developing the Arts Council’s annual cultural calendar which has expanded into a monthly e-blast that now reaches more than 2,000 subscribers.
“Joy has been the cornerstone of our community’s rich arts and cultural scene, infusing her passion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment into the very fabric of our success story,” said Arts Council President Laura Dobrzanski. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without her vision and tireless efforts over the last twenty years.”
WMS President Louis Marett shared a very similar sentiment. “Joy has been a stalwart to the Weston community for so many years. It’s difficult to find the words to describe her contributions as a leader, mentor, and friend to all. She richly deserves this honor.”
Weston’s other honoree, Dr. Jorge Lopez, was recognized for his efforts to enhance the quality of life and foster a sense of community among individuals with ostomies. In addition to being actively involved in The South Florida Ostomy and Tube Feeding/HPN Support Group, Dr. Lopez tirelessly supports the Weston-based Ostomy and Feeding Supply Bank.
“His selfless efforts in collecting, distributing, and educating individuals about medical supplies have had a profound impact on the community,” wrote Supply Bank Founder Lynn Wolfson in her nomination letter. “Dr. Lopez’s commitment to traveling across the county and beyond to gather much-needed supplies reflects his unwavering compassion and determination to assist the uninsured, homeless, and destitute populations, especially during emergency situations.”
Both Rodenberg and Dr. Lopez were honored during recent Weston City Commission meetings and presented proclamations for their dedication to community service.
“Weston is truly fortunate to have such giving and compassionate individuals as Joy Rodenberg and Dr. Lopez,” said Weston Mayor Margaret Brown. “Their impressive bios run deep with all they have accomplished within the community and beyond, but it is when you meet them and are greeted by such warm smiles, not just on their face but deep in their eyes. These are people driven by passion and purpose. As Mayor, I am extremely proud of their accomplishments, and I am thrilled that they have received this recognition of which they are so deserving.”
Broward County Mayor Nan Rich, a Weston resident, former state senator and representative, and 2009 Senior Hall of Fame inductee, served as event chair for the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County’s 40th annual Dr. Nan S. Hutchinson Broward Hall of Fame Breakfast. The program recognizes outstanding Broward senior volunteers, ages 60 and older.
