You Are Never Too Young or Too Old to Volunteer!

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The Springwell Chapel was a buzz with residents, visitors and staff. A buffet was set with a display of  tiny and tempting desserts, that even a discriminating gourmet would want to sample.  The beverage bar offered hot and cold drinks, wine and beer. What was the reason for this festive display? It was to honor the many volunteers who give tirelessly of their time and talent.  The Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, hosted by the Activity Department, honored individuals from business and non-profit organizations; residents and family members; young and old; religious and lay people. The youngest volunteer was 17 years old and the oldest was 93 years old proving no matter the age, everyone has a special gift to share.   The event started with a slideshow of past activities and a short video clip about volunteerism. This was followed  by a message from Phil Golden, Executive Director. He expressed his thanks to all the volunteers and offered his views on how the volunteers are “...the spirit of our community.” This was followed by announcing each volunteer and his/her contributions, and the presentation of the awards by Phil and Ella Nolley, Activity Assistant. Some of the activities these individuals perform include: visiting residents with their pets, planning and offering  worship services and Bible Study, singing and playing music, operating the Resident Store, making room visits to residents who can’t get out, working in the community gardens and library, assisting with entertainment, and hosting new and perspective residents.

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A number of Springwell’s residents were recipients of the awards. A list of those honorees follows: Reba Babst, Nell Crawford, Nancy Daily, Lousonia Jefferson, Bob Kirssin, Nancy Martin, John McCusker, Milton Norwood, Molly Peacock, Frank Simmonds and Herman Stump.   As the night drew to a close, you could recognize the many volunteers congregating in the Main Hall for refreshments.  They were the ones with broad smiles and easy laughter. One volunteer commented that is was very nice for her work to be acknowledged, but she didn’t do it for that reason.  Her ‘pay back’ was seeing the smiles on the residents’ faces…...I guess that says it all!