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Dunn County Senior Volunteers Honored, Hawaiian-Style
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Palm trees, pineapples, beach balls, an ice-sculpture fish and fresh orchid leis. . . This wasn't just an ordinary party in the islands. On Friday afternoon June 18, Dunn County 's senior volunteers donned their tropical shirts and celebrated at the Annual Volunteer Recognition Event in Menomonie, WI.
The highlight of this year's dessert and hors d'oeuvre buffet was a two-foot high chocolate fountain, a sweet indulgence which included ripe strawberries ready for dipping. "We've been hosting this party for four years, and every year it gets a little more outrageous," said Carolyn Johnson, Master of Ceremonies and Director of the Dunn County Office on Aging.
About 200 volunteers turned out for the celebration, which honored the many senior volunteers across Dunn County who generously contribute their time to programs such as Meals-on-Wheels, Volunteer Driver Program, senior dining sites and senior center activities, tax aides, and other community functions. These volunteers have changed many lives and made a difference in Dunn County's ability to host events and provide services.
"We couldn't do what we do without you," Jane Hoyt, Chairperson of the Dunn County Board of Supervisors, told the volunteers.
The event kicked off with a welcome speech by Tony Sarmiento, Executive Director of Senior Service America in Silver Spring , MD and funding sponsor for the Senior Citizens Employment and Training Senior AIDES Program in Dunn County . "Collectively, you have volunteered 23,400 hours of service," said Sarmiento. "It's important to honor the great and vital work that you're doing for the community."
Though the ceremony honored all the senior volunteers, a few special awards were presented for exceptional service. Marguerite Erickson received an "Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award" for her coordination of a Dunn County tax aid program which assists seniors with tax issues and makes visits to those who are home-bound. A second "Outstanding Volunteer" recognition went to dynamic husband and wife duo Lauren and Mary Ellen Lidgerding. As a volunteer driver for the Office on Aging, Lauren has driven over 15,000 miles and dedicated 700 hours of time getting people to their appointments on time, while Mary Ellen has assisted with church events, chaired lunches, donated gladiolas for special events and volunteered with the Senior Center's quilt-making project.
Other awards included the "Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award" presented to Bob Shafer, a second-generation Meals-on-Wheels deliverer who has slogged through many muddy driveways to provide hot meals to the home-bound. John Murphy of the Wal-Mart Distribution Center received the "Community Support Award" for his company's many donations, which include a delivery of 800 floor fans to low-income residents during the summer months, as well as numerous prizes for the event's prize-drawing. "John has a heart for the community and a heart for others," said Carolyn Johnson, who presented the award.
Pam Van Kampen, a Dietitian for the Northern Area Agency on Agency, thanked the volunteers for everything they gave to others. Known for her inspirational quotes, Van Kampen recognized that no contribution is too small to make a difference. "One is not brought into this world to do everything, but something," she said. "What you keep to yourself you lose, but what you give to others you keep forever."
Other event attendees included Marge Bunce from Senator Herb Kohl's office, as well as 94-year old Cleo Herrmeyer, who has donated many hours of volunteer service to the Menomonie Senior Center and still spends time in the center's craft facility where she practices her ceramics and china-painting talents.
"Staying active keeps me young," said Herrmeyer, proving once again that age is only a state of mind.