From staff reports
RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program) recently honored local volunteers and celebrated its 50th anniversary during its 2021 recognition celebration held at the Trinity Point Church of God.
“Not only will 2021 be known for “returning to normal,” but it also marks the 50th anniversary of the RSVP program and its collaboration with our local host agency, Community Action, Inc.” said Cheryl Shellhammer, AmeriCorps Senior RSVP Director.
Peggy Jo Staab of Clarion was recognized for her 2,013 hours of service during the recognition dinner.
Recognition honors also included years of service.
Betty Kotula was recognized for 30 years of service.
Lucienne Brocious was recognized for 25 years of service.
Catherine Klimek, Genevieve Lerch, and Dorothy McCracken were honored for 20 years of service.
Esther Akins, Tatyana Arustamova, Judy Bashline, Audrey Bolton, Russell Bolton, Cleo Fasenmyer, Sandra Hinderliter, Linda Kerestesy, Linda McHenry, Shirley Neiswonger, Nancy Rettig, Donna Sicheri, and Kenneth Stiver were recognized for 10 years of service.
Fred Anderson, Clair Bashline, Linda Baum, Victor Bucco, Cindy Cassidy, Janet Gourley, Karen Guntrum, Nancy Harper, Judith Hill, Margaret Joiner, Ray Lantz, Barbara Kightner, Pat Lydick, Ray Lydick, Carole Overly, Gerald Parsell, Nancy Reese, Andrea Richko, Debora Rougeux, Jackie Smith, Lois Snyder, David Somerville, Nancy Stonebraker, Mary Truitt, Chris Vogel, Roberta Wasko, and Mary Weisinger were recognized for five years of service.
“Through the quarantine and challenges of 2020, you managed to donate 17,286 hours to your communities,” wrote Shellhammer. “Your food plate pantries and home-delivered meals met the challenges of helping with food security. Your new ‘phone a friend’ project gave those who were forced to stay at home a friendly voice and companionship. Your environmental stewardship volunteers continued unabated and VTA volunteer tax preparers adjusted to safety measures and provided tax refunds in excess of $1 million to local filers.”
Shellhammer, on behalf of Community Action, Inc.; The Corporation for National Community Service; the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Advisory Council; and the commissioners of Clarion, Indiana, and Jefferson counties, thanked them for their service and care.
“You have made and continue to make a difference in our communities.”
Ron Wilshire, Community Action board president, and state Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-63), also a board member, welcomed the audience to the annual award ceremony.
Musical selections were provided by the barbershop quartet Special K.