Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) has recognized 22 community volunteers for their substantial contributions to elderly programs in Bennington and Rutland counties. The volunteers, who were lauded at SVCOA’s recent biannual all-staff meeting, received a certificate of appreciation as well as a gift from SVCOA.
“These volunteers are an essential part of our various programs, allowing them to run smoothly and efficiently,” said Aaron Brush, volunteer coordinator with SVCOA. “From helping seniors with money management and paying bills, to building access ramps, coordinating congregate meal sites, organizing transportation or just being a friendly visitor to our clients, the volunteers really do it all and are an integral part of our ability to serve the elderly in southwestern Vermont.”
The following volunteers, listed by town of residence, as well as years and nature of service, have been recognized by SVCOA:
Gerard Allison, Bennington, 6 years of service, money management program
Agnes Carriere, Bennington, 2.5 years of service, money management program
Gene Sargent, Chittenden, over 10 years of service, Chittenden meal site operator
Alta Johnston, Ira, over 10 years of service, Ira meal site operator
Barbara Alexander, Fair Haven, 6 months of service, friendly visitor program
Baird Morgan, Florence, 12 years of service, money management program
Richard Greenspan, Killington, 6 years of service, in-office volunteer
Veronica Mayer, Manchester, 1.5 years of service, money management program
Darlene Colburn, Pittsford, 2.5 years of service, event volunteer
Fletcher Conway, Pittsford, 2 years of service, in-office volunteer
Ann Griffith, Pittsford, 2 years of service, friendly visitor program
Carol Saceric, Proctor, 2.5 years of service, event volunteer
Louise Bouchard, Rutland, 9 years of service, in-office volunteer
Paul Bouchard, Rutland, 9 years of service, home improvement volunteer
Jane Kendall, Rutland, 5 years of service, in-office volunteer
Andrea Rivers, Rutland, 4 years of service, event and transportation volunteer
Larry Roberson, Bennington, 2 years of service, event volunteer
Emma Roberson, Bennington, 2 years of service, event volunteer
John Stewart, Rutland, 2 years of service, money management, friendly visitor, case management and in-office volunteer Joyce Underwood, Rutland, 2 years of service, event volunteer
Judy Vignoe, Rutland, 6 months of service, in-office volunteer
Hanna Ezzo, Rutland Town, 1 year of service, event volunteer
“In addition to having a direct impact on the programs we provide, our volunteers serve as an extra set of eyes and ears out in the field while also providing companionship to our clients,” said Brush. “While our volunteers often comment about the satisfaction and purpose they feel from giving back to the elderly community, we can’t emphasize enough the positive impacts that they have on others each and every day. SVCOA is extremely grateful for all they do, and they should be commended for their service to our area.”
Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging exists to be a community force in creating and sustaining opportunities for elders and caregivers in our region to help assure that elders are able to maintain maximum independence and quality of life.
For more information on SVCOA, visit www.svcoa.org.
Photo: Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging recently recognized 22 of its volunteers for their contributions to elderly services in Bennington and Rutland counties. SVCOA volunteer coordinator, Aaron Brush (center), is shown here with seven of the volunteers honored at SVCOA’s all-staff meeting.