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Elders well served by Berkshire County legislative team
Elder Services promotes Lungo to Client
Services Director
Elder Services Honors Volunteers During National Volunteer Week
Elder Services Honors Volunteers During National Volunteer Week
Elder Services of Berkshire County recognized and celebrated the efforts of over
400 outstanding individuals for their invaluable work as volunteers. At the
annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner held April 30 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel,
Robert Dean, Executive Director of Elder Services, told the audience, “Without
you we could not reach the more than 3,000 elders we serve annually. You help us
achieve our mission to provide Berkshire elders the opportunity to live with
dignity, independence, and self-determination, and to achieve the highest
possible quality of life. You give the greatest gift of all – you give of
yourselves to help others. We, at Elder Services, are honored to work with you.”
“Volunteers Have Hearts of Gold” was this year’s theme. Elder Services’
volunteers are civic minded and caring people who serve the senior population in
many vital ways: Community Services volunteers provide transportation, shopping
assistance and companionship; Money Management volunteers help people budget and
pay their monthly bills; Nutrition volunteers help prepare, deliver and serve
over one thousand meals each weekday throughout Berkshire County; Ombudsmen
volunteers visit the county’s nursing homes as advocates for patients’ rights;
and SHINE Counselors help Medicare eligible elders navigate through the health
insurance and information process. Elder Services also acknowledged the many
contributions of volunteers associated with RSVP – Retired Senior Volunteer
Program – and the Berkshire Senior TV crew who assist in the monthly production
of timely and informative shows.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards. Karen P. Reilly,
President of the Board of Directors, introduced the “Volunteers of the Year” in
memory of Tom Kelly, who exemplified the true spirit of volunteerism.
Commendations were presented to: Helen Vanasse, Community Services; Yvette
Bastow, Money Management; Myrtle Mercier, Nutrition; Francesca Byrne, Ombudsman;
and James Smith, SHINE.
The spirit of giving was further enhanced by musical contributions, by WW II
Marine Veteran, Bill Kudlate, who provided an inspiring a capella rendition of
the National Anthem; and Daniel Ludkin, whose jazz piano virtuosity was enjoyed
by all.
Angela Fields, Elder Services’ Supervisor of Volunteer Services, in summarizing
the
evening’s event, provided an apt quotation from the great social scientist,
Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens
can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”