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From the Director: An alternative to the
governor's Plan
Budget Cuts & Councils on Aging
Helen
Vanasse, Community Service Volunteer of the Year
Yvette
Bastow, Money Management Volunteer of the Year
Nutrition Volunteer of the Year
Jim Smith, SHINE Volunteer of the Year Award
Elder Services welcomes new volunteers
Elder Services celebrates National Volunteer Week
Francesca Byrne, Ombudsman Volunteer
Winner
Trainings offered to volunteers
A call to Action for elders
Jim Smith, SHINE Volunteer of the Year Award
By Nancy Stoll, SHINE Coordinator
Jim Smith is a Berkshire County native who spent his professional career as an independent insurance agent. He was owner of the McCormick, Smith and Curry Insurance Agency in Pittsfield before retiring in 1991.
As one of the veteran counselors in the program, Smith became a SHINE volunteer in 1995, which he says was a "natural" for him. With his background, he knows the general insurance industry is not informed about Medicare legislation. He also has a strong belief in the importance of volunteering. Smith has demonstrated this in what he considers his activities as a "professional volunteer" for all his life, including volunteer positions with the Berkshire United Way, Berkshire Medical Center, and the Pittsfield Jaycees among others.
In the SHINE Program, Smith has focused recently on home visits. He takes on the challenge of some of the more complex cases with deliberateness and interest.
Upon learning of his selection, Smith said, "I am pleased with the opportunity to do what I like and to help people to know what can help."
Smith lives in Pittsfield with his new wife, Nancy, with whom he recently celebrated his first wedding anniversary. He has three grown children, two grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.
We offer Jim Smith our sincere appreciation for his commitment to the SHINE program and to Elder Services.