Elder Services of Berkshire County honors volunteers
By Angela Fields
Elder Services Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner Dance was held on April 18th at the Crowne Plaza, in Pittsfield. The event was attended by more than 250 volunteers and guests. Richard Evans and Roger Suters provided entertainment during the cocktail hour. Bill Kudlate sang the National Anthem before dinner and the Eagles Stage Band, under the direction of Dick Carmel, provided the big band sound for listening and enjoyment.
Over this past year, over 400 Elder Services volunteers provided 37,800 hours of service to elders in Berkshire County. Elder Services thanks all of the volunteers who provide their time and support to the agency and to the elders of Berkshire County.
Girl Scout Troop #538, under the direction of leader Colleen Stracuzzi, hand-crafted 250 treasure chests which were given to all guests as an expression of this year’s theme, “Volunteers are Priceless Treasures.” Lindt Chocolates donated enough delicious candy to satisfy everyone’s “sweet tooth” and the tables were beautifully decorated with centerpieces from the following local florists: Bella Flora, Follwells Roses & Blooms, Jaeschke’s Fruit & Flowers, The Flower Arrangement, Central Market Florist at Price Chopper, Pittsfield; Stop & Shop Florists, North Adams & Pittsfield; and Viale’s Florist.
Elder Services Executive Director Robert P. Dean thanked all volunteers for their dedication and commitment to the seniors residing in Berkshire County, making the following remarks: “The theme of tonight’s event is Volunteers are Priceless Treasures... and you truly are... There are thousands of Berkshire Seniors who treasure the time that you spend with them, and who treasure the assistance and support that you provide to them... because you help them to hold on to something that is very important – something that is priceless - to them... their independence.
“Please consider how important it is to the seniors you serve to know that you are there to help on your own time - without pay - because you want to be there. You help ensure that Elder Services stays true to its mission to provide Berkshire seniors the opportunity to live with dignity, independence and self-determination, and to achieve the highest possible quality of life.
“We are very grateful that there are more than 400 of you who volunteer through Elder Services. More than 250 of you are here tonight. This past year you volunteered more than 37,000 hours of your own time to help Berkshire County seniors. On behalf of these seniors, I would like to say Thank you... Thank you for helping these seniors to maintain their dignity and independence. ”To each and every one of you I say... You truly are a priceless treasure...
Thank you.”
Angela Fields is Elder Services Volunteer Services Supervisor and the Money Management Program Manager.
