Elder Services volunteers honored at annual event
By Angela Fields
Elder Services recent Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner Dance at the Crowne Plaza in Pittsfield drew more than 250 volunteers and guests. Following the cocktail hour, Derm Sporbert carried in the American Flag and Bill Kudlate sang the National Anthem.
This year’s theme, “You Make a World of Difference,” was expressed by the beautifully decorated floral centerpieces donated by local florists as well as by balloons depicting images of the globe.
Elder Services Executive Director Robert P. Dean thanked the volunteers for their service. Last year, more than 400 volunteers contributed over 30,000 hours helping seniors get to doctors appointments, shop for groceries, and sort their mail and pay monthly bills. Additionally, these volunteers act as senior companions, prepare, serve and deliver nutritious meals daily, visit nursing home residents and provide health insurance counseling. Volunteers also help with the monthly mailing of the “Berkshire Senior” newspaper and act as crew members to help produce the local cable access Berkshire Senior TV shows seen throughout Berkshire County.
Following the sit-down dinner, volunteers and guests danced to the 16-piece, big band sound of the Eagles Stage Band.
Thank you to all Elder Services volunteers, you truly make a world of difference in the lives of those we serve.
Angela Fields is Elder Services Volunteer Services Manager.
