Palatine Township senior council honors volunteers

"Volunteers Make a World of Difference" was the theme of the Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council's 33rd annual Volunteer Recognition Friday, April 20. The Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council celebrated the achievements of its volunteers at a reception at the Cotillion in Palatine.

Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council board chairwoman Donelda Danz addressed the volunteers. "This year we had 276 volunteers who donated 11,296 hours of service valued at $293,118. Thank you to each and every one of you for making a difference in our community," she said.

A special thank you to Friendship Village of Schaumburg, ManorCare Health Services of Rolling Meadows and Lexington Health Network for their sponsorship of this event.

This year's 16 honorees were presented with a certificate of appreciation and custom molded chocolate from Morkes Chocolates:

• Board of Directors Award: Bob Haas for his commitment as a board member for several years including board secretary for three years, a member of fundraising committees, Gala Emcee, and for bringing his new ideas and energy to Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council.

• Fundraising Award: Kim Moore for donating her time and talents as a Graphic Designer for the biggest fundraiser, the Gala, since 2010.

• Income Tax Award: Sue Dindia for using her time, knowledge and expertise for the last five years to help clients through the tax program.

• Adult Day Services Award: Nicholas Cervone for sharing his guitar and singing talents to help engage and entertain participants for the past two summers when he's home from school.

• Russian Outreach Award: Boris and Lyudmila Yarovsky for their assistance in helping their friends and neighbors with escort transportation, shopping, completing applications and forms, and more. They are young at heart and spirit.

• Latino Outreach Award: Lidia Muralles and Esperanza Quiroz for their level of responsibilities and commitment to the center and fellow Spanish-speaking participants.

• General Recreation Award: Louis Kittler for his assistance on trips, special events, being the AARP point instructor and willingness to help in any way.

• Special Recreation Award: Anita Petrick for being the point person for the ceramics group for the last few years, and her creativity and energy she brings.

• Gift Shop Award: Patti Mikes for her time and skills in creating beautiful quilt work to sell in the gift shop to generate funds for Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council.

• Recreation Bingo Award: Marie Rose Fernandez for her constant willingness to help with the bingo program for the last six years.

• Computer/Technology Award: Dennis Reagan for sharing his skills gained through his professional background in technology.

• Office Award: Orisha Kulick for her dedication and reliability in the office, while assisting with phones, reception, membership processing, trip sign-ups and special projects.

• Home Delivered Meals Award: Dale Palka for his kind and happy demeanor, and being selfless and always thinking about how he can help others.

• Café Award: Helen Secord for her willingness to help pack Home Delivered Meals, even with last minute notice.

Established in 1973, Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council's mission is to provide programs and services that support older adults and their families by encouraging independence, well-being and connection to the community. Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council operates a multipurpose senior center offering social, nutrition, education, health, recreation, and support services to Palatine Township area residents 50 and over, and is one of only three accredited senior centers in Illinois.

For information on services, or to volunteer, visit www.ptscc.org or call (847) 991-1112.

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