Thanking senior volunteers

Each year, Senior Services Associates' Retired and Senior Volunteer Program recognizes those who selflessly give of themselves to help others.

On June 12, a recognition breakfast was held to thank volunteers from both McHenry and Kane counties. One-hundred twenty volunteers attended the event held at D'Andrea Banquets, where keyboardist, Nicko Naidenov, provided entertainment during the meal. Toes were tapping, but some could not stop at that, got up and danced to the polka.

Within the last year, 100 agencies were fortunate to have had the help of 650 RSVP volunteers who provided 71,000 hours of their time, which equals the time of 35 full time staff, if they were paid. These volunteers gave their time delivering meals to frail elderly who are no longer able to cook for themselves, tutored children, put together mailings for area agencies, distributed food at local pantries, transported seniors to dialysis and other necessary appointments, and others give their time as friendly visitors. Each one of our volunteers makes a significant impact on those they serve.

Each year RSVP recognizes a different group of volunteers. With the help of the following individuals who give their time to the Pink Door, the Sparrow's Nest in McHenry and Hi Hat House in Geneva funds are raised to fund important programs.

Included are Ruth Bellavia, Jane Bruhl, Barbara Colella, Aastri Cunat, Rose Marie Gnivecki, Norma Gunn, Clarice Harms, Shirley Hartjes, Elizabeth Horowicz, Allison Hull, Dorothy Johnson, Eunice Kalnicky, Roselyn Kollenkark, Beverly Kunz, Claudine LeCam, Kim Lehor, Patricia Meyer, Barbara Meyers, Betty Jean Miller, Winifred Nelson, Frances Newberg, Emilia Nicholson, Helen Olsen, Terese Pisauro, Neida Rechisky, Joanne Rick, Jeane Rippberger, Donna Ruzicka, Joyce Sjostrom, Dolores Sokolowski, Helen Spencer, Genevieve Steagall, Marian Steinlein, Alice Weber, Glenn Wedin, and Edith Wood.

The President's Volunteer Service Award was given to each volunteer. Through the hard work of these 41 volunteers 8,300 hours of service were provided within the last year. Special recognition was given to Terese Pisauro who since 1993 has given over 10,200 hours of her time at the Sparrow's Nest in McHenry.