Palatine emergency group recognizes volunteers
The Palatine Emergency Management Agency held its 9th annual Holiday Volunteer recognition party Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Durty Nellie’s in Palatine. Fifty volunteers attended the event and several volunteers were recognized for their contributions.
For the past two years, a grant was awarded by Chevron Corp. to the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, administered by HandsOn Suburban Chicago in Arlington Heights. Agency volunteer Tom Gordon, who is also a member of RSVP, submitted the grant application after he completed the required 40 hours of community service in a year.
Cindy Wolta, a Palatine resident and RSVP member since 2006, was awarded Volunteer of the Year. She has provided nearly 2,000 service hours and has contributed to the agency as an administrator, assistant, volunteer, Citizen Corps president for five years, and as an emergency amateur radio operator.
Tom Smith, PEMA coordinator, recognized Linda Trilling, disaster services coordinator from HandsOn Suburban Chicago, for innumerable contributions and continuing support for the Palatine program.
HandsOn Executive Director Chris Smith and RSVP Program Manager Linda McLaughlin were also present to accept the award.
“It was an unexpected recognition of my efforts,” said Trilling. “I consider myself very fortunate doing what I am passionate about: volunteerism and emergency preparedness. Being able to lead volunteers who share this passion is a gift. “
PEMA trains volunteers who serve as second responders to the police and fire departments. For more information on PEMA, visit http://palatine-ema.org.
RSVP is a network of volunteers over the age of 55. RSVP volunteers have developed a lifetime of skills, talents, experience and work ethic that makes them a valuable resource in their community. For information on RSVP, visit http://HandsOnSuburbanChicago.org/rsvp
For over 40 years, HandsOn Suburban Chicago has been inspiring, equipping and mobilizing people to volunteer and take action that builds vibrant and prosperous communities.
The organization recruits and refers 10,000 volunteers annually to more than 200 member agency nonprofits and schools, and provides other support to local charitable organizations, such as consultations and trainings.
A nonprofit 501(c) (3) agency and part of the national HandsOn Network, its service area includes 44 core communities with a population of more than 1.4 million residents.