Volunteer “Angels” Honored at the Senior Center

— by Cara Russell —

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“It’s a room full of angels,” said Didier Gincig, Volunteer Coordinator of Hearts and Hands, said at the Senior Center Volunteer Luncheon.

On Saturday, December 13^th, more than 80 Orcas Senior Center volunteers sat down for a full lunch at the Senior Center. The luncheon was followed by awards to honor six volunteers in particular. Hearts and Hands, the Operations Committee and Building Maintenance staff were just some of the volunteers acknowledged.

“Without volunteers, we couldn’t do it,” said Magdalena Verhasselt, Chair of the Operations Committee.

Five categories of awards were given between the main course and dessert. This year’s awardees will have their name added to a plaque of past Senior Center Volunteers. They are:

1. Volunteer of the Year: Dick Thompson
2. Island Treasure: Magdalena Verhasselt
3. Staff Appreciation: Cecilia Schwanke
4. Lifetime Achievement: Barbara Trunkey & Barbara Pesola
5. Agape Award: Ruth Nedelman

Senior Center Manager Jane Heisinger said, “The volunteers are the heart and soul of any organization, and we are lucky enough to have over 80 of them come to the luncheon, where we could honor six of them in particular.”

Heisinger is retiring from her position at the end of this year. The Senior Center is always looking for new volunteers. At this time, the majority of volunteers are over the age of 60. If you would like to take advantage of senior services, volunteer, or find out more about how the Orcas Senior Center can benefit you or your organization, call 376-2677, find them online at orcasseniors.org, or visit 62 Henry Road, Eastsound, WA 98245.