GREAT VALLEY — The second of two annual recognition luncheons for Cattaraugus County Retired Service Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers was held May 16 at the Great Valley Vol. Fire Company Clubhouse.
More than 100 senior volunteers from the Salamanca area and western and northern Cattaraugus County were honored for their RSVP service.
Ellen Herner, director of RSVP, said 517 senior volunteers throughout the county provided 47,422 hours of service in 2018, adding more than $1.2 million worth of labor.
Cattaraugus County volunteers have a proud tradition of community service, Herner said, joining the more than 220,000 RSVP volunteers nationwide.
“You are a vital part of our community in so many ways,” she added.
Many of the county volunteers drive for Meals on Wheels, drive veterans to medical appointments and volunteer in nursing homes, at the Interstate 86 visitor’s center and in preparing seniors’ taxes, Herner said.
“Thank you for all you do,” she told the volunteers. “We certainly couldn’t do it without you.”
Cherie Slocum of Franklinville received the Older New Yorker of the Year Award from the Department of Aging. Herner said Slocum has volunteered at the Pines in Machias for over three years and the Country Store, where she assists with trips, luncheons and special events as well as entertains the residents.
According to a nomination submission Herner read, Slocum has been a volunteer at the Franklinville SWAN (Senior Wellness and Nutrition) site for over 20 years, preparing meals, visiting with everyone and always willing to give a hug to whomever needs it.
Heidi Hartley, representing Assemblyman Joe Giglio, presented Slocum with the award, and will receive a book from New York state listing all the winners from across the state.
Roger Lord of Salamanca received the Outstanding Volunteer Community Contribution Award for volunteering at Meals on Wheels, delivering “food, a gift and a smile” to all his customers, as well as some special treats.
A 19-year volunteer, Lord has given 3,209 hours of service and can be seen throughout Salamanca doing various community including at the church or historical society events. Herner said he always has a way of changing people’s moods for the better.
Lord was unable to attend the luncheon to receive his award, but Cathy Mckay, director of the Department of Aging, said it was OK, because he was out volunteering at the time.
The senior volunteers from the Olean area and southeastern Cattaraugus County were honored the day before with Steve Crowley and Elaine Thompson receiving the Outstanding Volunteer Community Contribution and Older New Yorker of the Year awards, respectively.
(Contact managing editor Kellen Quigley at kquigleysp@gmail.com)
