Sixty-six Phelps County Senior Companion volunteers were honored for their service during the program’s annual Recognition Luncheon held Thursday.
The theme of the event, Volunteers Are Everyday Angels, was repeated again and again by speakers throughout the presentations.
Presiding County Commissioner Randy Verkamp, the keynote speaker, said in his address the Senior Companion Program was celebrating its 33rd year.
The Phelps County Program was one of four other Senior Companion programs throughout Missouri, and this one was the largest in the state, Verkamp said.
“There is no more noble calling than improving the lives of others,” said Verkamp to the honorees. “You make us proud to be Phelps countians and your friend.
“It’s important and good work you do, and we appreciate everything you do.”
Long-term senior companions honored included Avenell Richards with 21 years of service; Donna Moreland with 20 years; Doris Wormsley with 19 years; Shirley Crabtree and Vonna Marston with 18 years; Velma Harlan with 17 years; Faustena Moore and Marie Witzke with 16 years; and Lila Kulp and Frances Martinkus with 15 years.
Other honorees included senior companions with years of service running from 14 through one years. All the recipients received Certificates of Appreciation from Senior Companion Director Jan Boatright.
One recipient, Georgia Littrell, explaining why volunteerism works for the benefit of both the volunteer and client, said, “Retirement is wonderful, but when you’re used to working with people, it’s difficult to stop.”
Nineteen-year Senior Companion Doris Wormsley said, “It’s companionship for both of us. My client says she hopes she outlives me because she doesn’t want to break-in another companion.”
County Commissioner Bud Dean thanked local sponsors of the program and said the program could not operate without the contributions of local supporters, which included All God’s Flowers, James J. Bass, M.D., Hallmark Cards, Inc., Memorial Tributes, The Rolla Daily News, Rolla Rotary Club, Special Contributions, Sunny Wall Flowers, United Way of Phelps County and the Phelps County Commission.
Dean also attributed the success of the program to the program’s Advisory Council and the 15 current volunteer stations, who he also considered to be supporters of the program.
Senior companions who passed away throughout the year were recognized by County Commissioner Larry Stratman as he read their names at the event: Charles Linze, Georgiann McGinnis, Marie Ames, Geraldine Terry, Marian Barnes, Stella Trentham, Michael Houlahan, Nola Fleischmann, Francis Lindsey and LaVaughn Luebbert.
Senior Companions is one program offered through the Senior Service Corps Program, which is partially funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
