×

Volunteer Service To Be Recognized At Annual Reception

National Volunteer Week is April 15-21 and is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to come together to tackle tough challenges, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

The annual Volunteer of the Year reception by the United Way honoring 17 local volunteers will take place Tuesday, April 24, at the Boys and Girls Club in Jamestown. This event provides a chance for the United Way community partners to honor their volunteers and to highlight the importance of volunteerism in our community.

COURTNEY JUNG

Courtney Jung has been volunteering at Chautauqua Adult Day Services for the past 2 years. Courtney dedicates one day a week assisting the CADS participants with crafts and games. Additionally, Courtney assists the staff preparing lunch and helping them paint the activity room. Courtney is known as a vibrant young lady with an infectious personality. The CADS staff and participants truly appreciate the light she brings to their organization.

JOAN YOST

Joan Yost started volunteering at The Resource Center in 1978 when her daughter Jennifer was attending TRC’s Early Learning Center. When Jenn entered grade school, Joan volunteered at Jenn’s schools until she graduated. Joan resumed volunteering at TRC in 1999 and has been with TRC ever since. Joan has helped facilitate a monthly support group for families who have children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, Joan has helped establish monthly dances for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and she has continued to coordinate those events to date. She has served on TRC’s Guardianship Committee, Nominating Committee and a committee that prioritized applicants to TRC programs. She also has served on the Boards of Directors of Filling the Gap, Inc., and New Vision Services, Inc., two not-for-profit organizations that work with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Chautauqua County. All in all, Joan is an active volunteer, advocate and all-around supporter who truly has made a tremendous difference in the lives of many people with disabilities in our community.

CLIFF HARMON

Cliff Harmon has been volunteering at the Salvation Army for the past 5 years doing a variety of volunteer activities such as: teaching Sunday school, helping with Vacation Bible school, bringing children to camp, cooking for programs, assisting with the kettle drive, helping clients in the food pantry, mowing the lawn, unloading trucks, and the list goes on. Cliff is the type of volunteer who can do just about anything. Cliff takes on so much responsibility that he could be considered a Salvation Army staff member. Furthermore, Cliff is a kind-hearted individual who would go out of his way to help anyone.

SALLY PATCHEN AND LINNEA HIMES

Sally Patchen and Linnea Himes have a nearly combined 10 years of volunteering for Jamestown Meals on Wheels. Each individually delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, before combining their volunteer effort together in recent months. Sally and Linnea together deliver home-delivered meals to senior citizens in southern Chautauqua County. Currently, the two volunteers deliver meals in downtown Jamestown at Covenant Manor. Each has delivered meals on a variety of delivery routes for Jamestown Meals on Wheels – including in the Falconer area, northern Jamestown and in the towns of Ellicott and Ellery. Sally and Linnea’s compassion has been noted by the meal recipients on the routes on which they have delivered. Whether it’s grabbing an extra blanket on a cold day for a senior, or even spending just a few extra minutes talking with a senior, Sally and Linnea have done more than just deliver a meal.

FRAN MICHALAK

Fran Michalak has been volunteering with Girl Scouts of WNY for the past 30 years. Fran, a kind and friendly individual, has served as a troop leader and the product program manager. Her volunteering has been very appreciated among the Girl Scouts staff. Fran has made a long-lasting commitment to the organization. She is knowledgeable about the Girl Scout ceremonies and traditions. She projects a willingness to pass this knowledge on to future troop leaders and young girls. Fran is an indispensable resource to the Girl Scouts organization; without volunteers like Fran, the organization would not be able to function in the same capacity.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today