Volunteers recognized

Golden Hour Senior Center volunteers were publicly recognized Thursday morning through an awards ceremony and luncheon.

A total of 134 volunteers were recognized at the ceremony. Many were unable to attend, but they will still receive a plaque from center.

GHSC executive director Beth Whitman said April is National Volunteer Month; and in the spirit of that, she and the rest of the employees of the GHSC wanted to show the volunteers just how much they appreciated their volunteers.

"You're a group who came together not because of their backgrounds, but to get things done," Whitman said. "The things you do for our center and individuals is amazing."

She said regardless of what the volunteer work is, all deserve to be recognized.

GHSC board member Margene Chew said volunteering is a win-win for the community. Not only does it help the center, but it helps the volunteer. She said those who volunteer are often healthier both mentally and physically.

"It's important for one's self esteem," Chew said. "I don't know how we would operate without them."

Chew said the center can offer a lot more activities thanks to the volunteerism of the community. Many who have moved here have commented to Chew that the center offers a lot more than other senior centers.

"Volunteers take our center from ordinary to extraordinary," Chew said.

One of these volunteers is Heather Jones. Jones has delivered meals on wheels for the past four years and will continue to do so.

"I enjoy it," Jones said. "The people look forward to it. They like to talk and talk."

Jones knows just how important her volunteer work is. For many, this is the only person they see every day.

"Meals on Wheels keeps people in their homes longer than if the service was not provided," Whitman said.

Green River Mayor Pete Rust and City administrator Reed Clevenger were also in attendance to pass out the certificates of appreciation.

Prior to handing out the plaques, Mayor Rust read some statements about volunteerism to those in attendance. One saying he read was "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."

Rust apologized for having to leave before passing out certificates, but he was traveling to Utah.

Clevenger handed out all of the plaques and shook hands will all of those receiving recognition. 

After the certificates were passed out, the volunteers were treated to a lunch, which was provided by the GHSC.