JABA’s Greene Center honors local volunteers

Contributed article
Published: June 5, 2008

JABA’s Greene Community Center honored its volunteers on Wednesday, May 21 at the Best Western Inn and Suites in Ruckersville. “You are the lifeblood of Greene County,” said Barbara Berger, Coordinator of Volunteer Services at the Greene Center, as she announced the names of the 52 volunteers attending the event.
The nearly 100 guests and volunteers present enjoyed awards, music and a catered luncheon. A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of a poster size “check” for $45,000, representing the monetary value of the volunteers’ combined hours by Cheryl Cooper, Chief Operating Officer of JABA to Board of Supervisors member Carl Schmitt and County Administrator Barry Clark. Gordon Walker, Chief Executive Officer of JABA, praised the volunteers and urged their continued service especially in light of the rapid growth and changing dynamics of Greene County. Walker recognized two charter members of the Greene Senior Center, Nellie Sims, age 103 and Daisy Harlow, age 102.
Rev. Norma Dean gave the invocation with a reading from the Book of James that read, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” Rev. Dean praised those whose service to others is faith in keeping with the spirit. Keeping with the theme of service, Sandra Davis, Supervisor of the Center, sang “May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me.” Music was by the Warmed Over Boys and attendees sang along with many familiar tunes. The meal was catered by Judy Berger and Yvonne Cox of JABA. The ballroom was donated by the Best Western Inn & Suites.
All volunteers received gifts generously donated by 28 local businesses. In addition, 10 volunteers received Certificates of Appreciation along with still more gifts. Topping the honors list was Mabel Hedges, who was named “Greene County Volunteer of the Year.” Eva Hale and Barbara Massey were honored as “Culinary Assistants of the Year,” Charlotte Newman won “Most Creative Volunteer” of the Year.” Barbara Rogers was awarded “Newest Volunteer of the Year.” “Volunteer Couple of the Year” went to Pete and Gloria Madden. Mary Buckner and friends from Springhill Baptist Church were awarded “Volunteer Group with the Most Hours.” “Volunteer Adult Group of the Year” went to the Greene County TRIAD. “Volunteer Youth Group of the Year” was awarded to the Greene County Tech Center Nursing Students, under direction of Hope Harlow, RN. Jane Banks was recognized as “Volunteer with the Longest Service and Most Hours” (18 years of service and nearly 3,900 hours of work.)
Speaking about her Volunteer of the Year award, Eva Hale said, “I don’t deserve this. I do it because I love it.” Many guests commented on the generosity of the gifts. “Wow! Really cool,” was the response of the nursing students from the Tech Center.
For more information on volunteering with JABA call (434) 817-5222.
JABA (which stands for the Jefferson Area Board for Aging) cares about all aspects of senior and intergenerational welfare. The nonprofit organization works to promote, establish and preserve sustainable communities for healthy aging that can benefit individuals and families of all ages. For more information on JABA call (434) 817-5222 or see JABA’s website http://www.jabacares.org