PLAINFIELD – Many Vermont rural communities and neighborhoods could not provide the necessary support and care needed by senior citizens without the help of volunteers, particularly in Vermont which has the second largest aging population per capita in the United States.
The Twin Valley Senior Center held their annual volunteer appreciation luncheon at the center on U.S. Route 2 in Plainfield recently.
That is the case with Twin Valley Senior Center (TVSC) located on U.S. Route 2 in Plainfield. This week they hosted their annual volunteer appreciation luncheon acknowledging the work and time the volunteers provide to the Senior Center and Meals-on-Wheels which is one of the many programs they offer.
The event was organized by Denise Wheeler, board chair for TVSC, with the assistance of many volunteers who cook and prepare lunch, set-up the dining hall and clean up after.
Chef Paul orchestrated the kitchen and meal preparation. Approximately 75 people attended, including representatives from the Central Vermont Council on Aging, John Mandeville, Kim Lipinski, Anne Greshin and Marcy Kreitz. They each spoke about the amazing work and time volunteers devoted over the past year to ensure that the senior citizens in the areas served by TVSC were well cared for. TVSC serves adults over the age of 60 living in Cabot, Calais, E. Montpelier, Marshfield, Plainfield and Woodbury.
Each person introduced themselves and shared what they do as volunteers. The wide-ranging services included, but not limited to, assisting seniors with tax returns, teaching and facilitating a Mah Jong group, kitchen helpers, health and wellness clinics and activities, bi-monthly foot clinics, packers and drivers for Meals-on-Wheels and fundraising events.
TVSC hosts many on-going, monthly and weekly events. Noon meals are provided on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the center and meals are delivered the same days. A complete list of services and events can be found on their website or by calling (802) 223-3322.
Donald and Rita Rowan of Montpelier were on-hand to record the event for Onion River Community Access Media (ORCA Media.) ORCA Media provides public access television programming and can be accessed via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. The Rowans also attend and record the bi-monthly sing-a-longs at TVSC. Donald Rowan remarked that it is a very well-attended activity and is accompanied by a fantastic piano player.
Accessing the programs are helpful for seniors who may not be able to attend in person but enjoy many of the older songs. More information and programming information about ORCA Media can be found at orcamedia.net.
Denise Wheeler was quick to point out that TVSC is always looking for more volunteers and there is always a need no matter what skill set someone may have. They are supported by seasonal volunteers, as well as volunteer drivers that substitute for Meals on Wheels regular route drivers. To volunteer or learn more about TVSC contact Wheeler at [email protected] or administrative assistant at [email protected].
As well-known American cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead, stated “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.” The small but mighty group of volunteers at TVSC are a great example of how the quality of life, physical, mental and social, can change and improve the lives of some Vermont senior citizens.
Mary Wheeler, Community Journalist
