| LONGMEADOW – Jewish Geriatric Services (JGS) recently paid tribute to more than 80 members of its volunteer force at its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, which was held at the Julian J. Leavitt Family Jewish Nursing Home.
According to Harriet Fortin, JGS Volunteer Coordinator, adult and student volunteers from throughout the Greater Springfield area worked 8,443 hours during the course of the last year. She noted that volunteerism offers special rewards to those who become involved, regardless of their area of interest.
“The volunteers here at JGS can take pride in knowing that they bring something meaningful and special to the daily interactions with the people we serve,” said Fortin. “That simple act of caring defines volunteerism and brings so much value to the JGS organization.”
During the ceremony, all volunteers who have given in excess of 100 hours of service were offered special recognition. In addition, Mickey Schoenberg, who together with his wife, Naomi, established the Broad-Schoenberg Caring Friends Program, paid special tribute to the late Ray Meyers. Ray was one of the first participants in the Caring Friends Program and spent countless hours visiting residents.
“Ray’s love of life, hospitality, friendliness and desire to help others have given us a legacy to emulate,” said Fortin.
Those recognized for 100 hours or more of service included the following individuals: Bea Fisher, 5,000 service hours; Rose Bertini, 4,500 hours; Ester Cohen, 4,000 hours; Renine Gold, 2,500 hours; Doris Schatz, 2,500 hours; Ruth Mackler, 2,000 hours; George Barker, 1,000 service hours; Brenda Canter 1,000 hours; Sima Tokar, 800 hours; Patti Bassell, 500 hours; Gwen Berman, 500 hours; Melaney Austin 100 hours; Theresa Cimino, 100 hours; Ina Herman, 100 hours; Tori Hufnagel; 100 hours; Michelle Kirsner, 100 hours; and Elaine Zerwitz, 100 hours.
For more information regarding volunteering opportunities at JGS, please call Harriet Fortin at (413) 567-3949, ext. 3010. |
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