Local volunteers nominated for NYS Senior Citizens Award
The Cattaraugus County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) has nominated two volunteers, Judi Blair and Jim White, for the 2015 New York State Senior Citizen's Award. The theme for this year's award is "Unleash the Power of Age." This award is to recognize older New Yorkers who have demonstrated the power of making a difference through civic engagement. Each county has the opportunity to nominate two volunteers. The winners will be honored in Albany on May 5, 2015.
Judi Blair, age 65, has lived in New York State all her life. During her working years she was employed for 28 years as a claims representative for the Social Security Administration and then 15 years at SUNY Empire State College as an administrative assistant. Judi started volunteering for the Cattaraugus County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) on February 18, 2011. Since that time, she has contributed over 809 volunteer hours delivering meals to the homebound, assisting in the Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP), transporting senior citizens to medical appointments with her car, helping with clerical duties for the Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging, and managing the snack cart for residents at the local nursing home. She is an active member at the First Presbyterian Church in Olean where she sings in the choir and has served as an elder, a deacon, and on numerous church committees. She also is an Advisory Council member for the Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging. Director Cathy Mackay said, "Judi is instrumental in our delivery of services to the seniors of Cattaraugus County and goes the extra mile in everything she does." Director Mackay added, "We all look forward to her positive energy and her great sense of humor when she is volunteering." When asked why she started volunteering, Judi said, "I wanted to give back to the community and I feel a sense of accomplishment in helping others." When asked what has been the greatest reward from her volunteer experience, Judi stated, "I receive the greatest reward when transporting people to their doctor and medical appointments, such as physical therapy, and receiving their grateful thanks. I've also made new friends."
Jim White, age 75, has lived in New York State all of his life. He started working for Ontario Knife Inc. when he was 18 years old and continued to work there for 47 years, retiring in 2004. He and his wife Erma recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. They are the proud parents of two children, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Jim is an active, long-term member of the Gideons International, providing assistance whenever he can. Jim started volunteering for the Cattaraugus County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in 2009, delivering Meals on Wheels (MOW). He has contributed over 1235 hours in this most needed service. Jenny Benz, MOW site manager, said, "Jim is a very dependable and reliable volunteer, even in the worst of winter weather. Jim goes beyond the volunteer call of duty, such as shoveling a person's walkway when he delivers meals." Cathy Mackay, Director of the Department of the Aging said, "He is an inspiration to all of us with his commitment to volunteer service for the seniors in Cattaraugus County." When asked why he started volunteering, Jim said, "I was an elder for the Franklinville Presbyterian Church and was in charge of the building and grounds committee. During that time, I found out that the Meals on Wheels program needed volunteers to deliver meals to the homebound and I wanted to help." When asked what has been the greatest reward with his volunteer experience, Jim stated, "Visiting the people and talking to them - making sure they are okay."
Interviewer David Rodkey, RSVP Director, wishes Judi and Jim great success in their nominations and feels they are truly great examples of what older citizens can do to make a difference in the lives of Cattaraugus County seniors.
If you would like information regarding volunteer opportunities with the Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging, please call David Rodkey at 716-373-8032 or 800-462-2901.
